Rumour: BMW to launch petrol variants of X3 and X5 in India

Thank you to the Team-BHP fan (he prefers to remain anonymous) who sent this information in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts!

BMW is reportedly planning to launch petrol variants of the X3 and X5 SUV in India. The X3 petrol will likely be introduced in the 28i trim, while the X5 petrol is expected to be launched in the 35i variant. The German automaker is also mulling over new petrol variants for other models in its Indian portfolio.

In line with these plans, BMW has imported two batches each of the X3 28i and the X5 35i into India. Each batch contains 24 CKD units of the petrol SUVs.

The BMW X3 28i is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, that churns out 237 BHP and 353 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the X5 35i gets a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol unit that churns out 296 BHP and 407 Nm of torque. Both these engine options use the 8-speed steptronic transmission. Zauba import record suggests that the models launching in India will come with BMW's xDrive AWD system.

The decision to introduce petrol models in the country has likely been taken after noticing an apparent shift in customer preferences in the country, as the Indian automotive market is showcasing an inclination towards gasoline powered cars. BMW's arch rival, Mercedes-Benz, has already launched a petrol variant for all models in its line-up. Hence, BMW too is now planning to give customers the choice to choose their fuel option in various models.