The BMW 3 Series LWB has set a new benchmark for what it is to drive in comfort without compromising the brand’s signature sportiness. Designed particularly for markets such as India and China, where comfort at the back is of prime importance, the BMW 3 Series LWB fills the existing gap between executive saloons and sporty luxury vehicles.
In this exhaustive blog entry, we discuss everything about the BMW 3 Series LWB—its design, performance, interior features, technology, safety, and market influence. This Google-safe and SEO-friendly article provides you with an in-depth 1600-word review of this luxury sedan that boasts the legacy of BMW with an extended flair.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to BMW 3 Series LWB
The BMW 3 Series LWB entered the market with one definite aim in mind: to offer more room and comfort for rear passengers without sacrificing the dynamic driving experience the brand is renowned for. The Long Wheelbase (LWB) variant takes its cue from the standard 3 Series but adds 110 mm of length, the bulk of which comes in the form of more legroom in the rear seat.
This model finds great traction in nations with high chauffeured driving prevalence and comfort being a top factor for customers. In India, the BMW 3 Series LWB takes the place of the standard 3 Series as the luxury sedan of choice among those looking for a balance of performance and roominess.
2. Design and Exterior Features
The BMW 3 Series LWB shares the same aggressive stance and slender lines of the standard variant, but with some carefully crafted design changes that suggest its longer length. Some of the important design points are:
- Signature kidney grille with chrome trim
- Adaptive LED headlamps with BMW Laserlight option
- 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the model
- Aerodynamic, elegant profile
- L-shaped LED tail lights
The increased wheelbase does not adversely affect the proportions of the car; rather, it contributes to its executive standing, giving it a tremendous balance of luxury and sportiness. The lengthened length of the car lends it an almost limousine-like profile, offering both visual beauty and functional benefit in the interior space.
3. Interior and Comfort
Step into the BMW 3 Series LWB, and you are welcomed by a cabin that exudes luxury. The extra wheelbase translates to rear seat occupants having much more legroom, perfect for long trips or chauffeur-driven drivers.
Interior features are:
- Premium Vernasca leather trim with contrast stitch
- Increased legroom and improved seat recline at the rear
- Panoramic sunroof to flood the interior with natural light
- Ambient lighting in various colors
- Tri-zone automatic climate control for personal comfort
- Rear seat entertainment package with optional screens
- Rear blinds (powered or manual)
There’s a definite feel of quality and space that takes the experience to the next level. Rear seat occupants enjoy comfortable seats with great thigh support, armrest-mounted cup holders, and added touches such as USB Type-C charging ports and reading lamps.
4. Performance and Engine Options
Even though it has a longer length, the BMW 3 Series LWB does not sacrifice performance. It is available in India with petrol as well as diesel engine variants:
- BMW 330Li: Equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol motor that churns out 258 hp and 400 Nm torque.
- BMW 320Ld: With a 2.0-liter diesel engine that produces 190 hp and 400 Nm torque.
Both engines come with an 8-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s rear-wheel-drive architecture, which guarantees a driving experience. The 330Li goes from 0-100 km/h in a mere 6.2 seconds, vouching for the fact that added length doesn’t imply sluggishness.
5. Ride and Handling
BMW has tuned the suspension of the BMW 3 Series LWB to provide comfort and handling. The extended wheelbase provides more stability on highways, and the ride is well-behaved even on unpaved roads. The steering is sharp, and body roll is minimal, and it is a joy to drive luxury sedan.
Major ride features:
- Adaptive suspension for customized ride quality
- Drive modes (Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, Sport+)
- Lightweight construction for agility and fuel efficiency
Even with comfort being the emphasis, the BMW 3 Series LWB is still faithful to BMW’s “Sheer Driving Pleasure” tenet. Long drives become a breeze, and urban commutes are smooth and composed.
6. Technology and Infotainment
Techno-conscious customers will appreciate the BMW 3 Series LWB having the latest on offer:
- BMW iDrive 7.0 system with rotary controller
- 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment screen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity
- Gesture control and voice assistant
- Wireless charging and multiple USB ports
- Top-of-the-line Harman Kardon 16-speaker surround sound system
Navigation is hassle-free and intuitive, and the user interface is fast and clean. Passengers get to enjoy in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and onboard SIM card for live traffic updates too.
7. Safety Features
BMW takes no chances when it comes to safety, and the BMW 3 Series LWB is no exception. It is equipped with active and passive safety features such as:
- Multiple airbags for all passengers
- ABS with EBD
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
- Parking Assistant with 360-degree camera and auto-park feature
- Lane Departure Warning and front collision alert
- Crash sensors, ISOFIX mounts, and run-flat tyres
It also features post-collision braking and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), giving it one of the safest cars in its segment.
8. Variants and Pricing
In India, the BMW 3 Series LWB comes in various variants to suit varying tastes:
- BMW 330Li Luxury Line
- BMW 330Li M Sport
- BMW 320Ld Luxury Line
Prices begin around INR 60 lakh (ex-showroom) and may reach up to INR 65-68 lakh based on the variant and additional features. BMW also provides competitive financing and servicing packages for easier ownership and premium experience.
9. Competition in the Segment
The BMW 3 Series LWB is in direct competition with:
- Audi A4 (standard wheelbase)
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Volvo S60
But of course, none of these competitors have a long-wheelbase model available in India, so the BMW 3 Series LWB stands out in terms of rear-seat comfort.
10. Final Thoughts: Why Choose the BMW 3 Series LWB?
If you’re looking for a car that combines the thrill of driving with the comfort of an executive sedan, the BMW 3 Series LWB is hard to beat. It offers:
- Class-leading rear-seat space and legroom
- Powerful and efficient engine options
- A host of modern features and infotainment
- Comprehensive safety tech
- Legendary BMW driving dynamics
It’s the perfect choice for professionals, executives, and anyone who enjoys being driven as much as driving.
Conclusion
The BMW 3 Series LWB is the ideal definition of what contemporary luxury sedans must deliver: space, performance, and elegance. Equipped with an extended wheelbase, potent powertrains, luxurious amenities, and unmatched driving characteristics, it redefines the luxury sedan category. Whether sitting at the helm or in the rear, the BMW 3 Series LWB performs flawlessly on every count.
With growing demand for comfort-focused performance sedans, the BMW 3 Series LWB perfectly fits the profile of Indian buyers. This sedan is more than just a stretched 3 Series—it’s a statement of class and capability.
If you’re in the market for a premium sedan that doesn’t compromise on anything, the BMW 3 Series LWB should be at the top of your list.