BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Review - the XL-sized 3 Series

BMW 3 Series - What is it?
BMW 3 Series - Rear seat experience
BMW 3 Series​ - Ride quality
BMW 3 Series​ - Driving experience
BMW 3 Series​ - Cabin and quality
BMW 3 Series​ - Features
BMW 3 Series​ - Boot
BMW 3 Series​ - Verdict
A new bmw 3 series derivative is always something to look forward to what we're always itching to know is what it's like to drive but that's not so in the case of this version this is the bmw 3 series grand limousine and i'm going to first experience it the way it's meant to be experienced from the comfort of the back seat

What is the bmw 3 series grand limousine and why should you be interested in a nutshell it's the long wheelbase version of the three sedan that we're all familiar with and it's also an indirect replacement for the very popular 3 series gt that's been discontinued the world over the grand limousine is 110 millimeters longer than the standard 3 series sedan in its wheelbase making this the longest model in the segment though it must be said it doesn't look ungainly or oddly stretched in profile elsewhere it's only the new design for the 17-inch wheels and the l in the badge at the back that differentiate the three grand limousine from the comparable spec 3 series standard wheelbase sedan now that we've established what it is let's cut to what the 3 series grand limousine is good at gulab thing office kitara

This is the seat you want to be on in the bmw 3 series grand limousine now the biggest beneficiary of that extended wheelbase is clearly rear seat legroom now space in the back is as good as some larger more expensive sedans even headroom for that matter is really good i'm just under six feet tall and i can sit here very comfortably bmw has also absolutely nailed the rear seat itself it's really well cushioned the backrest is set at a nice decline angle the seat itself stretches out onto the door the center armrest folds down to a nice height so what you get is a very nice seating position

Even the upward shape of the seat base provides really good under thigh support so all in all a very comfortable place to be there's no backrest recliner just but it's not something that you'll miss and all in all the grand limo's redone rear seat is a big upgrade over the standard 3's rear seat as for goodies and gizmos at the back you get two usb type-c charging slots you get a dedicated climate control zone and of course the big change on the three series grand limousine is the incorporation of a panoramic sunroof and it does make a difference to the experience at the back adjustable ambient lighting is a cool inclusion too and there's also the option of a comfort package that includes an ipad air for your rear seat entertainment needs what's missing though are blinds for the large rear windows also note the high center tunnel means this is a seat best for two occupants on the move those familiar with the standard 3 series will note some improvements on the grand limousine bmw has softened the suspension on the 3 series grand limousine and low speed ride has become particularly cushy you'll really like how nice and absorbent the suspension fields in town the chunky 17-inch tires also come into play on the rough stuff and here's what the big three is like on drives out of town the three series grand limousine doesn't feel quite as well tied down as

The standard 3 series at higher speeds but still body movements are well contained you'll also find that the up and down motions are very gentle but those with a keen ear will note that the 3 series grand limousines cabin is not quite as hushed as it could have been there is some road and wind noise that creeps in at higher speeds on the whole it's great as a car to be driven around in but what's it like to drive like the standard 3 sedan the 3 grand limousine will be offered with a 258 hp 2 liter turbo petrol engine and a 190 hp 2 liter diesel unit with us today is the 320 ld diesel and initial impressions from behind the wheel are good if you've driven the standard 320d you won't find much difference in terms of performance on this 320 ld powered by the same 190 hp 2 liter diesel engine and this is an engine that will put a smile on your face it's responsive the mid-range has strong punch and it also likes to rev pretty hard the 320 ld does the 0-100 kph dash in a commendable 7 seconds performance in everyday driving is nice and likable too the engine is quiet and easy going when you need it to be but load it up and it does sound a bit gruff but does it drive like a 3 series the short answer is no it's set up softer than the standard 3 series and this is clear around the benz so where the standard 3 series feels sporty and agile in the corners this one feels smooth

Graceful but you know what this car's target clientele really won't have an issue with that you can adjust the experience with engine gearbox and steering settings but only to an extent you can shuffle through the drive modes but even at its sportiest setting it doesn't quite feel like a sport sedan and well frankly it has limousine in its name so it has no need to the driving position is typical 3 series though low and sporty in fact if you've been behind the wheel of a 3 you'll find yourself at home in the three grand limousine the neat new age bmw dash is shared with the standard 3 series sedan things to like include the 10.25 inch touchscreen display that's slick to use and now also offers android auto while the all digital instruments display remains polarizing thanks to its counterclockwise tachometer the front seats that sport adjustable thigh support are also comfy and overall quality is good with tan leather and unlacquered wood helping the ambiance inside some surfaces on the center console don't feel premium enough though the three series grand limousine will be available in two trim levels here's a quick look at all that's on offer on the luxury line trim the m sport that will be offered only on the 330 li adds in heads up display a 360 degree camera and gesture control also included will be an m sport styling pack and larger 18-inch rims of the other things the three grand limousine features a part tailgate india spec cars handily get a space saver spare tire that's neatly concealed under the boot floor however the boot is quite shallow and usable luggage room is limited so to sum up if you're primarily looking for a dynamic luxury sedan you'd be better off with the standard three series that will continue to sell alongside this model the 3 grand limousine is a departure from the 3 series sedan script prioritizing comfort over sportiness it's not a 3 series you buy to drive but one you'd buy to be driven in and in that regard it shines thanks to its super rear seat increased legroom and great ride likely to be priced between 51 and 54 lakh rupees x showroom the 3 grand limousine will fit right in between the 5 series and the standard 3 series sedan that's to say it'll be a couple of lakhs dearer than traditional segment rivals but for many the additional real estate at the back will be well worth the price you