[Vid6639]

The long wheelbase does add a lot of practicality to the 3 series and will work well for the chauffeur driven. However I still feel the regular wheelbase 3 series makes more sense as it's more of a self driven car.

A little more than 3 series long wheelbase gets you the 5 series which may not have the same legroom but has a more premium feel and overall would feel more luxurious than a 3 series.

My vote would be long regular 3 series for self drive.

[drmohitg]

Having driven the regular 3 series (although mine is the older F30 model) for a good 75k km, my vote goes to the LWB model. The only complaint I had with my car has been the back seat comfort and if this is addressed by the LWB model, then I don't see any reason to not opt for it.

However wouldn't the longer wheelbase make the LWB car more prone to scrape over speed breakers? Second, the pricing is a let down and I would be rather tempted to move into the next segment!

[knshailender]

Without taking the price into consideration, it makes more sense to go for the LWB version for most buyers in India. I'm assuming that a majority of those who can afford a 50 lakh car would consider how spacious and comfortable the rear seat is for the rest of the family, even if used occasionally. So the benefits of LWB outweigh the marginal compromise in sportiness and handling (if any).
But the moment the price comes into the picture, it becomes obvious that you are dangerously close to a segment above.
So I think it is safe to conclude that this segment needs a price correction in order for buyers to make a logical decision based on their requirement.

[landcruiser123]

Voted LWB. Having driven & been driven in a friends regular 3 series, I can tell you that LWB is the way to go unless the family car is another bigger sedan. The rear-seat of the normal car is cramped for a 6-footer like me.

Originally Posted by GTO

They are all currently overpriced IMHO. When the heck did they become 50 - 60 lakh cars?

Every automobile is expensive today. In 2006, the top end Swfit ZXi costed 5.5 lakh OTR in Bangalore (high road taxes); The C-Class started at 25 lakhs according to Autocar price lists.

Greed, Taxes, and inflation have kept up. 15 Years later, Swifts are double the price; No surprises on seeing the entry level BMWs, Mercs, and Audis also double in price.

[sandygordon]

BMW have been running away from me with its pricing. Took the test drive of the 330i GL. It was a hoot to drive. The suspension was behaving well though there was some body roll. But it felt nicer than the regular 3 and I enjoyed the plush experience. Prices were 57 lacs on road Cochin for the 330i sport and 66 lacs on road for the 330i GL / 320LD.

By the time I save up for some downpayment next year, the OTR prices would go up by another 10-20 lacs.

[xavierk]

Ive driven both the 330i and the Li extensively and put money down on the 330i mSport, let me explain why

1) I plan on driving, I don't plan on sitting at the back
2) the 330i non Li version has enough space even for long drives. Im 6'3" and its quite ok to be sitting at the back even at my driving position
3) the Li rolls a little, felt like it was not in control (floating is the word that comes to mind) at higher speeds on the highway. it was particularly noticeable when doing a fast turn on a ramp to the airport (BLR-HYD highway to airport turnoff)
4) its only 110mm extra seems a bit much price wise for 110mm and I did not see any value in it
5) the Li seems to bounce a little at slower speeds on speed breakers. reminds me of the soft suspension Honda's Civic in particular. I took it over one unscientific breaker and the bottom did not touch (my Honda city does on that speed breaker) but it did feel like its more likely to touch than the 330i
6) the length in the door seems unwieldy if your getting in/out in tight spaces it may be more difficult

hope this helps..

[GRP92]

Hola folks,

On the look out for a new car and I’m leaning to the 3 series after driving the A4/Kodiaq/similar. Now caught in between deciding the regular 3 v/s the 3 Gran Limo.

The car is primarily going to be self-driven, 90% of the times. And most of the times just my wife and myself. We have a couple of family cars (Octavia & Creta) that we use for daily commute. So this car will be mostly for when we’re going out and night drives etc.

As much as I was previously convinced that the regular 3 is the one, just drove the LWB today and expectedly it was a big step up on the backseat comfort and some additional features (like the panoramic sunroof). Net to net there’s around a 400k difference in the pricing between the 330i M Sport and 330i M Sport Li.

We’re looking to keep the car for a minimum of 7/8 years. Though, read a few reviews where it mentioned a slight compromise on the driving dynamics on the Gran Limo.

So in terms of a long-term ownership perspective, does the Li make more sense and is it worth the premium?

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by GRP92

...The car is primarily going to be self-driven, 90% of the times.
...And most of the times just my wife and myself.
...We have a couple of family cars (Octavia & Creta)...
..drove the LWB today and expectedly it was a big step up on the backseat comfort and some additional features (like the panoramic sunroof)

Conundrum! Your first 3 statements clearly point to the SWB M Sport.

However, my personal take (after owning a June 2020 330i Sport) is that the LWB Li M Sport (not Luxury Line) is a better long term play.

My rationale:
~If your usage changes to more back seat usage over the years. The SWB back seat has difficult ingress/egress for most people in my experience.
~More lavish interiors, humongous rear legroom, pano sunroof;
~Extra features (hopefully not further pared down to the chip shortage);
~18" staggered setup should be equal to the SWB in 90% of situations. Many people have complained about the floaty feeling on the 17" (non M Sport tyres), but yet to come across anyone saying similarly about the 18" staggered setup. Unless you're a real corner-carver or planning track days, the LWB should be more than enough.
~Arguably better resale (no hard data though)