The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine is the latest avatar of the highly revered 3 Series sedan to make its way to India. Being a recent addition to the BMW lineup, the 3 Series Gran Limousine brings with it the newest in terms of design and technology when it comes to BMW cars, while still retaining its character trait of being a driver’s car. Not just that, but now that the 3 Series is a Gran Limousine, you get more space in the back half of the cabin, which is sure to wow the chauffeur-driven audience, who also don’t mind occasionally getting behind the wheel. So, what should you be keeping in mind before bringing the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine home? Here’s everything you need to know.
BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Specifications
BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Engine & Transmission | ||
Engine | 2.0-litre turbo-petrol | 2.0-litre diesel |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
Power | 258 PS | 190 PS |
Torque | 400 Nm | 400 Nm |
Mileage | 15.39 km/l | 19.61 km/l |
BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Dimensions | ||
Length | 4823 mm | |
Width | 2068 mm | |
Height | 1441 mm | |
Wheelbase | 2961 mm | |
Boot Space | 480 litres | |
BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Safety | ||
Feature | Variant Available on | |
Airbags | 6 Standard airbags | |
ABS with EBD | Standard | |
Rear Parking Sensors | Standard | |
All Wheel Disc Brakes | Standard | |
Reverse Parking Camera | Standard | |
Electronic Stability Programme | Standard | |
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System | Standard | |
ISOFIX Mounts | Standard | |
Hill Hold Assist | Standard | |
Hill Descent Control | Standard | |
Why should you consider the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine?
The 3 Series Gran Limousine is a recent addition to the BMW lineup in India, and it addresses one very key aspect that a lot of 3 Series owners wanted: more space in the rear. However, this has resulted in the discontinuation of the regular wheelbase 3 Series sedan, though if you really want the shorter BMW 3 Series, there is always the racy M340i. The longer 3 Series Gran Limousine does retain the driving dynamics of its regular wheelbase sibling, but ultimately it’s a nice blend between space in the second row and the handling of a BMW.
Space
The most obvious benefit of the 3 Series sedan getting the “Gran Limousine” moniker added to its name is the abundance of space for rear seat passengers. It was always a touch-and-go situation in the regular 3 Series, but in the Gran Limousine, the rear seat does have that added lounge effect. With the increase in length, the boot space now stands at 480 litres, which should do fine on most occasions. Ultimately, the 3 Series Gran Limousine will appeal to a lot more people who are not that keen on getting behind the wheel and do not want to take the next step to the 5 Series.
Looks
If there is one thing that is very distinct about a BMW, it’s the way it looks. The 3 Series Gran Limousine has the typical aggressive front-end styling that we have seen on other BMWs before, and those that are not fans of the vertically elongated kidney grille that has appeared on higher-end BMWs will appreciate the regular grille on this car. There are character lines all over its body, and they add a sense of sportiness to the overall looks of the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine. The rear-end of the sedan gets intricate styling details as well, with sleek LED tail lamps, a subtle diffuser, and twin exhaust pipes giving it an appeal of its own.
Handling
This has always been the trademark signature of any BMW, and in the 3 Series Gran Limousine too, you get to sense that. The steering is direct and feels very engaging to drive, and with it being rear-wheel drive, you can have some fun too. It’s not the same level of fun as the shorter 3 Series, but you in now way end up feeling that it’s now a BMW.
Interior
Another great bit about the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine is its interior. The design is reminiscent of modern BMWs, with sleek elements making the cabin feel wide and spacious. There are multiple upholstery options, but the best bit is that BMW offers genuine leather interiors, which feel thoroughly premium.
Why shouldn’t you consider the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine?
The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine is the perfect car in its class for those who are enthusiasts, but it comes at a cost by not excelling in other areas. While being a premium vehicle, it does well, but when it comes to outright technology and luxury, it’s behind the competition. If you prefer a bit of technology in your vehicle and want to experience the most amount of luxury that comparable amounts of money can buy, you should look elsewhere.
Rear-seat Technology
The BMW 3 Series has loads of space for two passengers in the back, but for the money, there is very little tech on offer. There is no separate screen for the rear passengers, nor do you get any gizmos such as cooled or massaging seats. Not just that, the sedan misses out on sun blinds of any kind, whether manual or electric. This becomes a big hindrance if you are looking for a bit of privacy when you travel on public roads.
Not a five-seater
Despite being a bigger sedan than before, the 3 Series Gran Limousine is very comfortable, but it isn’t the best at being a five-seater. The middle seat in the rear doesn’t get the right bolstering due to more space being given to the seats on either side. This means that the fifth passenger can’t be there for longer drives. There is also the huge transmission tunnel in the centre, which makes things further uncomfortable.
BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Variants
As far as the variant list of the BMW 3 Series Limousine goes, things have been kept pretty simple. There is only one variant, with the option of a petrol or diesel powertrain. Both engines can only be had with an 8-speed automatic transmission, so the only choice that you have to make is between the performance of the petrol engine and the frugality of the diesel engine. However, when it comes to the cost, the diesel version is Rs 1.6 lakh more expensive than the petrol, and while that’s not a substantial amount for the price of the car, it is an added advantage when you factor in fuel bills.
BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Variants & Ex-Showroom Price | ||
Variant | Powertrain | Ex-Showroom Price |
330Li M Sport | Rs. 57.90 lakh | |
320Ld M Sport | Diesel automatic | Rs. 59.50 lakh |
Best BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Variant to Buy
By offering only one variant, with the only difference being a petrol or diesel engine, BMW has offered the best of both worlds. In essence, both the petrol and diesel versions of the 3 Series Gran Limousine are perfect for a particular set of people. If you value added performance and refinement and will be driving frequently, the petrol version is the way to go.Do keep in mind that the petrol engine is less efficient than the diesel engine, and it will be more expensive to run in the long term. The diesel engine is for those who want low running costs and don’t mind sacrificing performance, as they will mostly be chauffeur driven.
Also reads: Best BMW Cars In India, Complete Guide to Buying a BMW 5 Series
Summary
Ultimately, the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine is a stretched 3 Series sedan that, while offering added space, has similar driving dynamics to the shorter sedan. That’s the biggest advantage it has over its rivals in the segment, which includes other German carmakers. If you are looking for the most luxurious experience, then the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine does fall short of some expectations.
