BMW 320d LWB facelift India worth, efficiency, options evaluate and take a look at drive – Introduction

BMW is doubling down on its long-wheelbase sedan technique in India, and it’s not stunning to see why. We’re a largely chauffeur-driven lot in spite of everything, extra so on the luxurious finish of the market. The proof is all there; the just lately launched new-gen 7 Sequence now solely is available in a single, prolonged wheelbase, whereas the 5 Sequence and 6 Sequence GT will each get replaced by a long-wheelbase 5 Sequence subsequent 12 months. Credit score should go to Mercedes for first bringing this concept decrease down the posh ladder with the ultra-popular E-Class LWB, however it was BMW who then struck gold by taking it decrease nonetheless with 2021’s 3 Sequence Gran Limousine.

And you recognize it has been a large hit, as a result of two years on, it’s time for the three Gran Limo to get a facelift, and BMW, it could appear, has quietly killed off the short-wheelbase 3 Sequence, which now you can solely purchase in scorching, six-cylinder M340i guise. So, for all intents and functions, if you need a 3 Sequence, the Gran Limousine is it. Was this the suitable determination, and does the facelift convey sufficient updates to make the Gran Limo extra fascinating?

BMW 3 Sequence Gran Limousine: exterior design

The pre-facelift look of this G20 3 Sequence felt like a momentary departure from the then-established design language of the 5, 6 and seven Sequence, with its single-L formed tail-lamps and notched headlamps – presumably a name again to the beloved E46 3 Sequence. It seemed prefer it may need been the beginning of a brand new route for BMW, however it was quickly outmoded by the even-more-radical cues of the X7, iX and, extra just lately, the brand new 7 Sequence.

The facelifted 3 Sequence LWB will get a redesigned kidney grille and new LED DRLs.

This facelift does a great job of aligning itself with the brand new design, but in addition maintains a welcome quantity of restraint. As an illustration, the kidney grille has been given a gentle redesign, however it hasn’t mushroomed into the buck-toothed extra you’ll discover on the entrance of a 4 Sequence. The headlamps haven’t gone down the ‘break up’ route just like the X7 and seven Sequence both, however they’ve ditched the signature notch at their base in favour of recent inverted C-shape LED Daytime Working Lamp, very similar to these within the new BMW X1, whereas on the rear, you’ll discover darker glass surrounds for the tail-lamp lenses.

Additionally price noting is, at launch at the very least, each engines – 330Li petrol and 320Ld diesel – will solely come within the extra aggressive-looking M Sport trim. Whereas the sporty entrance bumper, five-spoke 18-inch wheels and dramatic fake diffuser on the rear would have labored effectively on the standard-wheelbase automotive, they’re a bit at odds with the stretched Gran Limousine. A extra stately Luxurious Line trim would have suited this automotive higher, and maybe it should come at a later stage.

M Sport trim package deal consists of components just like the five-spoke, 18-inch wheels and pretend rear diffuser.

A fast phrase on the boot, which at 480 litres, appears massive sufficient on paper. Nevertheless, due to the cumbersome tray constructed to accommodate the spare tyre (worldwide fashions don’t get a spare), the usable area you’re left with is kind of shallow, and squeezing in two massive suitcases might be a good match.

BMW 3 Sequence Gran Limousine: inside and options

We regularly discovered the inside of the pre-facelift 3 Sequence to be neat and useful, however uninteresting, and in some locations, not notably luxurious. That’s one thing they’ve remedied to an awesome take care of this new model, which has inherited the huge curved display screen from the iX and i4. The panel is break up right into a 12.3-inch driver’s show, and an infotainment touchscreen that’s now an enormous 14.9 inches. This big, upright curved panel doesn’t even impede your view as a lot as you’d suppose, because the sprint has been carved right down to accommodate it. The impact it has is outstanding, with vibrant, crisp graphics and a measurement, scale and unconventional TV-like format that provides critical wow issue to the cabin.

The three Sequence LWB facelift now will get BMW’s curved display screen, beforehand seen on the iX and i4.

The newest BMW OS 8 software program is beautifully useful too, with easy-to-read graphics, neatly organized and customisable widgets for numerous capabilities and neatly introduced knowledge. Contact sensitivity is extremely excessive too, which means you gained’t end up prodding at it a number of occasions whereas driving. There’s even cool stuff like a totally animated 3D mannequin of the automotive, within the appropriate color, whose lights, indicators, doorways and even spinning wheels correspond to what you do in actual time – whereas additionally supplying you with journey knowledge.

It is so good that for the primary time in a contemporary BMW, I discovered myself utilizing the touchscreen and never the i-Drive click-wheel controller, which has been eliminated altogether in some new BMWs, however fortunately nonetheless options within the 3 Sequence. What isn’t round anymore is a gear lever, which has been lowered to a tiny toggle change, very similar to within the Porsche 911.

Conventional gear lever has been omitted in favour of a toggle change.

Aside from decreasing visible muddle barely, this doesn’t appear to serve any useful function, however as an alternative, appears like a chunk of driver involvement has been taken away; you may now not faucet up and right down to shift gears manually, as an illustration. They’ve additionally eliminated most buttons from the redesigned centre console, shifting capabilities like air con to the touchscreen as an alternative, which is an annoyance whereas driving, regardless of how responsive they’ve made it.

