Chinese love their long-wheelbase sedans, so most
manufacturers are more than happy to oblige. BMW has already launched a
brand-new 3 Series, code named the G20, with a length of 4,709 mm,
which makes it the largest 3 Series sedan ever made. It also has a 2,851 mm wheelbase that’s 41mm longer than its predecessor’s.
Apparently, that’s not enough for Chinese customers.
Enter the all-new 3 Series Li, China’s idea of a proper 3 Series sedan.
According to AutoWeek.nl, it measures 4.83 meters from bumper to
bumper, making it 120 mm longer overall than the standard wheelbase
model.
Moch of the added length is found between the axles,
as the 3 Series Li has a wheelbase of 2.96 meters — 110 mm more than the regular G20 3 Series sedan. Obviously, rear seat passengers
benefit the most from the increased dimensions, particularly in terms of leg-
and knee room.
The car you see in the photos wears an M Sport body
kit and 325Li badging, which means it is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter
four-cylinder engine rated at 184 PS. Interestingly, that same engine
is sold as the 320i in Europe. More powerful engines should also be available.
As with the previous-generation 3 Series Li, the new
model will be built by the BMW Brilliance joint venture at the Shenyang plant.
The standard wheelbase 3 Series won’t be available in China, which will only
get the LWB version to compete with the Audi A4 L, Jaguar XE L, and
Mercedes-Benz C-Class L.
