BMW has showcased its new BMW 3-series long-wheelbase saloon at the Beijing motor show.
The new 3-series variant - available for the Chinese market only – has its wheelbase extended by 110mm compared with the standard car to substantially increase rear legroom.
The long-wheelbase model is available in BMW 335Li, the BMW 328Li, or the BMW 320Li guises and will be built in China’s new Shenyang production plant.
According to the firm, the new variant "fulfills precisely the expectations of Chinese automobile customers".
BMW has sold 80,000 cars in China in 1st three months; 37 per cent up on last year. It has also recorded 425,000 global sales in the first quarter, which is a best-ever performance from the brand.
Ian Roberston insists sales are still balanced despite Chinese growth: "China's sales performance is part of BMW's balanced, worldwide success. The first three months of 2012 have been our best start to any year globally - not just in China. We intend to continue that growth and claim the title of number oe premium car company in the world once again."
BMW has also confirmed it will open a design studio in Shanghai next month to tap into burgeoning Chinese market. The studio will include 'Connected Lab Drive' which will house a team of experts investigating Connected Drive functions, including infotainment and safety equipment. The bulk of these developments will be for Chinese markets, but this could prompt BMW to open a Chinese technology centre.
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Re: Long-wheelbase BMW 3-series shown
Yes, the rear legroom of that car was really impressive, especially because it didn't seem much longer than swb standard version outside while the rear legroom was a lot improved.
Coming to the current 3series a bit more space for the rear passengers would be useful but it has already growth too much, keep this version for the Chinese market only! I test drove a 320d today for a couple of hours, in luxury trim with auto-box and without adaptive drive today, and despite its comfort improved in terms of driving involvement gave me nothing more than the previous generation and a bit of agility is lost.
Re: Long-wheelbase BMW 3-series shown
It's as pointless as a Clio estate. I can understand doing LWB versions of the longest car but if you need space in a smaller car, just upgrade to the next model up.
Interestingly about the 900 being narrower than the 500, I know which one I'd rather have a crash in though. Fortunately Saab benefitted from the early 80s tardis-like packaging that Fiat did, making the 9000 (shorter than the 900) a very spacious car (just like the Maxi), the OG 9-5 is very commodious as well. My 9-5 Aero is narrower outside compared to my old 9-3SS Aero yet has more space inside.
What does that tell us?, there's no point adding 110 mm to the overall dimension if this doesn't translate to an extra 4 inches of leg room inside the car.
Re: Long-wheelbase BMW 3-series shown
Because presumably its a bit lighter? Seriously I'd like one of these. I like the idea of more length without additional unnecessary bulk. Cars are too wide now. My old Saab 900 is (unbelievably) narrower than my Abarth 500 yet is spacious and has a huge boot.
Have you seen the new Focus? Ridiculously wide for a small family car. How do you get the doors open in car parks?