BMW X3, X5 petrol India launch soon
With the increasing interest in petrol in India, BMW is looking to further
bolster its range with the introduction of petrol-powered variants of two of
its SUVs. Both the X3 and the larger X5 are expected to launch sometime next
month. Interestingly, as per reports, the two SUVs will be introduced as
locally assembled units and not CBUs as seen on the petrol 3-series and
5-series.
The X3 is expected to be available in its 28i spec powered by the
automaker’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder Twin Power Turbo engine good for 240hp and
353Nm of torque. Globally, the unit is available with a choice of two or
all-wheel drive, though, for India, the model is expected to come with xDrive
all-wheel drive only.
The X5 petrol is likely to reach our shores as the 35i. Under this spec, the
SUV is powered by a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine developing a meaty
300hp and 407Nm of torque. Also available worldwide as a two or all-wheel
drive, the petrol X5 is expected here with only xDrive all-wheel drive. Both
the SUVs will use an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
The petrol X3 and X5 will squarely rival the new Mercedes GLC 300 and the
GLE 400, respectively, which are currently the only petrol powered SUVs in
their classes. As per dealers, both models can be booked against a down payment
of around Rs 5 lakh.
The launch of the petrol X3 and X5 could be followed by more petrol models
as BMW looks to expand and bolster its position in the petrol car market. BMW
has already confirmed a petrol-powered X1, when it launched the model at the
Auto Expo earlier this year. Other models could include a more powerful petrol
3-series run by the 252hp unit for the updated 330i GT and a possible petrol-powered
X6 using the same engine as on the upcoming petrol X5.
The introduction of petrol options has been a marked change for the German
automaker which had until early this year predominantly offered diesel models
in the country. Only recently did Mercedes finally offer all its models with a
petrol option too.