BMW's X3 to be unveiled, Audi launches pre-emptive strike

BMW's new X3, now in India

Today BMW will unveil their next generation X3. The previous vehicle didn't fare well in the Indian market, so its a good thing that the new X3 is a different creature. It is bigger, softer, more comfortable and well.. less unattractive than the outgoing vehicle (this is palatable if somewhat cold), so  it should do much much better. BMW has been very aggressive with their Indian products offering them at cracking prices while offering good levels of features. And, they surely intend to do the same with the X3.

This however doesn't sit too well with Audi. After all their Q5 is the king of the mid-size premium SUV market. So Audi tried to steal some of the X3's thunder. They recently announced the Q5 2.0TDI q Business Edition at a very attractive Rs35.13 lakh ex-Maharashtra and will be quite a temptation for those looking at the upper end of the compact luxury saloons or even the lower  rung of  the bigger luxury cars. While I look foward to new engines to drive, the announcement did make me raise my eyebrows when i read that the Q5 will be in showrooms only from October. Naughty Audi.

Audi's Q5 is hotter of the two

Coming back to the cars,  it will be a close match. On paper, the BMW has an advantage - the engine develops more power and torque, and it also has an extra cog in the gearbox (8 to Audi's 7). While I don't have the final list of standard vs optional equipment Audi has mentioned "best-in-class infotainment system", Audi's MMI and parking aid. So lets see what all the companies offer by way of equipment on these two. Bit, will BMW deliver a knock out punch with the X3's price tag?
Well we'll come to know this afternoon.

Well here is the update after the X3 Launch

BMW has launched the X3 at Rs 41.2 Lakh for the X-Drive2.0d. The 258bhp X-Drive3.0D is priced at Rs 47.9L. In the light of Audi's new Q5 pricing it seems a bit exorbitant. But when you look closer it falls into place. The X3 comes loaded with the massive panoramic sun-roof and Dynamic Drive and Damper Control as standard. Apart from this it has extra bits of tech like Auto Start-Stop.  So these bits have added to the cost of the X3. No confirmation yet whether Audi's Q5 has anything extraordinary features as standard, assuming that the standard fare is the usual stuff mentioned in the press release.

So, will BMW bring in a bare basics X3 anytime soon? Not likely. BMW insist that they are a premium player and so is the X3, which is why a stripped down model doesn't make sense, at least for now. BMW didn't bring the Corporate Edition of the 3-Series later on in its life-cycle. That is when additional demand needed to be generated. Right now, BMW feels the demand for the X3 exceeds supply. Vishal Agarwal of Bavaria Motors has confirmed that they have had pre-launch bookings. BMW is looking to sell 100 units of the X3 every month. Audi sold 150 units of the Q5 & Q7 combined in July. So 100 units is still a fairly aggressive number.  I guess we'll just have to wait and watch.


All images from Autocarindia.com