Defining the BMW business model as "premium and nothing else but premium", Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President BMW India, uncovered the new generation of the BMW X3, BMW's pioneer in the SAV segment.

The new X3 is being offered in two diesel variants, the xDrive20d and the xDrive30d featuring 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre engines respectively. The xDrive refers to the BMW intelligent 4WD with variable torques split, 'distributing the necessary torque to the wheel within milliseconds' claims BMW. Both the variants feature 8-speed-automatic transmission and Servotronic.

The 2.0-L 4-cylinder diesel produces a max power of 184-bhp and a max torque of 380-Nm, accelerating from still to 100-kph in 8.5 sec. The 3.0-L 6-cylinder diesel produces 258-bhp and a max torque of 560-Nm and accelerates from still to 100-kph in 6.2-sec.

The fun part is the X3's Dynamic Driving Control system offering three modes namely the Normal, Sport and Sport+. Here the Sport+ mode tackles most of the vivid expectations we have and does well. But still, X3 is rightly a Sport-Activity-Vehicle and no Sport-Utility-Vehicle.

Its more for the soccer moms with enormous seating and storing space, and plush comforting interiors so as to be driven up and down the city, which in India is no child's play.

The production of the new X3 begins at the Chennai plant where the output capacity has been increased to 11,000 units per annum with the introduction of a new second shift. "Production follows the market" says Dr. Schaaf.

The xDrive20d is priced at INR 41,90,000 and the xDrive30d is priced at INR 47,20,000.