BMW is preparing a major upgrade for the X3 petrol in India, and the update is aimed directly at fixing one of the SUV’s biggest weaknesses: its lack of power compared to rivals. The current petrol variant, the xDrive20, offers decent refinement but has always felt underpowered when placed next to competitors from Mercedes, Audi, and Volvo. That gap is finally set to close with the arrival of a more powerful engine in 2026.
Why the X3 Needed a Stronger Engine
In its present form, the X3 uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 190hp. While this output works for city commutes and relaxed cruising, it falls noticeably short in the luxury SUV segment. Rivals like the GLC 300, Audi Q5, and Volvo XC60 all deliver petrol engines with around 250hp or more, making the X3 feel a step behind in real-world performance and acceleration. This shortfall was clear in earlier comparisons, where the X3 lagged behind the GLC 300 in outright punch.
X3 xDrive30: The More Powerful Petrol Variant
BMW will now introduce the X3 in the xDrive30 specification for India, and this version brings the kind of performance the SUV always deserved. The same 2.0-litre engine will be tuned to produce 258hp and 400Nm of torque, putting it right in line with segment benchmarks.
The new variant will also include a 48V mild-hybrid system, which can provide a small yet meaningful boost during hard acceleration by adding up to 11hp and 25Nm. Power will continue to be sent to all four wheels through BMW’s well-known 8-speed automatic gearbox paired with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. With this setup, buyers can expect quicker responses, stronger mid-range performance, and an overall more engaging driving experience.
Interior Update Based on Customer Feedback
Along with the mechanical upgrade, BMW India is also making a change inside the cabin. The current model uses a sustainable mesh-like dashboard trim, a material that looks modern but hasn’t been well received by Indian customers. Many found it difficult to maintain in dusty conditions, and the texture wasn’t universally liked.
To address this, BMW will replace the sustainable trim with leatherette, a finish that feels more premium and aligns better with buyer preferences in India. Interestingly, the sustainable material will continue to be offered as an optional extra in some global markets, but for India, the switch to leatherette will now be standard. Despite the upgrade, prices are not expected to change.
Also Read: Harley-Davidson X440 T Launched at Rs 2.79 Lakh with New Design and More Features
Final Thoughts
With a more powerful engine, mild-hybrid assistance, and a cabin upgrade driven by customer feedback, the upcoming BMW X3 xDrive30 is shaping up to be a far more competitive luxury SUV for India. The jump to 258hp finally puts the X3 on equal footing with its German and Swedish rivals, while the interior update makes the cabin feel more suited to local tastes. For buyers who wanted the sophistication of an X3 but found the earlier petrol model lacking in performance, the 2026 upgrade should hit the sweet spot perfectly.
