- BMW 3-Series Long Wheelbase, 2013
At the international automobile trade fair Auto China 2012 in Beijing, the German premium automobile manufacturer BMW will not only be presenting its new edition of the BMW 3-Series sedan, but also unveiling a model variant tailored specifically to the requirements of Chinese customers. The new BMW 3-Series sedan with the long wheelbase is a fascinating marriage of elegant and commanding design and a luxurious interior ambience. Its independent character is also underscored in the rear by the most generous and comfortable space in the competitive field. Besides the long wheelbase BMW 5-Series sedan, it is now the second model of the brand to be offered exclusively on the Chinese automobile market and produced in Shenyang. At the same time, the new, globally available BMW 3-Series sedan with the normal wheelbase enjoys its highest ever status as the sportiest model on the segment. BMW is therefore honing its alignment to the expectations of the various target groups on the Chinese automobile market and promising the driving pleasure so characteristic of this brand in either an emphatically exclusive or consistently dynamic design.
Both variants of the new BMW 3-Series sedan were developed together in Germany and exhibit the typical basic properties of the premium automobiles from this brand: aesthetic design, ultra-modern engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, and progressive equipment, like the BMW Head-Up Display, which is unique in this class. Auto China 2012 will also be presenting the BMW ActiveHybrid 3. This full hybrid model of the new BMW 3-Series will likewise be available on the Chinese automobile market before the year is out.
The combination of pioneering technology from Germany and exclusive production in China will lend an unmistakable character to the new BMW 3-Series sedan with the long wheelbase. Tailored specifically to the wishes of Chinese customers, independence is guaranteed by the 110 mm longer wheelbase. These elongated proportions not only increase the knee and leg space in the rear, but also contribute greatly to the elegance and presence of the sedan. With its optimised travel comfort and look, the new, long wheelbase BMW 3-Series sedan has everything needed to convince the serious business traveller and provide hours of leisurely driving pleasure either alone or with all of the family. Additional accents can be set with the BMW Lines, offered for the first time in China, whose precisely compiled design and equipment features underscore either the progressive or the luxurious character of the new, long wheelbase BMW 3-Series sedan.
The new, long wheelbase BMW 3-Series sedan is available in three engine versions, delivering 135 kW / 184 bhp in the BMW 320Li, 180 kW / 245 bhp in the BMW 328Li, or 225 kW / 306 bhp in the BMW 335Li. Both the two four-cylinder variants and the top model with its six-cylinder engine are fitted as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Besides the unusually high efficiency of the engines and gears, the extensive BMW EfficientDynamics technology also contributes to an excellent relationship between driving performance and fuel consumption in these models developed exclusively for the Chinese automobile market. The standard equipment includes e.g. brake energy regeneration, the automatic engine start-stop function, and the ECO PRO mode, which can be activated at the driving experience switch.
The new, long wheelbase BMW 3-Series sedan will be produced by the new Tiexi plant at the Shenyang site. Production proceeds according to the strict quality standards applied to the whole global production network of the BMW Group and in close collaboration with local production partners and parts suppliers. In Shenyang, the BMW Group has been producing automobiles since 2003 with its joint venture partner Brilliance. In order to increase the production capacity, both partners recently passed a motion to invest about a billion euros in both the present and the additional plant at the Shenyang site. This will allow the company to meet the constantly growing demand for premium automobiles in China. In 2011, China was the world's third largest sales market for the BMW Group.
Design: dynamically elongated proportions, elegant lines, precise details.
The BMW 3-Series is the most-sold premium automobile in the world. Based on the sixth generation BMW 3-Series sedan, a new model with a longer wheelbase will now be unveiled that has been developed exclusively for the Chinese automobile market. Its body incorporates the design language of the new BMW 3-Series sedan as an independent interpretation, lending intensity to its elegance and luxury. The proportions characteristic of the brand are shaped by the short overhangs, the long engine compartment, the back-set passenger compartment, and the long wheelbase. Compared with the new BMW 3-Series sedan, both the length of the vehicle (4734 mm) and its wheelbase (2920 mm) were each extended by 110 mm, with the width (1811 mm) and height (1455 mm) following suit.
