Yes, BMW Malaysia has actually done it! You will now be able to buy a stretched version of the BMW 3 series sedan. Here are 8 things you need to know about it!
Its locally assembled
Yes, this stretched version of the 3 series in 330Li format will be assembled within the country. Which means you could be looking at one of the best bargains in the country! At the time of writing the price was not confirmed, but we should see it placed somewhere between the regular 3 and 5 series.
Its longer than the regular 3 series
11 centimeters longer to be exact. All of the length increase comes from the wheelbase. This translates into a 42mm increase in legroom. Which may sound like much, but in a 3 dimensional space, there’s lots more room that you can realize.
And a higher roof height
Which measures in at 1441mm. That’s 6 mm more than the regular 3 Series. This also means the occupants now enjoy a headroom increase of 4mm.
And that’s with a panoramic roof
The BMW 330Li M Sport comes with a panoramic sunroof for the Malaysian market, which further increases the sense of spaciousness. Also thanks to the height increase, you actually gain headroom despite the addition of a pano-roof.
Same 330i engine
Under the hood, hauling this extended wheelbase 3 series is the same 2.0 turbocharged engine putting out 258bhp and 400Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via the 8 speed Steptronic transmission. BMW claims a 0-100kph time of 6.2 seconds, slower than the regular 3. Top speed is capped at 250kph
Only two exterior color options
The extended 3 comes in either Mineral White or Carbon Black. Both cars get Vernasca leather in Mocha color with black stitching. The rest of the interior and features are similar to that of the regular 3 series, with the same 12.3 inch instrument display and 10.25 inch infotainment display.
M Sport exterior goodies
On the outside there’s the M Aerodynamics and M Sport package which feature more aggressive bodykit at the front and rear. The front bumper is aggressively shaped while the tailpipes are trapezoidal in shape. The rims are 18 inch double spoke style 848 M bicolor.
You can now book one
With the pricing said to be at RM300,000, you do get a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled services. You also get BMW Roadside Assistance and BMW Service Online too.
Its quite a bold move by BMW Malaysia to unveil a long wheel base version of the 3 series here. Its going to be slightly bigger than the 3, but not quite as big as the 5. Its going to be quite interesting to see how the buying public will react to it.
