CKD production of 3rd-gen BMW X3 begins

BMW is gearing up to launch the third-generation X3 in India on April 19, 2018. The new X3 will be imported as a completely knocked down (CKD) unit and assembled at BMW's Chennai plant. According to the carmaker, CKD production of the X3 has already commenced.

The third-generation X3 was unveiled in June 2017. It is based on an all-new CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform, which is lighter than the outgoing model. It has also been given a design upgrade. At the front, the circular fog lamps have been replaced with LED strips integrated into the front bumper. The headlamp profile is new and the twin kidney grille is much larger than before. The side profile of the SUV hasn't changed much though. Like most modern BMWs, the new X3 has a vent behind the front wheel arch, while the rear features re-profiled LED wraparound tail lights and a redesigned bumper. The interiors get a new look dashboard, a touchscreen infotainment system with gesture control and a new 3-spoke steering wheel.

Under the hood, the India-spec X3 is expected to use a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine producing 188 BHP and 400 Nm of torque. The petrol option might include a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol with 248 BHP and 350 Nm. Both engines will be paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. The BMW X3 will compete with the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Audi Q5 in the Indian market.