2014 BMW X3 xDrive20D India review road test

The X3 has always been a capable luxury SUV but one still doesn’t see a lot of them on Indian roads. A certain rival from Ingolstadt is the preferred segment choice in the country. The current X3’s predecessor in fact started the segment but the odd styling meant a lot of prospective buyers looked away. BMW fixed this by introducing the all new model that not just grew in size but most importantly looked a lot like its stylish siblings.

But change is important and is the reason why the German manufacturer has now released the updated X3. There are quite a few changes and additions. It seems that most premium manufacturers need their models to look very similar to each other, in fact they are becoming so alike that at times it’s hard to differentiate between them. Take a look at the updated X3, the new headlamps and bumper are now like the all-new X5’s. So the headlamps now merge into the grille and the shape of the unit is similar, look at it head-on and many of you will think it’s an X5. Not a bad thing, because it does look a lot more premium now. The contrasting colours used in the revised kidney grille also add to the styling.

The twin headlights get projector lighting while the LED fog lamps are now positioned for better light throw. The entire front bumper is now different. Move to the side and it’s the same silhouette one is used to seeing. Every time a new X3 rolls out, it betters the outgoing model in every possible department, the latest update brings in better performance, styling and features all for a small premium. Two variants are on offer, the X3 xDrive20d Expedition and xLine. The xLine offers extra features like an extra Sport+ driving mode, damper control, power split and individual wheel braking, premium exterior and interior trims, panoramic roof, extra storage compartments, leather upholstery and 18-inch wheels.

The Expedition is priced at `44.90 lakh while the xLine variant with the added features exceeds that by `5 lakh, both prices being ex-showroom across India. The X3 has never been this good, we only wish BMW hadn’t dropped the more powerful xDrive30d for India.