BMW India has launched the new, third generation X5 in the country, with cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar doing the honours.

The diesel variant of the new X5, that comes at an ex-showroom price of Rs 70.9 lakh, will be locally produced at its Chennai plant and be available across dealerships from June. BMW introduced this model globally around two months ago.

“This is the eighth model we will produce at our Chennai plant,” Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India, said, adding that the new X5 has more space and improved fuel economy.

BMW India will increase its dealership network from the present 40 to 50 in a year, and also expand the product range to cover all opportunities in the luxury car segment, von Sahr said.

The X5, which will compete against models like the ML-Class SUV from Mercedes and Audi Q5, will add to BMW’s existing range of SUVs – X1, X3 and X6. The company, which has launched the 3-series Gran Tourismo and the M6 earlier this year, will bring in five more models during 2014, including the Mini Cooper 5-door and the much awaited i8 hybrid.

The new X5 car has a six-cylinder, 3 litre engine that combines CommonRail direct injection and a turbo charger with variable turbine geometry and delivers a power output of 258 HP and a torque of 560 Nm. It has a top speed of 230 km/hr.

The features include an 8-speed transmission, adaptive suspension and intelligent all-wheel drive.

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