Petrol BMW X3 and X5 launched in India at Rs 54.90 lakh and Rs 73.50 lakh
BMW has been working on bringing more petrol options to the existing range of diesel engines. This was noticed at the launch of the 2016 BMW 3 Series GT in India which debuted the new 2.0-litre 252PS petrol motor from the brand's Efficient Dynamics engine range. At the 3 Series GT launch event, Frank Schloeder, president, BMW India, stated that the entire BMW line-up will feature petrol engines by March 2017.
BMW has now launched petrol counterparts of the X3 and the X5 SUVs. The BMW X3 xDrive28i is powered by the same 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol motor that is offered in the 3 Series GTÂ but has been detuned to produce 245PS (Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.
The BMW X5 gets a 3-litre inline 6-cylinder petrol engine that makes 306PS and a torque of 400Nm at 1,200-5,000rpm. Similar to the BMW X3, this one too comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both the BMW X3 and the X5 are equipped with xDrive that distributes the engine's power between the front and rear axle according to the terrain. The new engines are a part of the Efficient Dynamics range that features auto start/stop, eco pro mode, brake-energy regeneration and lightweight construction. The BMW X5 rivals the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Volvo XC90.
The new BMW X3 xDrive28i xLine is priced at Rs 54.90 lakh while the BMW X5 xDrive35i Design Pure Experience is available at Rs 73.50 lakh, prices ex-Delhi. In terms of features, the BMW X3 xDrive28i xLine is equipped with iDrive touch controller with 22.3-cm touchscreen infotainment screen, hi-fi loudspeaker and rear-view camera. The BMW X5 xDrive35i Design Pure Experience gets a 26-cm infotainment system with navigation system with 3D maps, Harman Kardon entertainment system and rear-view camera.
The new range of petrol motors is seen as an aftermath of the entire NGT's 2-litre diesel ban episode. In addition to reaching a wider audience, BMW India seems readying its product range in accordance with the future Euro-VI emission norms that is expected to be applied next year.