BMW stretches China’s 3 Series to almost 5 Series dimensions
BMW’s next-generation 3 Series will get a longer body for the Chinese market, with a 2,970 mm wheelbase just 25 mm shorter than that of the current European 5 Series. The new saloon offers more rear-seat space, up to 211 kW and Neue Klasse styling. This version will not initially come to Europe, as Chinese buyers of midsize luxury saloons place far greater value on rear-seat space than on sporty, compact dimensions.
The 3 Series closes in on the 5 Series
Type-approval documents from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) have revealed the new long-wheelbase BMW 3 Series, which will be produced by the BMW Brilliance joint venture.
The saloon, carrying the model code G58, measures 4,865 mm long, 1,852 mm wide and 1,461 mm high. Its wheelbase extends to 2,970 mm.
Compared with the standard European 3 Series, the Chinese version is approximately 100 mm longer, with a wheelbase extended by 110 mm. However, the new car is only 27 mm longer than the previous-generation Chinese long-wheelbase model.
The dimensional comparison with the 5 Series sounds impressive, but needs clarification. The current European 5 Series is approximately 5.06 metres long, so the new Chinese 3 Series is still almost 20 centimetres shorter overall.
The difference in wheelbase is minimal, however, allowing the smaller saloon to offer a surprising amount of legroom.
Two 2.0-litre turbo engines
The Chinese 3 Series engine range starts with the 325L, whose 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine develops 172 kW. Its top speed is 233 km/h.
The more powerful 330L uses an engine of the same displacement, but delivers 211 kW and reaches 250 km/h.
The base model has a kerb weight of 1,740 kg, while the more powerful version weighs 1,753 kg. The cars use an evolved version of BMW’s CLAR architecture, rather than the Neue Klasse platform intended for the electric i3.
The new model also gets 19- or 20-inch wheels, with different tyre widths at the front and rear.
Chinese buyers want more rear-seat space
BMW has adapted the Chinese model’s exterior to local requirements. For example, the saloon uses semi-concealed door handles, as China is tightening safety requirements for electrically deployable door handles.
The rest of the design follows BMW’s new Neue Klasse design language, with the kidney grille and headlights forming a single visual unit.
A longer wheelbase is nothing unusual in China. Audi and Mercedes-Benz also offer longer saloons there, tailored to local buyers’ preferences.
For BMW, this strategy is particularly important at a time when Chinese electric car manufacturers are putting increasing pressure on traditional luxury brands. More rear-seat space allows it to offer the comfort of a higher vehicle class without moving up to 5 Series pricing.
In the European market, by contrast, the 3 Series retains a more compact, driver-focused character. BMW is developing the combustion-engined 3 Series and the all-electric i3 in parallel for this market.
The Chinese 3 Series shows how different the same model can become across global markets. In Europe, BMW sells the 3 Series on its sporty handling; in China, it adds rear-seat space approaching that of an executive car.
Sales of the new long-wheelbase 3 Series are expected to begin in China in 2027. Prices have not yet been announced.
