The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine is the largest car in its segment
BMW India launches the 3 Series Gran Limousine in India with prices ranging from Rs 51.50- 53.90 lakh (ex-showroom). As the name goes, the 3 Series Gran Limousine is essentially the longer wheelbase version of the regular BMW 3 series. The new entrant will be sold alongside the standard 3 and will fill the gap left behind by the 3 Series Gran Tourismo. The Gran Limousine was first launched in China and India is the first RHD market to get the long-wheelbase iteration of the 3 series. The India-spec 3 series LWB is produced locally at the BMW Group’s Chennai facility.
An untrained eye will not be able to differentiate between the standard 3 series and the long-wheelbase 3 series, even in the second consecutive attempt. However, the Gran Limousine is 120 mm longer and slightly taller than the standard 3 series. And the wheelbase at 2961mm, is 110mm longer than the standard car. The reat seat legroom has grown by 43mm and the longer rear doors will help in easy ingress and egress. Additionally, the seats also have been redone, with better bolstering and cushioning.
On the interiors the Gran Limousine is just the same as the standard 3 series, so is the equipment list including, LED headlights and tail-lights, ambient lighting, multi-zone climate control, an 8.8-inch touchscreen with BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, etc. In addition, the Gran Limousine gets a panoramic sunroof and new colour schemes.
The Gran Limousine will be made available in two variants – Luxury Line (Rs 51.50-52.50 lakh) and M sport First Edition (Rs 53.90 lakh). The M-Sport variant gets different front bumper with gloss black inserts and an 18 inch twin-spoke alloys instead of the 17 inch V-spoke alloys on the Luxury Line. There is even a limited run ‘First Edition’ on sale, offering an array of exclusive features and creature comforts. The four colour options include Carbon Black, Cashmere Silver, Melbourne Red and Mineral White.
The 3 series Gran Limousine is powered either by a 2.0L turbo petrol (330Li) putting out 258hp or a 2.0L turbo-diesel (320Ld) churning out 190hp, just like the standard 3 series. Both the engines come mated to an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The diesel, 320Ld is only available in Luxury line trim, while the petrol, 330Li can be had in both Luxury Line and M sport variants.