BMW India has launched the all-new BMW X3 in India today for an initial price of Rs 49.99 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). BMW has previously started the manufacturing of the new-gen X3 at its Chennai plant, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.

From looks and design, the new-gen X3 gets a more aggressive face thanks to a larger kidney grille and separated headlamp clusters, which are full LEDs now. The front bumper excessively obtains a redesign with larger air intakes and LED fog lamps. The silhouette remains more or less similar though. The SUV now gets 18-inch alloys as standard along with optional 21-inch units on the top-spec model. At the rear, the wrap-around 3D LED tail lamps are new moreover.

All new BMW X3 will offer the new-gen X3 with a 2.0-litre diesel engine which makes 190bhp and 400Nm of peak torque. The engine comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive as standard, known as xDrive on BMW models. The automaker has also confirmed that the petrol-powered version of the X3 will be launched later in 2018. The single most essential update is the sixth generation iDrive infotainment system, which now acquires a touchscreen and voice controls, with the touch interface being very slick. Smartphone incorporation options such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with the updated iDrive.

Other features on the X3 consist of the Harmon Kardon 600 watt audio system, BMW ConnectedDrive, Automatic Differential Brakes, Dynamic Traction Control, Adaptive suspension, Hill start assist and hill descent control. The third-generation BMW X3 will go up against rivals such as the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Volvo XC60.