We previously reported that the G28 BMW 3 Series Gran Sedan sold in Thailand is assembled by BMW Group Malaysia at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah, right here in Malaysia. As such, it was always expected that we would be next to get the long-wheelbase version of the current G20 3 Series, and that time has finally come.
Today, the company introduced the 3 Series Long Wheelbase (LWB) as part of an early preview, and customers who are interested can register their interest via the BMW Shop Online platform. For now, the CKD model carries an estimated price tag of RM300,800 on-the-road without insurance, and that figure is inclusive of the sales and services tax (SST).
As such, expect deliveries of the 3 Series LWB to only begin after the middle of the year, which is when the ongoing sales tax relief comes to an end (June 30, 2021). The suggested sum is around RM20,000 more than standard-wheelbase 330i, which has a base price of RM280,680 with SST and a two-year warranty.
Parked side by side, the G28 and G20 share the same width of 1,827 mm, but the former has an overall length of 4,819 mm. This is 110 mm longer than the G20, with all of it going to the wheelbase that spans 2,961 mm (G20 is 2,851 mm).
The increased length also requires a reworking of the roof, which results in a slightly increased height of 6 mm to 1,441 mm (G20 is 1,435 mm). If you bring its other sibling into the picture, the 3 Series LWB is still not quite as big as a G30 5 Series (4,936 mm long and 2,975 mm wheelbase).
Beyond the extended body, everything else about the G28 is similar to the G20, including the shape of the kidney grille, notched headlamps and L-shaped taillights. The interior design is identical too, although the extra wheelbase does mean rear passengers get an additional 42 mm of legroom, while boot space is up by 10 litres to 480 litres.
For the Malaysian market, we’re getting the 3 Series LWB in a sole 330Li M Sport variant, which is powered by a B48 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission.
The mill makes 258 PS (255 hp) from 5,000 to 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 1,550 to 4,400 rpm, which is good for a zero to 100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h – the latter is 0.4 seconds more than the G20 330i. Identical is the rated fuel consumption of 6.4 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 147 grams per km.
As for equipment, this unit here closely mirrors the 330Li M Sport that is sold in Thailand, with standard items being an M Sport exterior package that includes sportier bumpers, BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line package, 18-inch double-spoke style 848 M bi-colour alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof and welcome carpet lights.
Inside, you’ll find Aluminium Tetragon trim with Pearl Chrome highlight trim finishers, a Sensatec dashboard, an M leather steering wheel, metal pedals, three-zone climate control, an ambient lighting system with 11 themes, powered front seats with driver’s side memory function, and Comfort Access.
The 330Li also gets the BMW Live Cockpit Professional system, which consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Connected services are also available via the My BMW app that is set to replace the previous BMW Connected App by July this year.
On the safety front, there’s the Driving Assistant suite that provides features such as lane departure warning, lane change warning, front collision warning, cross traffic warning and rear collision prevention. Just like the G20 330i, there’s only passive cruise control with braking function and Parking Assistant included.
In terms of colours, only two are being offered – Mineral White and Carbon Black – both paired with find Mocha Vernasca leather upholstery and black stitching. That’s one short of what’s being offered in Thailand, where Cashmere Silver is also an option.
The 330Li will come with a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service. Owners will also benefit from BMW Roadside Assistance, BMW Service Online and the BMW Privileges Card (accompanied by the BMW Group Loyalty+ mobile app).
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Still cheaper than Mercedes C300
For that price, Volvo S60 407HP only 295k..
Depends on choices
Disproportionated. Smells BMW wanna strike big before EV era comes next…
this bigger then s60 so what is your point? and 255hp is more then enough for daily driving.
His point maybe is s60 space is also more than enough for daily driving. ;)
258ps is already a heavy weight for this weight. The massive torque of 400nm at merely 1000rpm plus is a beast in comfort mode and a killer beast in sport plus sport transmission mode. It is not just merely more than enough. You can put a lot car in shame if you yourself are in beast mode. Of course 330i driver will normally drive gentle and lose to a Myvi because please la, who on earth in a BMW wanna be seen to be serious with a Myvi. Myvi driver in beast mode can’t even compare to a BMW in holiday mode just that they are not aware of it. Lol
We becoming China? LWB everything
Anything wrong with that?
Xc60 is more like Peugeot 3008.
Not sure why anyone needs a lwb 3 series
I prefer the LWB, as the wife’s previous gen 3er is quite tight at the back when the front occupants are 5’10”. Extra space always welcomed.
G20 is more spacious than F30. But G28 is good for people who doesn’t have a budget for 5er. Simple as that..
Exactly. G30 5 series is too big. I like this 330Li better and I think the rear legroom is slightly better than the 5.
Long wheelbase is main for bigger size and more comfort
Will 5 series LWB coming soon ?
Honestly, 301k is abit of too much for a 2 year old stretched 3 series, with that you probably can get something much more valued, that is just my opinion.
really tho? 400nm and sunroof. that worth the extra i think
This is long wheelbase with bigger size and more comfort
Look at it this way, the whole world now only China, recently India and Malaysia have it.
What car you recommend to get for the similiar price?
Seriously? Still only Passive Cruise Control? Haiyaaa. Even Ativa got Active Cruise Control. At least make it an option you could choose for 10k extra…..
Cruise control ok. But ADAS is more likely important than cruise control sometimes
Now can consider as complete fully car
this is basically a car for those who complained about lack of legroom. I don’t see this as a chauffeur driven car or 7 series replacement. The rear seats are too uncomfortable for that. These bench seats will never be more comfortable than individual seats.
Complained about seats not too comfortable, go to showroom and feel it this
Anything wrong?
ugly
Macam anjing yg panjang dlm Toy Story tu.
To me, this looks beauty. I am very young. But I will choose this
to compensate for your “shortcomings”?
LWB 5 series makes more sense. I feel the 3 is spacious enough but 5 series not enough rear legroom for its size and segment.
I agree. Most people with 3-series are going to be family people with max of 4 or 5. 5-series and 7-series are for taukeh-taukeh who demand more comfort and legroom.
Dislike the stretch side profile but each to their own taste and purpose. They are driving off the typical 3 series brand buyers of the past further and further. They have been selling a lots of cars last few decades with or without an arrogant designer at the helm. Only enormously great sales result is the saving grace for current transformation/direction.
Comfort. More space for kids and elderly
Here’s the obligatory: top up a bit get G30
Nice
Good looking car with well equipped specs
if want to focus on space why dont make foldable seats?
normal lenght g20 still win ikea runs just because of that.
Two words: Longer, awesome
Thanks BMW malaysia for bring in this. It does provide option to those who has family with kids to have fun and at the same time knowing, them kids will be in comfort as well. Thanks again BMW malaysia.
Its a long car now, 4,8m?
But still shorter than Proton Accordana
Dont understand why 330Li at 300k. If want comfort and space, 520i is a better choice.
If 320Li at same price then it might entice Camry customer to the LWB 3 series
No adaptive suspension. 330i is a back breaking beast, nobody wanna sit behind. Stretch for what…??
又缩水了，世界各国都有HARMAN KARTON的音响，为什么到了马来西亚就变成杂牌的了，330LI M SPORT 也不是Harman KARTON 的音响，减配太严重了。为了好听的音响，可能放弃宝马，改为MAZDA6 BOSE音响。