BMW unleashes excitement
The German automaker has launched the new and updated M3, M4 and X6
LIFE JUST GOT MORE EXCITING with BMW India launching the 2018 M3 sedan, M4 Coupé and the X6 at the Auto Expo. While the M3 and M4 command a price of `1.3 crore and `1.33 crore, the X6 35i M Sport carries a sticker of `94.15 lakh, ex-showroom. These new, and mightier than before performance vehicles will be brought to India via the CBU route. BMW also unveiled the new X3, which will be commercially launched in May 2018.
At the business end of things, both the M3 sedan and M4 Coupé are powered by the same 2979cc in-line 6-cylinder twin-turbo petrol engine that churns out 444bhp and 550Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. In both cases, this results in a 0-100kmph time of just 4 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250kmph, but if you choose the optional M Driver's package then BMW will derestrict the limiter, letting the beast unleash all the way to a top speed of 280kmph.
Other features include brake energy regeneration, dual zone air conditioning with micro filter, BMW apps, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and an 8.8-inch colour display with an in-built storage capacity of 20GB. There are the usual features as well, including a navigation system, heads up display and park distance control. Safety features include air bags, three-point seat belts, engine immobiliser, cornering brake control and side impact protection. The cars also come with adaptive suspension that is adjustable in all the three modes – Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus, which can be tweaked further on the Competition Package.
The Competition Package is being offered as standard in India, which includes minor cosmetic bits including a carbon roof. The MY18 updates consist of new dampers, new anti-roll bars, new springs and reconfigured driving modes. The rear differential and the DSC has been updated as well.
The 2018 X6 35i M Sport comes with subtle cosmetic changes and is powered by the same 2979cc in-line 6-cylinder twin turbo petrol engine that puts out 301bhp and 400Nm of torque. Transmission is via an 8-speed auto with power going to all four wheels via an intelligent AWD system that chooses which wheel to power depending on driving condition. The X6 does the 0-100kmph dash in a claimed 6.4 seconds.
The sports activity vehicle also gets four driving modes – EcoPro, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. While the M3 and the M4 will rival the Mercedes-AMG C 63, the X6 35i will go up against the Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupé.
The Expo also saw the Indian debut of the third generation of the X3, deliveries of which will start in May 2018. The new X3 is stiffer and lighter – by 55kg – than the previous model and also gets tonnes of new technology, mostly seen on the 5-Series before this, like the touch-and-gesturecontrolled iDrive infotainment system, adaptive dampers, a heads up display and 360-degree cameras. The car remains largely the same size but the wheelbase has grown, increasing the space on the inside.
All X3s will feature BMW's xDrive fourwheel drive system. There will be a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission on all variants. The engines are also expected to be carried over from the previous model. So, a 246bhp, xDrive30i four-cylinder petrol, a 188bhp, xDrive20d four-cylinder diesel and a 262bhp, xDrive30d six-cylinder diesel will be on offer, with the xDrive30d being offered with an M Sport pack as well.