Full expert breakdown
Looking for a new car in India? The journey often begins with a multitude of questions: What about the budget? How safe is it for my family? What will be the monthly maintenance cost? Does it come with the latest features? And crucially, how reliable is the company service? These are common concerns for any car buyer, especially when considering a premium segment vehicle.
Today, we are diving deep into a car that aims to answer all these questions and more – the new BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase. Known in India as the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine, this executive sedan promises to deliver the renowned BMW driving experience along with enhanced comfort, making it a truly compelling choice for the Indian luxury car market.
Main Highlights
Engine Specifications
The BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase offers a choice of two highly refined and powerful engines, designed to deliver a blend of performance and efficiency:
- 330Li (Petrol): This variant is powered by a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine. It produces a robust 258 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, allowing the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 6.2 seconds.
- 320Ld (Diesel): For those who prefer diesel power, the 320Ld comes with a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo diesel engine. It generates 190 horsepower and an impressive 400 Nm of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in about 7.6 seconds.
Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, providing quick and seamless gear changes, and power is sent to the rear wheels.
Design Overview
Exterior
The BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase stands out with its elegant and elongated silhouette. It retains the iconic BMW design language with a prominent kidney grille, sleek adaptive LED headlights, and sharp character lines that flow seamlessly across the body. The extended wheelbase is subtly integrated, giving the car a more executive and planted stance without compromising its sporty appeal. Larger alloy wheels and chrome accents further enhance its premium road presence.
Interior
Step inside, and you are greeted by a luxurious and driver-focused cabin. The highlight of the Long Wheelbase version is undoubtedly the significantly increased rear legroom, making it incredibly comfortable for chauffeured journeys. Premium materials like Sensatec upholstery, fine wood trims, and brushed aluminium accents adorn the dashboard and door panels. The cabin features a sophisticated layout with ambient lighting that adds to the overall opulent feel.
Key Features
The BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase comes loaded with advanced technology and comfort features:
- Large curved display, integrating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen infotainment system.
- Latest iDrive 8 operating system with intuitive controls.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
- Panoramic sunroof, flooding the cabin with natural light.
- 360-degree camera with Parking Assistant Plus for easy manoeuvring.
- Wireless smartphone charging pad.
- Three-zone automatic climate control for individual comfort.
- Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver.
- Harman Kardon Surround Sound System (available on top variants).
- Comfort Access System for keyless entry and start.
What is the Ground Clearance of BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase?
The BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase offers a ground clearance of approximately 157 mm. While typical for a luxury sedan, it is generally sufficient for most Indian road conditions, though caution is advised over very large speed breakers or rough patches.
What is the Boot Space of BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase?
The boot space of the BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase is a practical 480 litres, which is ample for weekend getaways or daily luggage needs.
What are the Dimensions of BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase?
Here are the approximate dimensions of the BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase:
- Length: 4823 mm
- Width: 1827 mm
- Height: 1441 mm
- Wheelbase: 2400 mm (significantly longer than the standard 3 Series, contributing to increased rear legroom)
Powertrain Options
As mentioned in the engine specifications, the BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase is available with two powertrain options in India:
- 2.0L TwinPower Turbo Petrol Engine (330Li)
- 2.0L TwinPower Turbo Diesel Engine (320Ld)
Both are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission and feature a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) setup, upholding BMW's classic dynamic driving character.
Safety Features
BMW prioritises safety, and the 3 Series Long Wheelbase comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features:
- Six airbags (front, side, and curtain airbags)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
- Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
- Run-flat tyres with reinforced sidewalls
- Tyre Pressure Indicator
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Attentiveness Assistant
- Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant
- Optional Driving Assistant package (includes Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, etc., depending on variant)
NCAP Rating Table
The BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase is built on the same robust platform as the standard 3 Series (G20), which has a strong safety record globally.
| NCAP Body | Rating | Adult Occupant | Child Occupant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Euro NCAP | 5 Stars | Excellent | Excellent |
| Bharat NCAP | Not Rated (Yet)* | - | - |
*Note: As of our last update, the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine has not yet been specifically tested by Bharat NCAP. However, its 5-star Euro NCAP rating for the standard 3 Series platform provides a strong indication of its high safety standards.
Rivals of BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase
In the highly competitive Indian luxury sedan segment, the BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase faces stiff competition from:
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Audi A4
- Volvo S60
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Let us break down the advantages and disadvantages of owning the BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase:
Pros
- Unmatched Rear Seat Comfort: The primary highlight, offering generous legroom and a plush experience for rear passengers. Ideal for chauffeur-driven owners.
- Refined and Powerful Engines: Both petrol and diesel options deliver strong performance and excellent refinement, typical of BMW.
- Engaging Driving Dynamics: Despite its extended length, it retains a significant amount of BMW's signature driving pleasure, making it fun to drive.
- Premium and Feature-Rich Interior: High-quality materials, modern design, and a host of technological features enhance the luxury quotient.
- Strong Brand Image: BMW's reputation for luxury, performance, and engineering excellence is a major draw in India.
Cons
- Premium Price Tag: Being a luxury car, its purchase price is substantial, which might be a barrier for some buyers.
- Higher Maintenance Costs: As with most premium European cars, spare parts and service can be more expensive compared to mass-market vehicles.
- Ground Clearance: While decent for a sedan, 157 mm might still require caution on very bad patches or large, unscientifically built speed breakers.
- Ride Quality: While comfortable, it retains a firm edge that might not appeal to those seeking an overly plush, wallowy ride.
- Optional Features: Some desirable safety or convenience features might be part of optional packages, adding to the overall cost.
Conclusion
The new BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase, or Gran Limousine, truly shines as a compelling package for the Indian luxury car buyer. It successfully bridges the gap between the sporty driving dynamics BMW is known for and the demand for enhanced rear-seat comfort in our market.
If you are looking for a luxury sedan that caters equally well to the driver who enjoys a spirited run and the passenger who prefers to be chauffeured in utmost comfort, the 3 Series Gran Limousine is an excellent choice. It offers a sophisticated design, a feature-packed interior, and powerful engines, all backed by BMW's reliable service network.
Before making your final decision, consider your specific needs for space, performance, and of course, your budget for both purchase and long-term maintenance. A thorough test drive is highly recommended to experience its unique blend of luxury and performance firsthand. The BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase is undoubtedly a top contender in its segment, offering a premium ownership experience that is hard to beat.
