BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine is offered with 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and diesel engines, an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive.

2.0L TwinPower Turbo Petrol & Diesel Engines

The 330Li petrol delivers 255 bhp and 400 Nm, the 320Ld diesel pushes out 188 bhp and 400 Nm. The petrol can reach 100 kmph in 6.2 seconds, and the diesel in 7.6 seconds. Both engines are responsive at low speeds and provide good overtaking power. The petrol is smoother and quicker at higher revs, while the diesel is more efficient for highway touring.

Transmission & Rear-Wheel-Drive Behaviour

The 8-speed automatic transmission shifts easily in normal driving and is more responsive in Sport mode with paddle shifters as standard. The rear-wheel drive configuration and well-balanced chassis contribute to excellent stability when cornering, while dynamic stability control and cornering brake control ensure traction on slippery and uneven surfaces.

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine has BMW's rear-wheel-drive handling, while the suspension system is much softer and more comfortable than the standard 3 Series.

City Driving

The light steering and 8-speed automatic make low-speed manoeuvring much easier. The suspension is good at handling potholes and broken roads, while the taller side wall of 18-inch run-flat tyres minimises any sharp impacts inside the cabin. The 360-degree camera and parking assistant features make parking easier in crowded areas.

Highway Driving

The long wheelbase helps the car to remain stable and composed at highway speeds. The petrol engine is quicker during overtakes, while the diesel engine is quieter and much more relaxed for touring long distances. Cabin insulation is very good even at high speeds, and Sport mode gives the car a stronger grip with minimal body roll through corners.

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine is available in India in two variants: M Sport and M Sport Pro. Both versions have the same long-wheelbase body and configuration. Buyers can choose from either petrol or diesel power versions.

M Sport

The BMW Curved Display, panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon 16-speaker audio system and ambient lighting are all standard on the M Sport. It also comes with adaptive LED headlamps, 18-inch M alloy wheels, Alcantara/leather upholstery, and a softer suspension system designed for Indian roads.

M Sport Pro

The M Sport Pro primarily features additional technology and a black exterior finish. It comes with Shadowline blacked-out elements, a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS functions such as Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist. Buyers who want a more feature-packed and sportier-looking version will typically opt for the Pro trim.

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine surprises when it comes to efficiency. The diesel model is more suited for highway touring, while the petrol model focuses more on performance. Fuel economy is also enhanced with Eco Pro mode, coasting and auto start-stop.

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine is a long-wheelbase version of the standard 3 Series. Overall, it's 110 mm longer, giving it a stronger road presence while maintaining the sporty BMW stance.

Front Profile

The Gran Limousine receives slimmer LED headlights at the front, featuring inverted L-shaped DRLs and BMW's new Kidney Grille styling. The M Sport bumper adds larger air intakes and sharper detailing to the sedan, making it appear lower and wider.

Side Profile

It has a distinctively different appearance from the standard 3 Series, thanks to the longer rear doors. The low roofline, long bonnet and broad stance have remained unchanged, while the elongated wheelbase makes the car look more like a smaller 7 Series. It's powered by 18-inch V-spoke M alloy wheels, and it remains relatively low to the ground with a 135 mm ground clearance.

Rear Profile

The rear section uses slim LED taillights, dual exhaust outlets and a gloss black diffuser on M Sport variants. Thanks to the longer body and wider stance, the Gran Limousine also looks noticeably more substantial and premium from the rear than the standard 3 Series.

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine follows a sporty, driver-oriented design with a rear cabin, suitable for chauffeur use. The interior is modern and luxurious, owing to soft-touch materials, a panoramic sunroof and the wide curved display. The longer wheelbase also creates noticeably enhanced rear-seat space.

Front Row

The dashboard features BMW's curved display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen with Operating System 8.5. The low seating position and thick steering wheel retain the sporty BMW character, but the comfort of the seats and a robust cabin insulation system make it more practical for daily driving.

Storage & Practicality

Boot capacity is 480 litres, although the raised floor reduces vertical luggage space. The cabin is supplied with wireless phone charging, several USB-C ports, large door bins and rear cupholders, while the rear doors allow easy access for rear passengers.

The interior of the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine is split between rear-seat comfort and driver ergonomics. The dashboard features a curved display arrangement, with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen running BMW Operating System 8.5. Navigation, connected functions and car settings are integrated into the system, and the “Hey BMW” assistant manages the climate and media controls.

As standard, the Gran Limousine comes with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging and four USB-C ports. The 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is also included in the Indian versions. The premium feel is enhanced by open-pore wood trim, ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof.

BMW equips the Gran Limousine with electronic stability systems and the CLAR platform to improve control, braking stability and occupant protection.

Active Safety

Standard on all variants is ABS with brake assist, dynamic stability control (DSC) and cornering brake control (CBC). The M Sport Pro version also includes Level 2 ADAS features such as lane departure warning, lane change assist and front collision warning with brake assistance. It also has a 360-degree camera and reversing assistant that will help the car retrace backwards automatically for up to 50 metres.

Passive Safety

Gran Limousine is fitted with 6 airbags, ISOFIX mounts, and an active hood for pedestrian protection. Its CLAR-based structure carries a 5-star Euro NCAP rating in overseas markets. The braking performance remains strong at highway speeds, with a progressive pedal feel during emergency stops.

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine offers sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics along with the kind of rear-seat space usually expected from larger luxury sedans. It is designed for those who use the car for both self-driving and chauffeur-driven use.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The C-Class focuses more on the design and cabin interior. Its large portrait-style touchscreen, ambient lighting setup, and “mini S-Class” feel give it a stronger visual appeal inside the cabin.

The BMW offers a noticeably superior rear-seat experience. The rear legroom is significantly greater, and it's easier to get in and out of, while also being more comfortable on potholes and expansion joints than the firmer Mercedes.

Toyota Camry

The Camry Hybrid focuses almost entirely on comfort, efficiency, and stress-free ownership. The powertrain is a strong hybrid that provides much better fuel economy, and the softer suspension is quieter over rough city roads. It is also priced much lower than the 3 Series Gran Limousine.

The BMW, on the other hand, is much more responsive, agile and fun to drive. Its RWD chassis, more aggressive acceleration and improved steering response make highway driving feel far more engaging.

Skoda Superb

The Superb offers very good cabin space and strong value for money. The rear cabin space is similar to the BMW, and there's more room for carrying three passengers in the back.

The 3 Series Gran Limousine feels more polished overall. The engine and gearbox are smoother, and the rear-wheel drive layout offers better balance and cornering confidence than the front-wheel drive of the Superb, along with better high-speed refinement.

Here’s a clear view of the pros of the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine and the tradeoffs to consider:

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine suits buyers who want rear-seat comfort without giving up driving enjoyment. The longer wheelbase means it has a lot more legroom in the back than the standard 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It offers more convenience in city driving conditions than larger luxury sedans. Its India-specific suspension performs well on rough roads and is more responsive compared to the older BMWs. The 330Li feels quick and refined, while the 320Ld makes for a much more efficient long-distance cruiser.

There are compromises. The 135 mm ground clearance needs caution over large speed breakers, the rear seat is ideally suited for two people due to the large tunnel and running costs are still high compared to the Toyota Camry and Skoda Superb. The Camry is more comfortable and affordable to operate, and the Superb is comparable in size for a lower price. Despite this, for those looking for both driver engagement and a comfortable ride, the BMW still offers the best balance here.