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BMW will introduce the long-wheelbase 3 Series in the country next year. The launch of the 3 series will give the rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C Class, Jaguar XE and the soon to be launched Volvo XC60 as well as the updated Audi A4. It will also serve as a replacement for the now-defunct BMW 3 Series GT, which was one of the BMW’s best sellers in the country and catered to the needs of customers looking for a more spacious rear compared to the regular 3 Series.
The BMW 3 Series is already on sale in the Chinese Market, the long-wheelbase version adds 110mm to the wheelbase and 43mm extra rear legroom. Besides the increased overall length, the long-wheelbase version is looking similar to the standard 3 Series. From Inside, the rear seats and the headrests boast improved cushioning and it gets ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof to help uplift the overall ambiance of the rear compartment.
Although already on sale in the Chinese market, bringing the 3 series LWB isn’t quite as straightforward as it seems since China is a left-hand drive market. For the Indian Market, BMW will re-engineer a right-hand drive version and the Indian Market will be the first market to receive the RHD(right-hand-drive) long-wheelbase 3 Series. Powering with the same engine options- 2.0-liter diesel with 190bhp of power and 400Nm of peak torque and 2.0-liter petrol with 258bhp of power and 400Nm of peak torque. The BMW 3 Series long-wheelbase is expected to be priced around Rs.45 lakh to 50 lakh in India. (ex-showroom price).
Mercedes-Benz’s launch of the current generation E-Class in its long-wheelbase avatar in the country worked wonders for the company. Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, and Audi A8 a segment above are available only in their long-wheelbase versions in the country. It is a smart decision from the BMW company to bring the long-wheelbase 3 Series to the Indian Market because a big chunk of buyers prefers handing driving duties over to their chauffeur.
