2018 BMW X3 - All you need to know

- Available in two variants - xDrive 20d Expedition and xDrive 20d Luxury Line
- Gets the sixth generation iDrive infotainment system with touchscreen and voice controls
- It continues to be powered by a two-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 187bhp/400Nm
- Petrol version to be introduced later

The third-generation BMW X3 has finally been launched in India in two variants - xDrive 20d Expedition and xDrive 20d Luxury Line. It was last seen in its production form at the 2018 Auto Expo event in the country. This time around, the new model gets a fresh set of cosmetic and feature upgrades, while mechanically it continues to be powered diesel engine option. Read below to find out what the new X3 has to offer –

Exterior

The X3 has always been a popular choice in the premium SUV segment in India and with the launch of the new-generation model, the overall sales is further expected to witness a positive growth. For freshness, the new model features a larger kidney grille and separate headlamp clusters with full LEDs. The front bumper has also been redesigned and it now features larger air intakes and LED fog lamps. The rear now comes with wrap-around LED taillamps. The 18-inch wheels are offered as standard, while 21-inch units are optional on the top-spec variant. Built on the CLAR platform with a stiffer chassis, the new-generation model is now 55kgs lighter than the previous model.

Interior

The 2018 model comes with the sixth generation iDrive infotainment system with touchscreen and voice controls. Moreover, smartphone integration options such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered as standard. Owing to a slightly longer wheelbase of 50mm, the cabin feels a little roomier than its predecessor. Additionally, the new BMW X3 also gets the Harmon Kardon 600 watt audio system, three-zone climate control powered tail gate, Sat-Nav and ambient lighting.

Engine

The new BMW X3 is powered by a two-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that generates 187bhp of power and 400Nm of torque at 1,750-2,500rpm. The modest engine comes mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The new model is capable of accelerating from 0-100kmph in just eight seconds. As for safety, the new X3 comes with Automatic Differential Brakes, Dynamic Traction Control, Adaptive suspension, Hill start assist and hill descent control.

The model emerges as a strong competitior against the likes of the Volvo XC60, Audi Q5, Jaguar E-Pace and the Lexus NX. BMW will be launching a petrol version of the X3 sometime later this year.