BMW India has officially launched the third generation BMW X3 in the country today. Priced at Rs. 49.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the new generation BMW X3 is offered in 2 variants - xDrive 20d Expedition and xDrive 20d Luxury Line wherein the latter is priced at Rs. 56.70 lakh (ex-showroom). The company has already commenced the production of the new generation X3 SUV at its Chennai plant. The SUV comes with a larger kidney grille and LED headlights which gives an aggressive look upfront. The overall look and design of the SUV is further highlighted by redesigned front bumper, wider air dams, LED fog lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, wrap-around LED tail light. Also See: BMW Works on Making Petrol Models BS-VI Compliant

As compared to the outgoing model, the overall dimensions of the SUV remains similar even though it has shed 55kg of weight thanks to the new CLAR platform. The SUV is updated on the inside as well as it comes loaded with 6th generation iDrive infotainment system featuring touchscreen and voice controls. Moreover, smartphone integration options such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered as standard. Additional features incorporated on the new X3 are Harmon Kardon 600 watt audio system, BMW ConnectedDrive, Dynamic Traction Control, Adaptive suspension, Automatic Differential Brakes, Hill start assist, hill descent control and more. Read More: BMW M5 Creates a Guinness World Record For Longest Vehicle Drift of 8 Hours

On the mechanical front, the new generation BMW X3 SUV comes powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine. The engine is tuned to make 190 bhp of maximum power with peak torque of 400 Nm and comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, all-wheel drive is offered as standard across the lineup which is known as xDrive. The company has also confirmed that the petrol derivative of the SUV will also be introduced on the later stage. As far as the competition is concerned, the new generation BMW X3 SUV lock horns against Audi Q5,  and the Volvo XC60, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Land Rover Discovery Sport. The deliveries for the new X3 has commenced from today onwards and the SUV can booked at across 45 outlets in the country.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 19, 2018 04:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).