Having just recently helped a friend collect his brand spanking new BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport at a dealer recently, a glaring thought struck me. Almost 3 years since its launch in our market, the G01-generation BMW X3 only came in one state of tune, which is in '30i' guise. Where is the BMW X3 sDrive 20i variant?

From a product line-up standpoint, this is indeed curious, especially this being an SUV (a BMW SUV at that). Up until now, you can buy an X3 in either Luxury (RM 304k) or M Sport trim (RM 324k), but it has to be in 'xDrive30i' tune (252 PS, 350 Nm).

With the current pricing structure of the X3 xDrive30i models, having the '20i' model would definitely lower the entry point for buyers in this segment, making it a more attractive proposition. Fact of the matter is, some buyers don't want all the fripperies, just an entry-level X3.

In contrast, this has done that successfully with the Mercedes-Benz GLC line-up. The choices with the GLC is mind-boggling actually. You can have your GLC in 200, 300, AMG 43 or AMG 63 flavours. Icing on the cake? It can come in a classic SUV body, or a Coupe one. BMW X4 you say? How many variants does that model have? Yeah, two.

Yes, I know there is a full-fat X3 M, but is that enough to do battle with Mercedes? I think you know the answer. On top of the '20i' variant, where is the 'M40i' version to fight the AMG GLC 43? Before you say these variants don't exist, they are available in neighbouring Singapore, a country that sells less cars than us.

Well, we might not have to wait too long apparently for BMW to spring into action. Sources have informed us that there are indeed plans to bring the X3 sDrive20i. The car is slated to make landfall in the Malaysian market around Q2 this year.

Anyone who has a passing interest in our automotive industry knows BMW needs to expand its product offering in the X3 segment. An X3 sDrive20i should just be the beginning, looking at how diverse Mercedes' GLC options are. Is this because of incompetence? Who knows? All we know is, the BMW X3 sDrive20i can't come soon enough.