BMW India has officially rolled out the entry level version of its premium SUV model, X3 in the country. It is christened as BMW X3 xDrive20d Advantage Edition and is equipped with a powerful 2.0-litre twinpower turbo diesel engine. It is capable of producing a peak power of 184bhp along with a commanding torque output of 380Nm. This latest trim has quite a few equipments like a 2-zone automatic climate control unit with rear AC vents, a multi-functional leather steering wheel and push button engine start and stop function. At the same time, it is incorporated with important safety aspects like an electronic vehicle engine immobilizer with crash sensor, 3-point ELR seat belts, airbags for enhanced protection of its occupants and active head restraints as well. This utility vehicle gets a decent body structure, which is affixed with trademark cosmetics like Bi-xenon headlights, front kidney bean grille and Y-spoke styled alloy wheels. This vehicle has a spacious internal cabin that can comfortably provide seating for five people. This latest trim comes with a choice of Sensatec beige or black upholstery, which gives a plush look to the cabin. This SUV is available in quite a number of attractive exterior finish options, which include Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Deep Sea Blue, Vermilion Red, Titanium Silver, Sparkling Bronze, Mineral Silver and Space Grey.
Exteriors:
This newly introduced trim has a neatly structured body that is skilfully affixed with stylish features. It has the company's signature kidney bean shaped radiator grille that has vertically positioned bars and a thick chrome surround. It is flanked by a sleek headlight cluster that is powered by Bi-xenon lamps, turn indicators and LED day light running lamps. Its front bumper has a two tone look and is designed with an air dam along with a pair of small air ducts. There are round shaped fog lamps positioned below the headlamps, which further enhances the visibility. Its side profile has an urbane appeal owing to the extensive use of chrome on its window sills. Its B and C pillars are treated in glossy black, while the ORVMs and door handles are in body color. Its fenders are fitted with protective strips and are skilfully equipped with a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. These rims are further covered with a set of 225/60 R17 sized tubeless radial tyres. Its rear profile has a trendy tailgate, which is elegantly decorated with stylish company's logo. The rear windscreen is quite small and is accompanied by a wiper along with a spoiler. The bumper is in a dual color owing to its black under body cladding. It is further affixed with a pair of reflectors, which adds to the safety quotient of this vehicle.
Interiors:
This BMW X3 xDrive20d Advantage Edition trim has an elegantly designed cabin that is done up with good quality material. Its dashboard has a trendy structure and is skilfully equipped with aspects like a glove box, infotainment system, climate control unit and an instrument panel. The leather steering wheel has three spokes and is mounted with audio, call and cruise control switches. The instrument cluster comprises of four round shaped meters, which provides information related to vehicle's speed, fuel levels and rpm meter. The front seats have adjustable head restraints along with lumbar support, which provides better comfort to the occupants. These are electrically adjustable wherein the driver's seat also has a memory setting. While the rear seats come with 40:20:40 split ratio, which helps in increasing the boot capacity. This trim has a number of utility features like an inside rear view mirror, floor mats, drink holders, front and rear center armrest and accessory power sockets.
Engine and Performance:
This entry level variant is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine that is incorporated with a common rail injection fuel supply system. It comprises of 4-cylinders, each of which have 4-valves and makes 1995cc . It is further incorporated with a twin-power turbocharging unit that helps it to produce a peak power of 184bhp at 4000rpm in combination with a commanding torque output of 380Nm in the range of 1750 to 2750rpm. This power plant is skilfully mated with an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission gearbox that works in conjunction with xDrive to distribute torque to all four wheels. It requires only about 8.5 seconds to breach a 100 Kmph speed mark from a standstill and it can reach a top speed of 210 Kmph.
Braking and Handling:
The company has fitted all the front and rear wheels with a set of sophisticated ventilated disc brakes in combination with high performance brake calipers. It is also incorporated with an anti lock braking system and cornering brake control system, which further reinforces its mechanism. In addition to these, it also has dynamic stability control including traction control system, which augments its agility. As far as the suspension mechanism is concerned, it is integrated with a dynamic damping control system including infinite and independent damping, which helps the vehicle to deal with any road conditions. On the other hand, this SUV has Servotronic steering system based on rack and pinion mechanism, which is also incorporated with a speed dependent control.
Comfort Features:
This BMW xDrive20d Advantage Edition trim is the entry level variant that is equipped with all the standard aspects. It is installed with a cruise control including braking function, that maintains the set speed constant, while dealing with obstructions ahead. It comes with a list of features like electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, push button start and stop function, roller sun blinds for rear side windows, ambient lighting package, internal rear view mirror with anti-dazzling function and center armrests for front and rear. It is also loaded with advanced equipments like a 2-Zone automatic climate control unit, iDrive with 16.5CM display, park distance control and connectivity for Bluetooth and USB devices.
Safety Features:
This entry level trim comes with sophisticated protective aspects like active front head restraints, six airbags, anti lock braking system with brake assist, cornering brake control and an electric parking brake with auto hold. Apart from these, it has aspects like warning triangle with first aid kit, side impact protection, ISOFIX child seat mounting, hill descent control and engine immobilizer with crash sensor.
Pros:
1. Engine performance and fuel economy is quite satisfying.
2. Safety features are at par with its other competitors.
Cons:
1. Several BMW ConnectDrive aspects are missing.
2. Lack of leather seats is a bit disappointing.
