The new 3 series
sedan, and I am talking about the BMW 330i which was launched sometime back, was
already 76 mm longer than its predecessor at 4,709 mm, 16 mm wider at 1,827mm
and just 1 mm taller at 1,442 mm. The car’s wheelbase too was longer by 41mm at
2,851 mm and increased track widths (front: + 43 mm, rear: 21 mm).
Now
this Gran Limousine has a length of 4819mm as compared to the 330i’s 4709mm.
It’s width is just the same as the 330i at 1827mm and is 1mm shorter at 1441mm
compared to the 330i’s 1442mm. Coming to the wheelbase, the Gran Limousine has
a wheelbase of 2961mm as compared to the 330i’s 2851mm. The Gran Limousine has
a turning radius of 11.8metres.
The
Limousine version and regular 3 series petrol models have the same two-litre
four-cylinder petrol engine that produces an output of 258 hp @ 5000rpm and
maximum torque of 400 Nm at 1,550 – 4,400 rpm. The engine is mated to an eight-speed
Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission. While the regular 3 series accelerates
from 0 – 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, this one does in 6.2 seconds.
The
BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine will be the longest and most spacious car in its
segment. In the front you get to see the large BMW kidney grille with single
surround for the two elements and LED headlights with extended features. It has
short overhangs, a long bonnet and a set-back passenger compartment. There is a
distinctive spoiler and slim three-dimensional L- shaped LED taillights along
with two large freeform tailpipes. ‘T’ shaped air intakes add an eye-catching
design flourish to the front and rear.
The
rear doors are 110 mm longer than those of the BMW 3 Series sedan.
EXTERIORS
Since
it’s not much different from the 330i, let me quickly take you through the
exterior features and design elements. The Luxury Line model has the large BMW
kidney grille with vertical slats in chrome. Then there are entry sills with
BMW designation. There are exclusive design features in chrome at the rear and
front. Like in the BMW 330i here too the active air stream kidney grille knows
when engine, brakes and other components need air and automatically opens the
air vents. If no further air intake is required, it closes them again. The car
also has smooth underbody paneling, air deflectors on the front wheel arches
and vertical aeroblades, which form a unit with the rear spoiler tip to channel
the airflow around the rear of the car to best effect. The alloy wheels here
are surprising only 17 inches, though the 330i has 18 inches wheels. The 225/50
R17 tyres are runflat.
INTERIORS
Among
the high points of the interiors are the very comfortable seats both in front
and rear. Since the car is longer than the normal 3 series, it results in an
extra 43 mm of legroom in the rear compartment. Mind you, these rear seats have
been newly designed. Practical stowage areas further enhance the comfort and
convenience factor. The luggage compartment can swallow 480 litres of gear,
including as many as three golfbags. Automatic operation of tailgate allows for
handsfree opening / closing.
The
driver and the front passenger seats have electrical seat adjustment with
memory function for driver. It has newly designed headrest and central
armrest and the roomy map pockets are
integrated into the front seat backrests. The Limousine version gets panorama
glass sunroof.
The
car comes with automatic 3-zone air conditioning with rear AC vents and
controls. With regards to BMW ConnectedDrive, you get Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto, telephony with wireless charging and the Harman Kardon surround sound
system with 16 speakers.
The
BMW Virtual Assistant in the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine gets a lot of job done
through voice commands. Now ordering your car around has become a vogue of
sorts. Uttering the short prompt “Hey/Hi/Hello BMW” allows drivers to access
various vehicle functions and obtain information simply by speaking. Saying
“Hey BMW, I’m cold” will prompt the car to adjust the temperature inside. One
unique feature over other digital assistants is that drivers can give this one
a name of their choice (for eg, “Hey Charlie”). There are a plethora of verbal
commands that this car follows.
You
also get rear view camera with park distance control for both front and rear,
parking assistant with lateral parking and reversing assistant, surround view
cameras with 360 degrees view, etc.
The micro-activated carbon particulate filter
ensures clean and fresh air inside the cabin.
The
cockpit comprises a fully digital 12. 3 inches instrument display, a 10.25
inches control display, navigation function, touch functionality and also voice
control. The 10.25-inch high-resolution Control Display is centrally mounted,
touch-sensitive and angled towards the driver. There is exclusive chrome trim
in the centre console area.
ENGINE & PERFORMANCE
The
car is powered by a BS-VI 2-litre 4-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo
technology. This engine is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission.
The unfortunate part is that speed limits on city roads are abysmally low at
just around 50 kms per hour on most of the roads, hence tapping the accelerator
a bit too much would have landed us in a bit of trouble with the law.
But
whatever high speeds we managed on our cobbled roads, we did realise the
comfort the car offered. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine features updated
shock absorber technology to make low speed driving more comfortable and
dynamic driving more stable. The lift-related dampers are part of the car’s
standard chassis. The new suspension and damping system ensures that your ride
and handling is top notch.
The
driver can choose between different drive modes and these are Comfort, Eco Pro,
Sport and Sport +. Each mode brings out the best in the vehicle in terms of
performance. But whatever mode you
choose, please do keep an eye out for the speed cameras dotting out country
roads. And that is precisely the reason why we were not tempted by the Launch
Control which can help you achieve maximum acceleration with optimised traction
from a standstill. The car comes with steering wheel paddle shifters and cruise
control with braking function.
But
when you are seated at the back, you do not have to bother yourself with such
trivialities. You just stretch your legs and enjoy the virtues of a limousine.
The car comes with a host of safety features like six airbags, Attentiveness
Assistance, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Cornering Brake Control
(CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection,
electronic vehicle immobiliser and crash sensor, ISOFIX child seat mounting,
etc. These are all the more reason for you to relax in the rear seat and enjoy
your journey in the new BMW 3 series Gran Limousine.