BMW India launched the BMW X3 in Pune (India) at an event organized at the new Bavarai Motors dealership. Deciding not to offer the choice of petrol engine, the car is only available in two diesel variants, namely – BMW X3 xDrive20d priced at Rs. 41,20,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) and BMW X3 xDrive30d priced Rs. 47,90,000. The new BMW X3 will be “Completely Knock-down” CKD produced at the BMW Plant in Chennai. BMW X3’s direct competitor is Audi Q5, which is also the current leader of the segment.
The new BMW X3 marks the arrival of the “Auto Start-Stop” feature in BMW cars sold in India. The new X3 is the first BMW car in India to come with this system. The Auto Start-Stop feature turns off the engine when the car comes to a halt automatically and then turns it on when the driver steps on the accelerator. This technology helps save on fuel.
BMW which is the leading luxury car maker in the world is also the market leader for luxury cars in India ruling the roost with 40 percent share in the Indian luxury car segment. Currently, BMW operates two shifts and rolls out 11,000 units from its Chennai plant to meet the growing demand for its cars in India.
BMW X3 was scheduled to be launched in India in the first half of 2011, but the company delayed its launch in India since the production of BMW X1 which is assembled in India from CKD kits was hit due to supply troubles, thus, the auto maker did not want a repeat scenario for BMW X3.