BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine comes with petrol and diesel options, and both focus on a balance between comfort and performance.

2.0-litre Diesel (188 bhp, 400 Nm)

The diesel version offers a refined feel for day-to-day use. At low speeds, it is smooth and responsive with little turbo lag. The automatic gearbox likes to make early shifts, and that is ideal for city driving.

On highways, it cruises effortlessly and gains speed linearly. However, the gearbox in the comfort mode is a bit slow to downshift during quick overtakes. Switching to Sport mode gives a better response and makes the drive more interesting. This engine is good for normal use as well as long-distance driving.

2.0-litre Petrol ( 258 bhp, 400 Nm)

The petrol variant provides better performance compared to the diesel. With more power output, it is more suited for those who prefer a more energetic driving experience.

On highways, this engine has a strong and responsive feel with smooth linear acceleration even at higher speeds. The gearbox moves fast and finds the appropriate gear to overtake without hesitation. It remains fine during cruising, but in Sport mode, throttle response is noticeably sharper.

Fuel efficiency in the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine is decent for its size and performance, but the focus remains on refinement and effortless driving.

In the real world, the diesel stands out for better efficiency, whereas the petrol, while slightly less efficient, delivers smoother and more responsive performance.

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine is built on a sporty yet understated design approach, where the updates are subtle but effective. At the front, the updated LED headlamps and modified bumpers with gloss black inserts give it a sharper appearance without overdoing it.

From the side, the M Sport version rides on 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels that give an otherwise elegant profile a slightly aggressive edge. At the rear, it is not much different. The updated bumper with the diffuser-like element is the only thing that stands out. Overall, while the changes to the design are not drastic, they do add a fresh feel to the car.

The updated cabin feels modern and premium, led by a dual curved display that integrates the infotainment and driver’s display, running BMW’s iDrive 8. The screen is sharp and responsive, but climate controls, being touchscreen-based, take time to adjust to.

Front seats are comfortable with good support and wide adjustability. Rear seat comfort is a highlight, with ample legroom and good support, though cushioning could be softer.

Cabin quality is solid, with soft-touch materials used throughout. Key features include three-zone climate control, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Harman Kardon sound system, ambient lighting, and powered front seats with memory. However, it misses out on ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, and ADAS at this price point.

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine comes equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features. It gets eight airbags as standard, along with electronic stability control, which helps maintain stability during sudden manoeuvres. Systems like hill hold assist and the electronic parking brake also add to overall control, especially in everyday driving conditions.

Front and rear parking sensors make manoeuvring this long sedan easier in tight spaces. However, at this price point, the absence of ADAS features does stand out, especially when some more affordable cars now offer them.

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine price in India places it in a premium sedan space where buyers expect both rear-seat comfort and engaging performance, and it tries to balance both quite well.

Skoda Octavia RS

The Octavia RS is more focused on outright performance with higher power output. However, the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine is more balanced overall. It offers a mix of comfort and driving enjoyment, especially for those who also want a usable rear seat.

Toyota Fortuner

The Fortuner offers a completely different experience with its SUV stance and road presence. But if you’re looking for a more comfortable, premium sedan experience with better on-road dynamics, the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine feels more refined and easier to live with in everyday driving.

BYD Sealion 7

The Sealion 7 stands out with its electric powertrain and significantly higher power figures. That said, the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine still appeals more to traditional luxury sedan buyers who prefer a familiar driving feel along with a balance of comfort and performance.

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine brings a balance between comfort and driving performance, but there are clear strengths and some misses that buyers should be aware of.

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine offers rear seat comfort with BMW’s driving character. It delivers a smooth ride, refined 2.0-litre engines, and stable high-speed performance, making it suitable for both city and highway use. Its pricing places it firmly in the premium segment.

However, it misses some expected features at this price, such as ADAS, a 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, and rear sunshades. If you want a more feature-rich or luxury-focused experience, there are alternatives in the market that offer more features. But for a mix of comfort and driving engagement, the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine remains a strong option. Especially for those who like to be chauffeured around, since the long-wheelbase improves the rear legroom drastically.