BMW’s Chennai plant starts production of upcoming third-generation X3

BMW India has commenced assembly of the latest iteration of its midsize luxury SUV, the X3 which is slated to be launched in the country on April 19.

The BMW X3 in its entirely new third-generation avatar will boast a host of changes at the fundamental level, and also include more technology.  

The new BMW X3 will be stiffer, yet being almost 55kg lighter than the outgoing model. The third-generation SUV has also grown in dimensions, especially gaining on its wheelbase, to offer better space on the inside. The styling, however, is quite reminiscent of the previous generation, being more evolutionary than getting a completely transformed look.

According to Vikram Pawah, president, BMW Group India, “The all-new BMW X3 is now set to continue the success story, with even more striking and dynamic styling and a luxurious interior. Like all members of the successful X family, it combines outstanding ride quality on all terrains with unlimited everyday practicality. I would like to congratulate the BMW Group Plant Chennai team for achieving this important milestone and we are extremely proud of the smooth start of production of the all-new BMW X3.” 

Dr Jochen Stallkamp, managing director, BMW Group Plant Chennai commented, “We are excited to start local production of the much-awaited third-generation BMW X3. The all-new BMW X3 offers advanced design language, innovative technologies and top-of-the-line equipment. BMW Group Plant Chennai is proud to locally-produce the latest and one of the most diverse product portfolios that has the highest standards of quality, distinguished workmanship and uncompromising engineering. We are confident that the all-new BMW X3 produced in Chennai will further increase our momentum in the Indian luxury car segment.”

The third-generation BMW X3 will come with a total of three engine options, including a 248bhp four-cylinder xDrive30i petrol motor, a 190bhp four-cylinder xDrive20d diesel unit, and last but not the least, the most powerful 265bhp six-cylinder diesel in the xDrive30d guise. All variants will come equipped with BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive system along with a ZF-sourced eight-speed transmission. The SUV will also feature adaptive dampers, touch and gesture control infotainment system and a 360-degree camera on its top trims.

BMW’s Chennai facility which started operations in March 2007, today locally assembles a slew of BMW’s offerings in India, including the 3 Series, 3 Series Gran Turismo, 5 Series, 6 Series Gran Turismo, 7 Series, X1, X3 and the X5. The plant is also set to start local production of the sister brand Mini’s Countryman model this year, which would help to bring its prices lower than the CBU variants.

BMW Group India registered cumulative sales of 9,800 cars (BMW + Mini) in 2017, registering a growth of 25 percent (2016: 7,035). The total comprises 9,379 BMWs (+25%) and 421 Minis (+17%). 

Also Read: BMW honours its 41 top dealers worldwide, India's Bavaria Motors a winner