Balled propulsive power and presence find expression in the design of the vehicle's front section. The contours of the engine compartment lid run in a V shape towards the BMW kidney grille placed right at the front. The contours of the headlamps reach towards the kidney grille, and, together with it, form a horizontal graphical unit that emphasises the width of the vehicle. A hallmark of the brand, the twin circular headlamps present across their tops a partially occluding trim panel, giving rise to the characteristic look of concentration. Depending on the model, chrome elements under the headlamp units and at the transition to the BMW kidney grille underscore the high quality claims of the front view.
Also the air inlet, divided into three segments and embedded between distinctively moulded surfaces, presents a conspicuously wide design, providing a marked distinction from the front view of the BMW 3-Series sedan with the normal wheelbase. Its independent contours are aligned to the look of BMW models from higher segments. At the outer edges of the side inlets, so called air curtains in the form of vertical openings serve to optimise the flow of air in the wheel arches.
A charming play of light and shade effects are provided by the beefy wheel arches, precision-fitted surfaces, and the interaction between the hallmark bead line at the height of the door opener and a suggestive second character line over the front wheel arches. In the characteristic language of BMW, the design presents authentic signs of this sedan's properties. These include a dynamic, wedge-shaped side view and its vibrant run of surfaces representative of marked agility. The beefy rear wheel arches point to the wide track and the drive power acting on the rear axle.
All lines and surfaces have been tuned precisely to the specific dimensions of the new BMW 3-Series sedan with the long wheelbase. The harmony of proportions characteristic of the BMW 3-Series is therefore maintained. At the same time, the elongated appearance of the side view communicates an elegance known from higher vehicle segments. A new interpretation takes the form of the BMW hallmark Hofmeister kink at the rear end of the side window surrounds. For the first time, the chrome frame proceeds in a straight line from the counterthrust at the base of the C column towards the rear, thereby extending the horizontal run of the window cavity covers. This unmistakable attribute underscores the elegantly elongated side line and hence the extended space.
The rear view of the new, long wheelbase BMW 3-Series sedan is dominated by the horizontal lines and the beefy wheel arches. Also the L-shaped rear lights on the outer sides merge harmoniously into the overall look, emphasising the wide track and therefore the stable roadholding of the vehicle. On the six-cylinder BMW 335Li, this impression is boosted further by the double-flow exhaust system's tailpipes placed at the outer edge. One specific attribute of the new, long wheelbase BMW 3-Series sedan is the chrome trim arranged above the number plate surround on the luggage compartment lid and serving as a link between the rear light units. This is supplemented with additional chrome trim at the bottom of the rear apron.
Interior: driver orientation, luxurious ambience, excellent travel comfort in the rear.
The interior of the new, long wheelbase BMW 3-Series sedan intensifies the experience of the hallmark driving pleasure and the premium character. Designed for enhanced driver orientation, the cockpit presents an instrument cluster based on black panel technology and a steering wheel with multifunction buttons. The centre console is inclined slightly towards the driver, presenting all controls at optimised ergonomic positions. The engine can be activated at the press of the start-stop button as soon as the radio-operated key is inside the vehicle. Next to the gear selector switch for the automatic transmission, there are two cup holders, the driving experience switch for individual setups, and the controller for the iDrive operating system, which also includes the free-standing onboard monitor. The high-resolution flat-screen design optimises the selection and control of vehicle, infotainment, and navigation functions. Fitted as standard, the automatic air conditioning includes temperature and ventilation control that can be set separately for the driver and front passenger sides.
The luxurious ambience is borne by high-quality materials, precision workmanship, and the interior surfaces matched perfectly to the choice of design and colours. In particular the rear presents a travel comfort that is yet to meet its match on the vehicle segment. Designed for enhanced comfort, the rear presents a row of single seats that are setting a new standard for available space. The new BMW 3-Series sedan with the long wheelbase offers particularly convenient access and generous leg space for rear passengers. The knee space is 90 mm longer than in the new BMW 3-Series sedan with the normal wheelbase and is therefore the best in the competitive field.
The large number of equipment features in the new, long wheelbase BMW 3-Series sedan underscores its orientation to comfort. The rear presents a centre armrest with integrated compartment and two cup holders, two illuminated vanity mirrors folding out of the roof liner, and BMW Individual reading lights. Also fitted in the rear are ashtrays integrated in the door trim panels and a switch unit that can adjust the front passenger seat. Moreover, the sedan is fitted with a lighting package, including ambient light, and roller sun blinds that are opened and closed electrically on the rear window and mechanically on the side windows.
