In China, it is all about the rear legroom.
BMW’s 3Series was unveiled a few months ago and the sports sedan is already being ordered for the China-only Li version. We’ve found that the 2019 3er is larger than a 5 Series and smaller than an E60 5 Series , but this long-wheelbase variant is even bigger.
The 3 Series that you can buy in the USA and Europe is going to measure 4.71 meters (185.7 inch U.S. model), but the China-exclusive 3 Series Li measures 4.83 meters (190.1 inch). According to AutoWeek.nl, it is 12 centimeters (4.72 in) longer than the Euro-spec model. The stretch will go into the wheelbase (11 cm, or 4.33 inches), which measures a generous 2.96 m (116.5 inches) and provides passengers with more legroom.
This 325 Li M Sport sedan has almost the same design as its global counterpart. The new 3 Series Li’s rear doors will be slightly longer due to the extended wheelbase. The European equivalent of the 320i is the 320i, which has 184 horsepower and 221 pounds-feet (3000 Newton-meters), of torque. It is turbocharged 2.0-liter fourcylinder engine with turbocharging 2.0-liter engines. This allows for a sprint of 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds. And a top speed at 148 mph (238 km/h).
The 325 Li will be assembled in China by BMW Brilliance, a local joint venture. This is unlike the 5Series Li that was launched a few years back. The 3 Series’ longer wheelbase will be compared to other China-only LWB models, such as the Audi A4 L and Jaguar XE L.
This will be a huge task considering that the 3 Series Li was the last generation and raked in 130,000 sales in the People’s Republic last year. The market launch will take place in 2019, later than expected.