Joining the plethora of launches BMW has planned for India this year, the 2015 X3 facelift has been launched in the country, priced from Rs. 44.90 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the facelift comes as a mid-life makeover to the X3 with cosmetic upgrades to the exterior and interior without any major changes to the luxury SUV mechanically. The facelifted SUV however does get a host of new features on offer, compared to the outgoing version.
In terms of aesthetics, the 2015 BMW X3 gets a familiar front fascia that is similar to the one seen on the updated X5 SUV launched earlier this year. The trademark kidney grille has grown in size, while the headlights too have grown larger than the outgoing version featuring sharper styling. Changes extend to the front and rear bumpers that have been mildly tweaked, while a new alloy wheel design is also on offer. At the rear, the tailgate has received some changes for a fresh new look, while the tail lights feature LEDs and are strikingly similar to the ones on the bigger X5. The new and revised rear windscreen further adds to the leaner appearance of the X3, accentuating the sporty look of the SUV.
Apart from the design changes, BMW has also added ORVM integrated blinkers on the X3 facelift, while a new set of paint shades is on offer on the palette. Coming inside the cabin, the interior has been updated with a restyled instrument cluster, while the centre console is new featuring revised switchgear and the addition of a larger infotainment display with the updated iDrive system. BMW has extensively used textured wood finish, dark leather upholstery, new fabric designs, gloss black accents and has added new cup holders that further improve the rich cabin of the X3. You also get an electric opening tailgate as part of the features list.
Under the hood, there are no significant changes and the 2015 BMW X3 facelift continues to be powered by a 2.0-litre engine, the xDrive20d’s 4-cylinder oil burner has been tuned to produce more power at 190 PS and 400 Nm of torque, 7 PS and 20 Nm more than the outgoing version. The 2.0-litre motor is available with an 8-speed automatic transmission and gets all-wheel drive as standard. 0-100 km/hr takes 8.1 seconds while top speed is 210 km/hr.
While the BMW X3 is a capable machine, many found it to look rather bland compared to the competition available. However, the facelifted model more than makes up with its refreshing design and features in the mid-size luxury SUV segment. The new X3 facelift will be competing against the likes of Mercedes M-Class, Audi Q5, Land Rover Freelander 2 and the Volvo XC60 in the same segment. The prices have also seen a mild revision compared to the outgoing model.
2015 BMW X3 Facelift Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) –
* xDrive20d Expedition – Rs. 44.90 lakhs
* xDrive20d xLine – Rs. 49.90 lakhs