The safety equipment in the sedan, besides the front and side airbags and side curtain head airbags for both rows of seats, also includes ISOFIX child seat mountings in the rear. The 480-litre luggage compartment can be expanded when needed at the 40:20:40 split and folding rear backrest. In conjunction with the optional Comfort Access, the rear lid can be opened remotely.
BMW Luxury Line: refined elegance and exclusive flair.
The new, long wheelbase BMW 3-Series sedan embodies premium quality, driving pleasure, and travel comfort on a level unique to this vehicle segment. Its character is defined by pioneering technology and a luxurious ambience - and both can receive additional emphasis from the BMW Luxury und Modern Lines, offered for the first time in China as an alternative to the basic version. Each of these characterisations is communicated to the full effect by the precisely matched design and equipment features. Likewise the dynamic alignment of the normal wheelbase sports sedan can be lent even greater emphasis from a BMW Line. The BMW Sport Line is offered for the new BMW 3-Series sedan.
As an extra highlight underscoring the classical elegance of the new, long wheelbase BMW 3-Series sedan, the BMW Luxury Line includes exclusive 17" multispoke light-alloy wheels; B column covers and window cavities in High-Gloss Black; grille bars; inlays for the air inlets and tailpipe trims in chrome; and additional applications on the side sills. The inscription "Luxury" can be found on both the side panels and the door sill cover strips. Also the interior lends expression to the exclusive character in the form e.g. of its leather trim in one of three colours; a sports leather steering wheel; chrome surrounds for the centre console and the air conditioning and audio controls; interior strips of fine inlaid Walnut, and an accentuation strip of Glossy Pearl Chrome. In addition, the Luxury Line sedan provides user-definable colour schemes for the welcome and ambient light. A chrome trim can also be found on its vehicle key.
BMW Modern Line: natural charisma, progressive style.
Likewise available for the new, long wheelbase BMW 3-Series sedan, the Modern Line presents design and equipment features that lend expression to the sedan's style, testifying to its efficiency, sustainable quality, and pioneering technology. This is carried by refined and modern accentuations like tailpipe trims; grille bars; air inlet bars; window frames; aluminium satinated applications on the side sills and roof trim; the B column covers and window cavities in High-Gloss Blach; and the 17" light-alloy V spoke wheels. For the BMW 335Li, the Modern Line also includes 18" turbine design light-alloy wheels.
A particularly harmonious ambience is provided by the light-coloured dashboard and the Dark Oyster steering wheel, supporting a consistent brightness in the interior without stark contrasts. This progressive charisma is underscored further by the Black or Oyster leather trim with decorative seams and the interior strips of Fineline wood with chrome accentuation. Additional features of this BMW Line are the inscription "Modern" on the side panels and door sill cover strips; user-definable colour schemes for the welcoming and ambient light; the chrome surrounds for the air conditioning and audio controls; and the vehicle key unit in Oyster.
BMW Sport Line: dynamic presence, striking accentuations.
Available for the BMW 3-Series sedan with the normal wheelbase, the Sport Line presents striking High-Gloss Black accentuations, underscoring the dynamic presence of this new model. Eight highly stylised, black grille bars lend the front a commanding appearance of particularly sporty flair. The black inlays in the front apron visually magnify the air inlets and underscore the beefy wheel arches. There, the suitable sporty elegance is carried by the 17" light-alloy double-spoke wheels. Like the B column covers and the window cavities; also the exterior mirrors are available in High-Gloss Black. The visual impression of rear width is boosted by the black decorative trim along the bottom edge of the rear lights. The tailpipe trim presents a Black Chrome finish.
The sporty exclusive flair in the interior finds expression in the contrasts between the black and red accentuations. The sporty flair in the cockpit is underscored by red decorative rings and red chrono scaling on the circular instruments, red decorative seams on the sports steering wheel, and High-Gloss Black trim with a coral red accentuation strip. The standard sports seats in leather trim are available in one of three colours with exclusive accentuations. These are joined by the chrome surrounds for the air conditioning and audio controls and the inscription "Sport" on the door sill cover strips. The distinguishing feature of the Sport Line, the ignition key, is black with a red decorative inlay.
