BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase
A 3 Series stretched for India, with a 2,961 mm wheelbase that gives far more rear legroom than the standard saloon. It is built locally and sold in one M Sport trim with a choice of a 258 PS petrol or a 190 PS diesel. It suits buyers who split time between driving and being driven, at a lower price than a 5 Series.
- Seating
- 5
- Engine
- 1995–1998 cc
- Mileage
- 15.3 km/l (330Li)
- 2,961 mm wheelbase for generous rear legroom
- 258 PS 330Li petrol or 190 PS 320Ld diesel
- Diesel costs ₹1.5 lakh more than the petrol
- Choice of petrol or diesel in the same trim
- Panoramic sunroof and three-zone climate control
- Made in India at BMW's Chennai plant
- 330Li M Sport₹62.70 lakh
The petrol is cheaper, quicker (0-100 km/h in 6.2 s, claimed) and smoother. It suits most owners who do mixed city and highway driving.
- 320Ld M Sport₹64.20 lakh
Take the diesel if you cover long highway distances. It costs ₹1.5 lakh more; BMW's published diesel economy figure is unclear, so ask the dealer for the certified number.
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class₹61.20 – 67.00 lakh
- Mercedes-Benz CLA₹56.50 – 64.00 lakh
- Audi A6₹64.81 – 71.66 lakh
BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase specifications
- Claimed mileage15.3 km/l (330Li)
- Transmission8-speed automatic
- Body typeSedan
- Fuel typePetrol, Diesel
- Engine1995–1998 cc
- Seating capacity5
View all specifications
| Engines | 2.0 turbo petrol, 2.0 turbo diesel |
|---|---|
| Gearboxes | 8-speed automatic |
| Power | 258 PS (330Li), 190 PS (320Ld) |
| Torque | 400 Nm |
| Claimed mileage | 15.3 km/l (330Li) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Length | 4819 mm |
| Width | Not published |
| Height | 1441 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2961 mm |
| Ground clearance | Not published |
| Boot space | Not published |
| Fuel tank | Not published |
BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase variants: price and features
- Base variant3 Series Long Wheelbase
330Li M Sport
₹62.70 lakhOn-road priceKey features- Panoramic sunroof
- Three-zone climate control
- BMW Curved Display
Show all features
- Panoramic sunroof
- Three-zone climate control
- BMW Curved Display
- Harman Kardon sound system
- Automatic parking assistant
- 6 airbags
- Top variant3 Series Long Wheelbase
320Ld M Sport
₹64.20 lakhOn-road priceKey features- Panoramic sunroof
- Three-zone climate control
- BMW Curved Display
Show all features
- Panoramic sunroof
- Three-zone climate control
- BMW Curved Display
- Harman Kardon sound system
- Automatic parking assistant
- 6 airbags
Our verdict on the 3 Series Long Wheelbase
The long-wheelbase 3 Series is one of the most sensible luxury saloons in India. The extra wheelbase fixes the standard car's main weakness for Indian buyers, the rear seat, while the 3 Series' sharp handling largely survives. Both engines are strong, with the petrol the quicker of the two and the diesel the better choice for high mileage. At ₹62.7-64.2 lakh ex-showroom it is about ₹14 lakh cheaper than the 5 Series Long Wheelbase, which has a larger cabin and more comfort features. Local manufacture helps parts pricing and service reach. Note that a heavily redesigned 3 Series has been shown abroad, so check timing with your dealer before buying if you keep cars for a long time.
Good things
- Long wheelbase gives a genuinely roomy back seat.
- Choice of a quick petrol or an efficient diesel.
- Locally built, with BMW's wide dealer network behind it.
Could be better
- Single M Sport trim, so no cheaper entry version.
- Ride on M Sport suspension can feel firm on broken roads.
- A redesigned 3 Series is coming, which may affect resale of the current car.
BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase colours and photos
- M Carbon Black metallic
- Skyscraper Grey metallic
- Mineral White metallic
- Arctic Race Blue metallic
BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase: a driver's saloon with a proper back seat
BMW makes the 3 Series Long Wheelbase at its Chennai plant for India. It shares its engines and much of its cabin with the regular 3 Series, but the wheelbase is 110 mm longer, at 2,961 mm, and almost all of that goes into rear legroom. Overall length is 4,819 mm, so it is still easy to park compared with a 5 Series.
