[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW 3 Series Li Long Wheelbase Premieres at 2012 Auto China Beijing

49
COMMENTS

Tweet

The BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase Sedan has just premiered at the 2012 Auto China show in Beijing. The 3 Series Li has been announced in three models - 320Li, 328Li, and the 335Li.

The Li model adds 11 centimeters (4.3 inches) to its wheelbase over the standard F30 3 series sedan, resulting in a more spacious passenger cabin (particularly the rear). Both the BMW 3 Series Sedan in the long wheelbase version and the new BMW 3 Series Sedan will be available in China before the end of the year.

These models will be for the Chinese market only and will be produced at BMW's new Shenyang production plant.

The following is the transcript from the 3 Series Li introduction at the BMW Press Conference during the 2012 Auto China show.

Dr. Ian Robertson

Ni men hao ladies and gentlemen! I'm so happy to be back in Beijing. And I'm thrilled to present to you, for its world premiere, the new BMW 3 Series Sedan in the long wheelbase version!

At the BMW Group, we are driven to delight all of our customers. And, of course, we do this by understanding their needs and desires in every market we serve. The BMW 3 Series long wheelbase is a perfect example. It shows our focus on the Chinese customer, as well as our commitment to the Chinese market.

The 3 Series Li offers the perfect marriage of:

• sporty performance,
• elegant design, and
• cutting-edge technology.

Customers here in China can choose from one of three available models, the:

• BMW 320Li,
• BMW 328Li, and the
• BMW 335Li.

All three of these cars come with our latest TwinPower Turbo Technology, ensuring maximum power. And when it comes to sporty performance, the six-cylinder 335Li is ready to run with over 300 horsepower.

Tailored to the wishes of our customers, this car's performance has been expertly balanced with its elegant design. The luxurious interior makes use of high quality materials put together with precision craftsmanship.

And with an extra 11 centimetres added to its wheelbase, the BMW 3 Series Li offers the most comfortable rear seats in its segment. Its focus on aesthetics continues beyond the interior.

The exterior design language is striking: sporty and self-confident with a real presence. For those customers who desire an extra touch of individualization, this car will also be offered in the Sport, Luxury, and Modern Lines.

Both the BMW 3 Series Sedan in the long wheelbase version and the new BMW 3 Series Sedan will be available in China before the end of the year. Also coming soon are three very important vehicles for China. Celebrating their Asian premieres here in Beijing:

• The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe,
• The new BMW X6, and
• The BMW M6 Coupe.

We expect these models to be very successful in China with their incredible combination of stunning performance and design. Continuing to focus on our customers' needs and desires has led to exceptional growth for the BMW Group in China. In fact, this is our best start to the year ever.

In the first quarter, we sold over 80,000 BMW Group vehicles here in China – a 37% increase over the same period last year. We are confident our strong growth will continue as new models like the BMW 3 Series long wheelbase become available.

Photos via autohome.com.cn

3 Series Long Wheelbase Sedan

[thatsagoodpoint]

Looks like a 7 series with the long wheel base.

[ALPINA B5]

i wonder when is a BMW X5L and BMW X6L coming

[Sky_Driver]

So many chrome.....

[06E90Rostik]

First they started adding ///M to all of their cars, now Li. Next we will see long M cars

[N0OS3]

only for China? that's BS

[reprod]

Part of me doesn't want to believe this. But... I understand that they need to cater to this market so I will simply nod and say "Ok".

At least they didn't make this with M-Sport.

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by 06E90Rostik

First they started adding ///M to all of their cars, now Li. Next we will see long M cars

Li models are not new to BMW. They have been making Li 5 and 7 Series for decades.

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by N0OS3

only for China? that's BS

Not enough call for such models outside China. Like the 5 Series Li that is made in China.

[yerv818]

what a shame this isnt coming to the US

[Forster]

I kinda like it.... For China lol

[V-Viper]

That "Luxury" badge provides a great case for debadging.

[ATX78703]

very nice vanity, hvac, lighting and power seats for the rear passengers.

[positiveions]

the mini 5

[d0nk3x]

Slightly unrelated: any word if the F01 LCI will premiere in Beijing?

[StealYourFace]

They used to build a car that size and sell it here in the US... what was it called? 5 series or something like that

[svache]

I understand the business etiquette and hierarchy in China but I still find the release of the Li odd.

[06E90Rostik]

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

Li models are not new to BMW. They have been making Li 5 and 7 Series for decades.

You don't say.

I was saying that before we had M3, M5 and M6. Then BMW M'ed nearly every car in their line up. Now they are elongating them all starting with 3ers

[Frosty]

..it has that "cant get this in the USA" cache ~

[F80NJM3]

Why in the world one of the shortest population in the world need a 3series long wheelbase?????

[svache]

Originally Posted by blackonred3series

Why in the world one of the shortest population in the world need a 3series long wheelbase?????

It's for business hierarchy mostly. If your boss drives a 5, you cannot be seen in a 5 as well, even if you have the money for it. So for those who do want a bigger car than the 3 but cannot have the 5, they have the 3Li.

I agree it's an odd idea for us but that's a bit how it works out there.

[antzcrashing]

Originally Posted by svache

It's for business hierarchy mostly. If your boss drives a 5, you cannot be seen in a 5 as well, even if you have the money for it. So for those who do want a bigger car than the 3 but cannot have the 5, they have the 3Li.

I agree it's an odd idea for us but that's a bit how it works out there.

naa, its about feeling like you are being driven around in a limousine, at least that's how it was explained to me