The BMW 3 Series has a long-wheelbase variant, and it’s only available in the Chinese market. The newest version of the stretched 3 Series is on display at Auto Shanghai 2019, proving yet again that, at least in China, stretched sedans are the business. The 3 Series LWB shares most of its features with the standard 3er. The only benefit is that it’s longer, which, in turn, provides more interior space for its owners, particularly those who would want to stretch their legs in the back seats. The long-wheelbase 3 Series will go on sale in China by the middle of the year, where it will compete with similar stretched models like the Mercedes C-Class L, Audi A4 L, and Jaguar XEL. Production will take place in the country through BMW’s partnership with China’s Brilliance Auto Group.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series LWB is a China-Only Masterpiece

Should we really be surprised that stretched sedans are popular in China? The segment is booming in popularity in the world’s largest car market, and a number of automakers have taken advantage of it. Mercedes already sells the C-Class L and the A-Class L in the market. It also introduced the Mercedes-AMG A35 L at Auto Shanghai 2019. Audi’s in on the fun, too, with the A4 L, while Jaguar is looking to break into the segment with the XEL, joining the EXF, which has been on sale for a few years now. For its part, BMW has been selling stretched sedans in the Chinese market for a while now. The all-new 3 Series LWB is just the latest addition to the fold.

So, what exactly is the deal here? Why are the Chinese so infatuated with long-wheelbase sedans? While there’s no clear-cut answer to this question, it’s hard to imagine that prestige and status aren’t involved in this equation. Brand status and everything that goes with it is intoxication, especially when it’s rewarded with a heightened sense of social stature. It’s not enough that BMW has the 3 Series or Mercedes has the C-Class. Chinese buyers want something better, and in the absence of meaningful upgrades in other areas of these models, that “something better” manifests itself in increased comfort and the perception of luxury. That’s where the stretched sedans come in. They’re basically limousines by virtue of their longer bodies, and the word “limousine” holds plenty of cache in luxury circles.

The more obvious answer to the question of why stretched sedans are popular in China has everything to do with space and comfort. Buyers aren’t buying the 3 Series LWB because of its looks and features. If that were the case, the standard 3 Series is an equally palatable and, more importantly, a more affordable option. If anything, the design of the standard 3er is carried over to the LWB version. There are some changes to certain features, but they’re inconsequential at best. The big difference is the sedan’s length. The 3 Series LWB features a longer wheelbase, and that equates to more space in the interior.

The numbers back it up, too. The new 3 Series LWB’s wheelbase measures 2,961 mm (116.57 inches) long. That’s 41 mm (1.6 inches) longer than the standard BMW 3 Series, which has a wheelbase of 2,851 mm (112.24 inches). That’s a longer wheelbase by a little over four inches, which, in turn, equates to an extra 1.7 inches of legroom for rear passengers. Granted, 1.7 inches doesn’t sound like a lot, but when it comes to rear seat legroom, it’s a world of difference. Overall, the 3 Series LWB measures 4,829 mm (1901.18 inches) compared to the standard 3 Series, which measures 4,719 mm (185.78 inches) long.

For perspective’s sake, the BMW 3 Series LWB is longer than some of its rivals. The Audi A4L, for example, measures 4,815 mm (189.6 inches) long with a wheelbase measuring 2,856 mm (114 inches) long. Meanwhile, the Mercedes C-Class L measures 4,765 mm (187.6 inches) long with a wheelbase measuring roughly around 2,920 mm (115 inches) while the Jaguar XEL has a wheelbase that measures 2,935 mm (115.5 inches) long.

It’s funny to think how much difference four inches make in the grand scheme of things. Not only does the extra length provide more space in the interior, but it also forces BMW to install elongated rear doors to make up the difference. By virtue of being longer, the 3 Series LWB’s rear doors make it easier for passengers to get in and out of the car. Notice the domino effect in all of this?

That’s why, despite the two models looking similar in more ways than one, the 3 LWB does have a number of other advantages over its shorter counterpart. The rear seats, for example, have been designed specifically for the LWB model with “special shaping and pampering upholstery” in mind. The seats come with new headrests, as well, to go along with a bespoke rear central armrest. There are also new headrests with “super-comfortable” cushions, along with a bespoke rear central armrest. Bimmer also installed an illuminated contour strip on the back of the front seats for improved ambiance. Likewise, the front and rear sill plates are also illuminated, and the 3 Series LWB boasts new speaker covers. Unfortunately, the increased interior space doesn’t manifest itself in the trunk where cargo space remains at 17 cubic feet. Still, that’s enough space to accommodate as many as three golf bags or a month’s worth of grocery bags.

The new BMW 3 Series LWB is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine producing 181 horsepower and 221 pound-feet (300 Newton-meters) of torque. This specific engine is offered in the 325Li launch model with an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear axle.

There’s no hiding the truth behind the BMW 3 Series LWB’s popularity China.In the first three months of the year, BMW’s year-on-year sales chart is also trending north with sales adding up to 41,134 sold units in the first three months of 2019. The figure represents a 20-percent increase in sales volume compared to the 33,792 units BMW sold from January to March 2018.

So the next time you’re wondering about the popularity of stretched sedans in China and why automakers like BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Jaguar are so quick to build the long-wheelbase variants, consider their popularity in the country. Really, that’s all you need to know.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 BMW 3 Series.