There is one trim, M Sport, with two engines. The 330Li has a 2.0-litre turbo petrol with 258 PS and 400 Nm; the 320Ld has a 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 190 PS and 400 Nm. Both use an eight-speed automatic and drive the rear wheels. Standard kit includes a panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, BMW's curved display and a Harman Kardon sound system.
Petrol or diesel: which 3 Series Long Wheelbase should I buy?
The petrol 330Li is quicker and ₹1.5 lakh cheaper. The diesel 320Ld is more economical on long trips. For under about 15,000 km a year, the petrol makes more sense; for heavy highway use, the diesel.
How does it compare with the 5 Series Long Wheelbase?
The 5 Series is larger, more comfortable and better equipped, but costs about ₹14 lakh more and comes only as a petrol. If the 3 Series' rear seat is enough for you, it is the better value.
Is the long-wheelbase car still good to drive?
Yes. It is slightly less agile than the regular 3 Series, but the steering and balance are still among the best in the class. BMW India does not publish ground clearance; it sits low, so take care over large speed breakers.
Should I wait for the new 3 Series?
A redesigned 3 Series has been shown abroad, but BMW India has not announced its India timing. If you keep cars for many years, ask your dealer about timing and any year-end offers on the current car.
3 Series Long Wheelbase vs rivals
| Spec | BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase₹62.70 – 64.20 lakh | Mercedes-Benz C-Class₹61.20 – 67.00 lakh | Mercedes-Benz CLA₹56.50 – 64.00 lakh | Audi A6₹64.81 – 71.66 lakh | Audi A4₹46.88 – 55.83 lakh |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Fuel | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel | Electric | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 turbo petrol, 2.0 turbo diesel | 1.5 petrol, 2.0 petrol, 2.0 diesel (all mild hybrid) | Single electric motor, rear-wheel drive | 2.0 turbo petrol (45 TFSI) | 2.0 turbo petrol (40 TFSI, 12V mild hybrid) |
| Power | 258 PS (330Li), 190 PS (320Ld) | 200-258 HP | 224-272 HP | 265 PS | 204 hp |
| Gearbox | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic | Automatic | 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic | 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic |
| Mileage | 15.3 km/l (330Li) | — | 542-792 km claimed (WLTP) | 14.11 km/l | 17.4 km/l |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Boot | — | 455 litres | 405 litres | 530 litres | 460 litres |
| Compare | Viewing | 3 Series Long Wheelbase vs C-Class | 3 Series Long Wheelbase vs CLA | 3 Series Long Wheelbase vs A6 | 3 Series Long Wheelbase vs A4 |
BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase mileage
- 1998 cc, PetrolAutomatic
- Claimed (ARAI)
- 15.3 km/l
- 1995 cc, DieselAutomatic
- Claimed (ARAI)
- 15.3 km/l (330Li)
BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase on-road price and EMI
Every state →- New Delhi₹72.12 – 75.44 lakh
- Mumbai₹74.16 – 77.24 lakh
- Bengaluru₹78.37 – 80.24 lakh
- Chennai₹78.39 – 80.25 lakh
- Kolkata₹72.12 – 73.83 lakh
- Bhopal₹74.62 – 77.69 lakh
Estimated for the cheapest and dearest variant we price: road tax, registration, FASTag and insurance. Own-damage insurance varies by insurer.
3 Series Long Wheelbase EMI
₹1,05,345 a month
On ₹62.70 lakh ex-showroom, 20% down (₹12.54 lakh), 5 years at 9.5%. Total interest ₹13.05 lakh.
Loan or cash: which is smarter? →BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase owner reviews
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BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase FAQ
What is the price of the BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase in India?
The BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase costs ₹62.70 to 64.20 lakh ex-showroom, depending on the variant. The on-road price adds road tax, registration and insurance, which depend on your state.
Which fuel options does the BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase come with?
The BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase is sold with petrol and diesel power (2.0 turbo petrol, 2.0 turbo diesel).
What is the mileage of the BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase?
The claimed (ARAI) mileage of the BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase is 15.3 km/l (330Li).
How many people can the BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase seat?
The BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase is a 5-seater sedan.
What is the length of the BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase?
The BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase is 4819 mm long and 1441 mm tall, with a 2961 mm wheelbase.
Does the BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase come with an automatic gearbox?
The BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase is offered with 8-speed automatic gearboxes.
Which BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase variant should I buy?
It depends on your budget and which features you will actually use. Book a 15-minute call with Smart4Wheels and we will tell you which variant is worth it for you, and which to skip.
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