BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase

The 2025 BMW 3 Series LWB in India is offered with both petrol and diesel engine options, paired with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission.

The petrol variant, the BMW 330Li M Sport, is powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder engine producing 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque. This engine allows the sedan to accelerate from 0-100 kmph in a brisk 6.2 seconds. Power is channeled to the rear wheels. The diesel variant, the 320Ld M Sport (and M Sport Pro), is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine generating 188 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. This variant also features an 8-speed automatic transmission and is rear-wheel drive. Both engines offer a strong balance of performance and refinement, providing ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. The Driving Experience Control switch allows drivers to select various modes (ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport) to tailor the driving characteristics.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 BMW 3 Series LWB is engineered to deliver a balanced and engaging ride and handling experience, characteristic of a BMW, while prioritizing comfort due to its extended wheelbase. It features a well-tuned suspension setup, with independent MacPherson strut at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear.

The electric power steering is precise and offers good feedback, making the 3 Series LWB responsive and easy to maneuver. Despite its longer wheelbase, the car maintains a commendable level of agility and composure, especially when navigating corners. The ride quality is generally plush, absorbing most road imperfections effectively, which is a significant advantage for rear-seat passengers on Indian roads. The Driving Experience Control switch allows drivers to adjust the suspension, steering, and throttle response to suit their preferences, offering a versatile driving experience that ranges from comfortable cruising to spirited performance.

The interior of the 2025 BMW 3 Series LWB is a luxurious and technologically advanced cabin designed to offer supreme comfort, especially for rear passengers. The cabin features high-quality materials, including Leather Vernasca Cognac upholstery and Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite interior trim strips, creating a sophisticated and inviting ambiance.

A central highlight is the BMW Curved Display, which seamlessly integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 14.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen, providing a futuristic and immersive user experience. The extended wheelbase directly translates into segment-leading rear-seat space, with enhanced legroom and headroom. The rear seats are designed for first-class comfort, featuring soft cushioning and head cushions. Creature comforts include tri-zone automatic climate control with active filters, electrically adjustable front seats with extendable thigh support, a panoramic sunroof, and six dimmable ambient lighting options. Boot space is a practical 480 litres.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 BMW 3 Series LWB is powered by BMW's latest iDrive Operating System 8.5, presented through the impressive BMW Curved Display. This setup provides a highly intuitive, customizable, and visually stunning user experience. The system can be controlled via touch, the iDrive Controller, steering-wheel-mounted controls, or advanced voice commands through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster offers various customizable displays for driving information, navigation, and performance metrics. The 14.9-inch central control display supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. A premium Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 16 speakers delivers a rich and immersive audio experience. Additional features include an adaptive navigation system with 3D maps, BMW Head-Up Display (available), Bluetooth connectivity, multiple USB ports, and a wireless charging pad. The system's refined UI and UX enhance overall connectivity and user interaction.

The exterior design of the 2025 BMW 3 Series LWB retains the familiar and elegant silhouette of the 3 Series, now with an elongated profile that emphasizes its enhanced spaciousness. It features BMW's recognizable kidney grille and the same aggressive bumper design as the outgoing model, complemented by new LED headlamps and DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that give it a fresh and modern look.

The extended wheelbase is subtly integrated, contributing to a longer and more sophisticated side profile. The LWB model also gets Aluminium Satinated exterior trims and a gloss black rear diffuser, adding to its premium appeal. The L-shaped LED taillights with a three-dimensional optic complete the dynamic rear design. Available in metallic paintworks such as Mineral White, Skyscraper Grey, M Carbon Black, and Arctic Race Blue, the 3 Series LWB presents a commanding and elegant stance. Its dimensions are approximately 4823 mm in length, 1827 mm in width, and 1441 mm in height, with a substantial wheelbase of 2961 mm.

Safety is a paramount consideration in the 2025 BMW 3 Series LWB, which is engineered with a robust chassis and a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features. It has received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, underscoring its strong occupant protection.

The 3 Series LWB is equipped with six airbags as standard, providing extensive passive protection. Active safety features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Traction Control System (TCS), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer, and crash sensor. It also boasts an extensive suite of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) as part of the BMW Driving Assistant, which includes blind spot detection, lane change warning, and collision alerts. ISOFIX child seat mounts are also standard, ensuring child safety.

The 2025 BMW 3 Series LWB operates in the competitive premium executive sedan segment in India, facing off against several established rivals.

Its primary competitors include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A4. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers a luxurious and technologically advanced cabin with a strong emphasis on comfort. The Audi A4 provides a refined driving experience with a well-appointed interior. The 3 Series LWB differentiates itself with its class-leading rear-seat space, dynamic driving characteristics, and the prestige of the BMW brand, coupled with local production benefits.

Other indirect rivals could include the Volvo S90 and potentially higher-end variants of other sedans. The 3 Series LWB's unique blend of extended comfort, performance, and advanced features makes it a compelling choice for buyers seeking a versatile and premium sedan in the Indian market.

The 2025 BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase is a highly compelling offering that successfully caters to the specific demands of the Indian luxury car market. By combining the legendary driving dynamics of the 3 Series with significantly enhanced rear-seat comfort and space, it creates a unique proposition. The updated design, advanced infotainment system, and comprehensive safety features further add to its appeal.

While its price point is in line with the premium segment, the local production helps make it a competitive option. For discerning buyers in India who value both the thrill of driving a BMW and the comfort of being chauffeured, the 2025 BMW 3 Series LWB stands out as an outstanding and highly desirable choice, truly offering the best of both worlds.