BMW has introduced a new X3 variant, the 20d M Sport, for Rs 69.90 lakh (ex-showroom). This adds Rs 2.6 lakh to the price of the existing 20d Luxury edition. BMW has discontinued the petrol-powered X3 in addition to introducing a new variant. BMW also recently redesigned the 5 Series sedan variants and dropped the 630d variant from the 6 Series lineup.
The M Sport has a more aggressively styled exterior than the X3 20d Luxury edition, with sportier front and rear bumpers, a blacked-out frame around the windows, a blacked-out roof rail and diffuser, and 20-inch alloy wheels with blue brake callipers. Inside, the only changes are brushed aluminium trim and an M-spec leather steering wheel. The X3 20d M Sport comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera, Harman Kardon sound system, heads-up display, and ambient lighting.
The powertrain remains unchanged, with the X3 20d M Sport powered by a 190hp, 400Nm, 2.0-litre diesel engine paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels.
Previously, the X3 was also available with a 252hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW has now phased out this engine from its lineup, leaving the X3 as a diesel-only SUV. As a result, the X3 is the only SUV in its class without a petrol engine.
Midsize luxury SUVs such as the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60, Land Rover Discovery Sport, and Lexus NX compete with the X3. The Audi, Mercedes, and Volvo are only available with a petrol powertrain, whereas the Lexus NX is available with a strong-hybrid powertrain. Because the Discovery Sport is the only SUV with a diesel engine, the X3 20d M Sport competes directly with the Discovery Sport Diesel R-Dynamic SE.
BMW will launch the new-generation M2 coupe in May, making it the first BMW to be offered with a manual transmission in India. The carmaker will also unveil the facelifted Z4 convertible in the same month, and the facelifted X5 SUV in August.
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