The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine, essentially the long-wheelbase version of BMW’s sedan, will launch on January 21, 2021. BMW India’s announcement of the launch confirms our scoop from June 2020, when we reported the 3 Series long-wheelbase will arrive in India in 2021. This also means that India is the first right-hand drive market to get the long-wheelbase version of the 3 Series.
- Has a wheelbase that’s 110mm longer than the standard model at 2,961mm
- 3 Series Gran Limousine seen as a replacement for the 3 Series Gran Turismo
- Expect 3 Series Gran Limousine prices to be slightly higher than the standard model
BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine: What’s different?
Along with the longer wheelbase length – 110mm to be precise – the 3 Series Gran Limousine is also 120mm longer than the standard model, and slightly taller. Do note that a quick glance at the standard and long-wheelbase 3 Series will not reveal much in the way of visual differences.
On the inside, the driver and front passenger may not see much difference between the standard car and the Gran Limousine. However, it’s the rear space that gets more than a few updates.
The longer wheelbase liberates an extra 43mm of legroom for the rear passengers, the longer rear doors provide easier access, and the seat has also been improved, with better cushioning and bolstering.
In terms of features, expect an equipment list as long as the standard car – LED headlights and tail-lights, a panoramic sunroof, interior mood lighting, multi-zone climate control, an 8.8-inch touchscreen with BMW’s iDrive infotainment system and more will be on offer.
Engine options are also expected to be shared between the standard and long-wheelbase 3 Series. A 258hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 190hp, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel unit are expected to be available with the Gran Limousine.
BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine prices and rivals
Considering its size, the 3 Series Gran Limousine will sit between the 3 Series and 5 Series in BMW’s India line-up. However, it won’t share space with the 3 Series GT as this model has been removed from the brand’s international portfolio and will soon be gone from the India line-up too. For now, the 3 Series Gran Tursimo is on sale in special Shadow Edition form.
This means the Gran Limousine will also be priced higher than the current 3 Series, which retails between Rs 42.30-49.30 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India).
A long-wheelbase version of its rival to the Mercedes-Benz C-class and Jaguar XE may give BMW an advantage in the segment, if it is priced right to avoid cannibalising its own sales. The upcoming Audi A4 facelift and the next-gen Volvo S60 will also compete against the standard 3 Series when they arrive.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
