[Sensible_Speed]

The only justification I can see for the 190 hp petrol is the imminent launch of a B58 powered M40 iteration. This will then, make a lot of sense. 190 HP is not that bad tbh, and I always preferred it over the 30i in the 3 series, just due to the calmer nature it lent the car. Having said that, BMW has been moving fiercely towards the interior tech revolution and ditching their core values of driving dynamics, at an alarming pace. Hope this madness ends soon.

[OffRoadFun]

OK. Here is how I see the new X3s.

Get ready to shell out close to 90L OTR for at best polarizing looks, decade old engine power specs (= 40 TFSI/GLC 200)
And be prepared to be owned by 6E/9E/BYDs/KIAs/Hyuandai EVs on the highway, a German luxury vehicle is in another league, it does not matter.

But hey, did you check the badge on that BIG front grill? And no one will beat BMW while cornering during your yearly trip to Ooty and Uttarakhand! And so what the power specs are the same as they were 10 years ago? It will be way more fuel efficient with the latest engines! Imagine the savings!

[Noctis]

Originally Posted by antz.bin

Just yesterday, BMW launched the iX1 LWB with 204 BHP for 49 lakh and today they launch the 190/197 BHP X3s with roughly the same wheelbase for 76/78 lakh.

Isn't that difference almost entirely explained by the differing rates of GST and other regulatory charges/subsidies?

As EV adoption increase, I wouldn't be surprised to see an eventual increase in taxes at least for the premium models. Till then the likes of iX1 will remain an extremely attractive proposition over it's similarly performing ICE counterparts.

[XDriver]

Sad to see BMW going down this path with controversial design, lower tune petrol engine! Very disappointing. I kinda expected the new X3 will not be up to the expectations hence am SO Happy I picked up the 360 bhp/500nm B58 X3 M40i a year ago. Such a fantastic car, great design, lovely iDrive 7 and iconic engine gearbox combo. It so seems worth my money now more than ever.

[Nishant345]

Originally Posted by CEF_Beasts

Attachment 2714840

OT- Don’t know if anyone noticed but those are X1’s in the opening post with the pricing.

[jkt]

Originally Posted by Hayek

Suspect BMW is struggling to meet CAFE norms. Can’t think of any other reason for them to launch the petrol X3 20 instead of the X3 30.

I tried to dig out some data and figure out the reason by interacting with chatgpt. Based on that I also think they are most likely struggling to meet CAFE norms.

But then the question is how BMW's competitors are managing to meet the same norms. I think the differentiator is the presence of BEVs in their portfolios, that helps bring down the average emission of the fleet to within CAFE limit.
I guess BMW will wait to see the public response to iX1, if they expect good nos. for the next financial year from sales of iX1, they may bring higher performance models like X3 M50 sometime later in the year. Perhaps after April, as compliance to CAFE norms is determined by calculations done using sales numbers, for the period of the concerned financial year.

So, let us wish and hope they are able to sell iX1 in good nos, so that enthusiast can see higher performance versions of ICE models at the earliest!

Originally Posted by Hayek

Frankly even the 3 series petrol is the 330 Li. So this is a very strange decision indeed.

1. 330Li CO2 emissions are significantly smaller than X3 30i (~150 vs ~175 g/KM) while CAFE target is 113 g CO2/KM! So, sedan emission is more tolerable.
2. Other reason could be that the performance is considered more important for 330i Li customers than for X3 customers.
3. BMW may be trying to push more customers of X3 30i to X3 M50, by forcing them to either compromise with performance or go for a higher priced model in future.
CAFE norms might any way be limiting the total no. of high performance models that they can sell, as of now.

[Neelavi]

Originally Posted by jkt

I tried to dig out some data and figure out the reason by interacting with chatgpt. Based on that I also think they are most likely struggling to meet CAFE norms.

Clearly that is the reason why the engine downsizing has been the norm. Mercedes also did that by using 2l engines not just in the AMG 43s but even in the AMG C63 model though boosted the output figures will all kind of tech.

Majority of Indian luxury car buyers, the driving experience is quite secondary with chauffeurs doing the duty. Luxury and brand prestige would be way above in terms of purchasing criteria. For the small minority, I think BMW will launch the 40i versions either as CKDs or CBUs. Frankly I think except for some high performance cars catering to the enthusiasts, they may be better off with the iX1 lwb approach. Ticks the luxury requirements well with low cost of running/maintainence. The only hindrance is the still patchy charging network and I think BMW is investing in that as well to alleviate the range anxiety as per the recent interviews with India MD.

Clearly the record sales figures indicate that they are tasting success with their strategies especially with the lwb models outselling the sporty models.

[buzzy_boy]

Originally Posted by Hayek

Suspect BMW is struggling to meet CAFE norms. Can’t think of any other reason for them to launch the petrol X3 20 instead of the X3 30.

Exactly. The road ahead doesn't look rosy for the German marques. With CAFE norms on one side, EVs on the other, and homegrown players like Mahindra on the third (note that the XUV700 petrol and diesel variants have nearly as much power as the X3), the value proposition of the Germans is slowly eroding day by day.

[sgmuser]

Is this progressive & innovation BMW? X1 D bhp power downgraded and the Petrol X1 lost a cylinder so that the old engines can still survive in a brand new-gen X3? Laughable. I was waiting for X3 for almost a year and this is disappointing. iX1 LWB seems to be a better bet but still I am not convinced of the ev concept altogether yet. According to the sales guy, the width of the new X3 (sales training) is less than X1/LWB. Not sure of this yet. If that is so, why would anyone like - an X1 owner - will want to upgrade? I see GLC is a great proposition. GLC might have some deals (usually none from MB even after years!). If MB can do a BMW in their pricing (*cough* discount *cough*) for the a bit older models, I am feeling itchy to drive a MB.

[AbhiJ]

BMW need to put the B58 in this. NOW. Only the 3.0 L Inline 6 can save this car.

[SilverSmoke]

For a BMW, engines barely satisfy the urge. Shameful for them. Also, rear space is relatively cramped for 5'11''. Tried to recline them further - that was their maximum. Halo Energy Swords at rear were surely better. Not impressed.
Looking forward to X5 & X7 which weren't there.

[sunikkat]

Originally Posted by sgmuser

According to the sales guy, the width of the new X3 (sales training) is less than X1/LWB. Not sure of this yet. If that is so, why would anyone like - an X1 owner - will want to upgrade?

Not sure about the usable space, but from dimensions mentioned in the opening post the sales guy is incorrect - Width of X3 is 1920 mm while X1 is 1845 mm.

[vinj14]

HIDEOUS design! Thank you bmw! My x3 30i g01 just went up in value!

[Bhodrolok]

140 odd horses on the X1, 190 odd on the X3, what is going on at BMW?

This is really getting my goat, looks like they have decided they can get numbers in India only with butch looking but underpowered vehicles.

[pradheepsr]

Was waiting for this.

But the engine choices and specs are seriously underwhelming more than the facelift catastrophe!

I would rather buy a Skoda Kodiaq 2025 at 50-60 L than going for a 60-70 L BMW with a bucket load of compromises.

Seriously they should be launching them with 40i and 30d specs while the other lesser brands are offering VFM products with similarly powered engines loaded with features.