BMW LWB 3 Series heading to India soon

The entry-level luxury segment in the Indian auto sector is heating up with Mercedes Benz, Audi and BMW going neck to neck trying to gain a bigger slice of the metaphorical pie. BMW India is now looking to up the ante by launching a BMW 3 series variant with a long wheelbase. The BMW 3 series Longer Wheel Base (LWB) version has already been exhibited at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show and showcased the German giant’s understanding of the regional preference for extra leg space in the rear seat.

BMW LWB 3 Series

The original BMW 3 series currently being sold in China comes with a 110 mm shorter wheelbase than the BMW LWB 3 series demoed at the auto event and comes with an increased overall length measuring 4734 mm and a wheelbase measuring 2920 mm.

Set to be launched sometime later in the year, the 2012 BMW LWB 3 series will retain the current 3 Series’ engine range with the turbocharged 303 bhp 3.0 liter 335 Li gas engine, the 181 bhp turbocharged 320 Li 2.0 liter gas engine and the turbocharged 242 bhp 2.0 liter 328Li gas engine being offered with the model. However, given the rise in demand for diesel-fed engine in India, BMW could also offer the current BMW 3 Series’ diesel engines as options in the country.