With the new variant rejig, the X3 is now the only SUV without a petrol engine in its class.
BMW has launched a new variant in the X3 line-up – the 20d M Sport – for Rs 69.90 lakh (ex-showroom). This makes it Rs 2.6 lakh more expensive than the existing 20d Luxury edition. Along with introducing a new variant, BMW has discontinued the petrol-powered X3 entirely. BMW also recently rejigged the variants of the 5 Series sedan and discontinued the 630d variant from the 6 Series line-up.
- The M Sport gets aggressively styled exterior
- 20d M Sport powered by a 190hp engine
BMW X3 20d M Sport: styling and features
Compared to the X3 20d Luxury edition, the M Sport gets a more aggressively styled exterior with sportier front and rear bumpers, blacked-out frame around the windows, blacked-out roof rail and diffuser, and 20-inch alloys with blue brake calipers. On the inside, the changes are limited to brushed aluminium trim and M-spec leather steering wheel. As far as the equipment goes, the X3 20d M Sport gets features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera, Harman Kardon sound system, heads-up display and ambient lighting.
There is no change as far as the powertrain goes, with the X3 20d M Sport continuing to be powered by a 190hp, 400Nm, 2.0-litre diesel engine paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox driving all four wheels.
BMW X3 petrol variants discontinued
The X3 was previously also available with a 252hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW has now discontinued this engine from its line-up, making the X3 a diesel-only SUV. This makes the X3 the only SUV in its class to not offer a petrol engine.
BMW X3 20d M Sport: rivals
The X3 takes on midsize luxury SUVs like the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60, Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Lexus NX. Out of these, the Audi, Mercedes and Volvo are offered only with a petrol powertrain, while the Lexus NX comes with a strong-hybrid powertrain. The Discovery Sport is the only SUV that gets a diesel, so the X3 20d M Sport directly competes with the Discovery Sport Diesel R-Dynamic SE.
Upcoming BMW launches in India
In May, BMW is set to launch the new-generation M2 coupe, which will be the first BMW to be offered with a manual transmission in India. The same month, the carmaker will also introduce the facelifted Z4 convertible, and in August, we will see the facelifted X5 SUV.
What do you think of BMW discontinuing the petrol engine in the X3? Let us know in the comments below.
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