BMW India Launches The X3 M40i

Only limited units are available, all brought in as CBUs.

The BMW X3 has a new range-topper in India – the M40i. It arrives in the country as a CBU, and the company confirms that only a limited number of units are available. The BMW X3 M40i gets a price tag of INR 86.50 lakh and is presently the only petrol-powered variant of the SUV in India. Compared to the next-in-line derivative – the xDrive20d M Sport – the newcomer demands a premium of INR 16.60 lakh.

The BMW X3 M40i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, which produces 355hp/500Nm. An 8-speed automatic transmission, an xDrive all-wheel-drive system with variable torque distribution and M Sport differential play their parts. As a result, the X3 M40i can hit 100kmph from nothing in 4.9 seconds and clock 250kmph flat out.

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In this guise, the SUV also comes packed with hill descent and hill start assist systems, 20-inch light alloy wheels, M Sport brakes with red callipers and adaptive M suspension. As far as the list of creature comforts is concerned, it is pretty extensive. It includes adaptive LED headlights, three-zone automatic climate control, panorama glass roof, auto headlamps and wipers, ambient lighting and multiple drive modes. In addition, features such as automatic tailgate operation, wireless smartphone integration, parking sensors at the front and rear, a head-up display, a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless mobile charging, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are also available.

BMW offers the X3 M40i in two colours – Black Sapphire and Brooklyn Grey. The interior is beige-black with trim finishers in carbon fibre. And as you’d expect, the safety blanket is pretty thick, with features like a 3D surround view monitor, Dynamic Stability Control, electric parking brake with auto-hold function, tyre pressure monitor and three-point seatbelts for all occupants.

The BMW X3 rivals the Volvo XC60, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, Jaguar F-Pace and Land Rover Discovery Sport. One could even consider the Porsche Macan in the same price range as the X3 M40i.