The recently-spied-for-first-time F3x 3-series Li Long wheelbase model continues its testing. This extended length next gen 3-series will be manufactured in China for sale only in China (like all new F30s for the Chinese market) and provides for more spacious backseat area with more legroom. The BMW 3-series Li will debut at the Beijing Autoshow in April 2012.
The platform will form the basis of the BMW 3-series Gran Turismo which debuts in 2013.
Also seen here is a good look at the F30 interior, in a tan color for the first time. Some of the more notable things seen are:
1) Large 8.8" freestanding control display
2) Auto Start-Stop
3) Semi Black Panel Display
4) Lane Change Warning System
5) F30 Key Fob
Freestanding Control Display
This is the first F30 interior photo showing the fixed large-size freestanding 8.8" high-resolution control display.
Auto Start-Stop
The F30's Auto Start/Stop feature can be seen in the tachometer. The gauge allows the driver to see if the engine on or off due to the Start/Stop fuction -- the needle sits at "READY" or "OFF".
Semi Black Panel Display
BMW began implementing black panel display technology with their full black panel displays in the F01 7-series, a feature which will trickle down across the whole model range (as seen in the recently revealed F20 1-series). But, as expected, the black panel display is smaller (and partial) in the F30. It isn't a full black panel display -- the markings for the speedometer and tachometer aren't shown via black panel but traditional permanent markings [
compare to the F10's full black panel display]. Nonetheless, the black panel tech and size of the display used for the on-board computer and other information like radio settings is a vast improvement over the E9x 3-series.
Lane Change Warning System
Sensors at each side of the F30 will continuously check for cars in the left or right hand blindspots. If a car is detected, a small warning triangle in the housings of the exterior mirrors will light up and the steering wheel will vibrate.
F30 Key Fob
This is the first look we've had at the F30 key fob, which appears to be the same design as the F20 1-series' key (compare to F20 key below).
Follow our full F30 coverage at
http://www.bimmerpost.com/3-series/f30/