High quality has been given a bump up, particularly across the cockpit space, with better-looking and feeling plastics throughout. They’ve additionally made refined design modifications like softening the perimeters of the AC vents and the trim round them, so issues don’t look fairly as industrial as they did within the earlier automotive. Aside from the aforementioned display screen, that is nonetheless a well-equipped automotive, with the likes of a Harman Kardon audio system, panoramic sunroof and three-zone local weather management; maybe including a 360-degree digicam would have rounded issues off properly.

The three Sequence LWB continues to supply more room on the rear when in comparison with its rivals.

The actual promoting level stays the again seat, which has remained largely unchanged. Due to the 110mm longer wheelbase, now at 2,961mm, area is vastly greater than you’ll discover in any rival automotive. The seatback is a bit upright for what’s being touted as a limousine, however it isn’t a lot of a hassle when you’re in place and on the transfer; plus, there are delicate headrest cushions to bury your head into. A giant miss right here was including rear window sunglasses, which might have actually helped maintain warmth out with the bigger home windows.

BMW 3 Sequence Gran Limousine: engine, gearbox and efficiency

The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine stays unchanged and places out 190hp and 400Nm.

With no change to the powertrains on provide, nor to the chassis, the driving expertise is just about the identical as earlier than. The 330Li makes use of a 258hp, 400Nm, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, whereas the 320Ld that we’re driving at the moment makes use of a 190hp, 400Nm, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. In case you’re questioning, the BMW 3 Sequence Gran Limousine gasoline effectivity on the ARAI cycle is 15.39kpl for the petrol and 19.61kpl for the diesel.

Punchy diesel powertrain gives a large unfold of energy throughout the rev vary.

With extra manufacturers abandoning diesel yearly, it’s now refreshing to see a brand new automotive being launched with a diesel engine in any respect. The B47 2.0-litre diesel engine is likely one of the punchiest round, and fits BMW’s sporty driving ethos completely. In Sport mode, and with the sensible ZF 8-speed automated gearbox at its most ferocious, it’s really a number of enjoyable, revving surprisingly freely with a large unfold of energy. It’s even nice at loping gently down the freeway in a excessive gear. It’s maybe not the quietest engine, however little or no of that’s felt contained in the automotive because of nice insulation.

Regardless of not being as sharp as the usual 3 Sequence, it’s dynamically far tidier than most different rivals.

An enormous enchancment price mentioning is the digital driver’s show, which now has a lot larger and higher graphics. The three extremely stylised digital instrument cluster designs are much more vibrant and animated, making the speedometer and tachometer simpler to learn out of the nook of your eye, in contrast to the closely criticised earlier model, which required you to shift your focus to them whereas driving.

Dynamically, no, it’s not fairly as sharp because the standard-wheelbase 3 Sequence. It feels a bit softer sprung throughout, and there’s some trace of that added size when going round corners. That stated, you could possibly nonetheless name it a driver’s automotive, with dynamics far tidier than most different rivals. The steering is of specific observe, with unbelievable weight and response in Sport mode, but handy lightness in Consolation, and although there’s a little bit of physique roll, there’s additionally a tautness and stability to the chassis that makes it inherently pleasurable.

The three Sequence LWB facelift has sufficient floor clearance to sort out huge velocity breakers.

Experience consolation is superb, strolling a neat line between softness and physique management, however the 18-inch wheels do give a slight lumpiness over tough patches. And don’t fear about scraping the stomach on huge velocity breakers; there’s sufficient floor clearance for that to not be a problem.

BMW 3 Sequence Gran Limousine: worth and verdict

Whereas the driver-centric sports activities sedan is one thing that holds a particular place within the hearts of fanatics, relating to those that really personal luxurious sedans in India, it’s clear an extended wheelbase is the best way to go. A lot in order that BMW, whose very model ethos is steeped in driving pleasure and dynamics, has principally turned its quintessential sports activities sedan right into a stretched limo for the chauffeur-driven.

The three Sequence LWB facelift has nice trip consolation and physique management.

The excellent news is that they’ve nonetheless managed to retain a few of that magic from behind the wheel, in case you’re so inclined, and with the up to date inside and infotainment system, it feels a complete lot extra particular. There are surprisingly few updates to the all-important rear seat, however then, not a lot wanted altering, did it? And on the surface, the design modifications have been comparatively refined. Fortunately.

At Rs 57.90 lakh-59.50 lakh (ex-showroom), sure, this prices a substantial quantity greater than the petrol-only Audi A4 (Rs 43.12 lakh-50.99 lakh), however then you’re paying for the stretched wheelbase. What’s fascinating is that it’s on par with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (Rs 57.20 lakh-Rs 63 lakh), which is a standard-wheelbase automotive. We anticipate the up to date BMW 3 Sequence Gran Limousine might be an enormous success as a result of, even at this worth, it’s a formulation that merely works right here in India. With most making the change to SUVs today, it’s good to see that sedan traditionalists are nonetheless being effectively catered to.

Additionally see:

2023 BMW 3 Sequence Gran Limousine video evaluate