The long-wheelbase variant of the BMW 3-Series has just gone
official at the Shanghai Auto Show. Development of the long-wheelbase
BMW 3-Series took place alongside the regular 3-Series but the big difference
is that the China-exclusive model has had its wheelbase extended by 11 cm and now sits at 2961 mm. The BMW 3-Series
long-wheelbase is 4,829 mm long all-up, making it larger than any other
vehicle in its class.
The extended wheelbase massively improves legroom by
4.3 cm for rear-seat passengers and the rear doors just so happen to be 11 cm
longer than those of the regular 3-Series. BMW also designed new headrests at
the rear and created a new central armrest which can fold down between the rear
seats. An illuminated contour strip on the back of the front seats has also
been incorporated into the expansive cabin. The 3-Series long-wheelbase has a
luggage compartment that can swallow up 480 liters of stuff.
BMW has created a panoramic glass roof
for the lengthened sedan and also fitted a sports leather steering wheel,
three-zone automatic climate control, and acoustic glass for the windshield to
create incredible soundproofing. There is also a ‘Welcome Light Carpet’ feature
of the ambient lighting system which greets the driver and passengers as they
get in and out of the car. Illuminated door sill plates at the front and rear
are also present.
The BMW 3-Series long-wheelbase will initially be
sold exclusively in 325Li form, complete with a 2.0-liter turbocharged
four-cylinder engine with 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque. This engine
is coupled with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission sending its power to the
rear wheels.
To make driving the extended 3-Series as easy as
possible, BMW has fitted the sedan with Collision and Pedestrian Warning with
City Braking function, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Warning, Rear
Collision Prevention and Cross Traffic Alert, Active Cruise Control, and Stop
& Go. There is also a Parking Assistant which automatically parallel parks
the car.
Construction of the BMW 3-Series long-wheelbase will
be handled by BMW Brilliance Automotive at its Tiexi plant in Shenyang, Liaoning
Province.
