G28 BMW 3 Series LWB launched in Malaysia – 330Li M Sport with 110 mm longer wheelbase, RM277,164

G28 BMW 3 Series LWB launched in Malaysia – 330Li M Sport with 110 mm longer wheelbase, RM277,164

Previewed with estimated pricing in April, the G28 BMW 330Li M Sport has now been launched in Malaysia with its finalised price. The long-wheelbase sports sedan retails at RM277,164 on-the-road without insurance (nearly RM6,000 more than the standard G20 330i), inclusive of the sales and service tax exemption valid until the end of the year.

This figure comes with a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty; with the five-year extended warranty and service package, the price rises to RM290,284. That’s around RM10,000 less expensive than what was previously estimated, although the latter did factor in the six-per-cent SST – back then, the exemption was due to expire at the end of June, before deliveries of the car were expected to begin.

As the name suggests, the main difference between the 330Li and the 330i is the wheelbase, which has grown some 110 mm to 2,961 mm for the benefit of rear legroom. Because the roof has also been stretched, the car is also six millimetres taller at 1,441 mm. Next to the more upmarket G30 5 Series, the 330Li is still 144 mm shorter in length (4,819 mm vs 4,963 mm) and 14 mm shorter in wheelbase (vs 2,961 mm).

G28 BMW 3 Series LWB launched in Malaysia – 330Li M Sport with 110 mm longer wheelbase, RM277,164

The extra length enables the 330Li to offer more legroom (+42 mm); boot space continues to measure 480 litres. Beyond that, the car is visually identical to its shorter sibling, save for the integrated trapezoidal exhaust exits (the 330i gets round pipes instead) and a light bar behind the front seats connected to the 11-colour ambient lighting system. You also no longer get folding rear seats.

The kit count is also very similar, with the 330Li also being fitted with the M Sport appearance package with more aggressive bumpers and deeper side skirts, plus adaptive LED headlights. The only differences are the lack of LED fog lights and the 18-inch five-double-spoke style 848 M two-tone alloy wheels from the 4 Series, the latter replacing the 330i’s multi-spoke style 790 M rollers. The car you see here also doesn’t come with the 330i’s M Sport brakes with blue calipers.

Inside, the 330Li continues to be upholstered in Vernasca leather and come with Aluminium Tetragon dashboard trim, although the dash itself is now wrapped in Sensatec faux leather and features silver galvanic switchgear. The front seats are also the standard comfort items instead of the more heavily bolstered sports seats on the 330i; they still come with power adjustment with driver’s side memory.

G28 BMW 3 Series LWB launched in Malaysia – 330Li M Sport with 110 mm longer wheelbase, RM277,164

The long-wheelbase model is also fitted with a panoramic glass roof, which comes at the expense of the Qi wireless smartphone charger that has now been dropped from the equipment list. You still have the BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen, along with a ten-speaker, 205-watt HiFi sound system.

Standard kit includes keyless entry, push-button start, triple-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, auto lights and wipers, passive cruise control, parking assist, reversing assist, a reverse camera and a hands-free opening tailgate (manual close). The Driving Assistant, which incorporates autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring, is also fitted.

G28 BMW 3 Series LWB launched in Malaysia – 330Li M Sport with 110 mm longer wheelbase, RM277,164

As before, power comes from the B48 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 258 PS from 5,000 to 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 1,550 to 4,400 rpm. Equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters and rear-wheel drive, the 330Li gets from zero to 100 km/h 0.4 seconds slower at 6.2 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.4 litres per 100 km.

Under the skin, the 330i’s variable sports steering and passive M Sport suspension has been swapped for regular Servotronic steering and comfort suspension – the latter should improve the G20 3 Series’ slightly firm ride. Just two metallic exterior colours are offered, Mineral White and Carbon Black, both matched to a Mocha brown interior with beige headlining instead of the 330i’s black headliner.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • GenY AEB on Jul 16, 2021 at 10:49 am

    Passive cruise control for Ahmad?
    Making if the entry level BMW bossride LWB.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Juan Mata on Jul 16, 2021 at 11:06 am

    LWB — Does this come with Adaptive Suspension?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • Beautiful

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Amir Arshad on Jul 16, 2021 at 11:13 am

    Very nice car, got to give thumbs up to BMW on the new design having USB port next to a cup holder. New experience to adapt and like…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • Dr Strange on Jul 16, 2021 at 11:26 am

    Terbaek! jualan BMW kat Malaysia bakal melambung tinggi!! syukurr pentadbiran Kerajaan PN…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 7
    • YB Sam Look on Jul 17, 2021 at 4:30 pm

      A smart Brukdua SA also can afford one mar, as so many customers opt for special Nirwana package – additional fat commission from there.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Almost same size as 520i, but more cheaper than 520i

    This is good buy

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
    • Datuk on Jul 16, 2021 at 1:23 pm

      Malaysia only sell brand new 530 now.

      520i is last gen, used car, most of them warranty ended.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 5
      • hahaha on Jul 16, 2021 at 1:41 pm

        the g30 520 was launch in 2019 so it hasnt been 5 hear yet lol

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • vodka on Jul 16, 2021 at 12:21 pm

    The roof headliner color is light grey? Normally a true M sport will get black color headliner.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Jul 16, 2021 at 12:44 pm

    thats an awful interior. handling gonna be very crap too.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 35
  • Onanodus on Jul 16, 2021 at 12:47 pm

    The standard G20 3-Series already has a 480 litre boot.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Jonathan Lee (Member) on Jul 16, 2021 at 1:55 pm

      Indeed it does; the article has been amended. Thanks for the spot!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • kingx on Oct 03, 2021 at 4:22 pm

      Car length increased by 110mm but legroom only increase by 42mm. I would have thought the balance have gone into the boot space. So where did the extra 68mm length go to?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • autodriver (Member) on Jul 16, 2021 at 2:12 pm

    BMW purposely waiting for new Arteon 4motion only then to announce its G28 selling price. it is strange G20 3 series is doing quite bad in Malaysia market unlike its predecessor F30. The Arteon is well rounded car but it still lack of AEB which make it weak in safety since many cars in lower price come with AEB.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 10
    • Those who could afford bmw 330i right now during the economy downturn and pandemic is indeed the real money rich people. Unlike those agent agent insurance or property who cant afford and tarik balik bu bank after 6 month. So every bmw 3 series especially those 330i otr now is belong to real genuine rich class not ok okla class. The okla class has no chance to wait even for the grey import.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Bieight on Jul 16, 2021 at 2:59 pm

    No M sports brakes…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Jonathan Lee (Member) on Jul 16, 2021 at 5:10 pm

      The spec sheet lists the M Sport brakes, although the preview car you see here doesn’t have them. We’ve edited the article for greater clarity.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
      • No M sport suspension, no variable sport steering as per the spec sheet. Speaker units maybe 6 instead of 10 in 330, not stated clearly in spec sheet. No Digital key as well.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Prinze on Jul 16, 2021 at 5:51 pm

    Once again I would like to ask the author of this article, Jonathan Lee.

    The photo that shows the central storage compartment in front does not show/misses the NFC slot.

    Is there a slot for NFC that your photo did not show or that feature (and Digital Key alltogether) has been removed?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
 

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