BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine combines spaciousness, premium features, and luxury, standing out in the mid-size sedan segment with its comfort, elegance, and advanced features.

The Gran Limousine brings a refined balance of practicality and performance, offering a longer wheelbase for enhanced cabin space and updated interiors inspired by BMW’s flagship models. With a sleek, modern design, powerful yet smooth driving dynamics, and cutting-edge technology like the curved digital display and iDrive 8.0 system, it elevates the driving experience. Whether cruising on highways or navigating city streets, the 3 Series Gran Limousine delivers excellent stability, precise handling, and a sporty edge. It’s a luxury sedan designed to offer the perfect blend of comfort, sophistication, and performance.

Anyway, we had the opportunity, to take the 3 Series for a spin, and guess what, we actually did! Let’s break down our experience with this sporty sedan!

Exterior

BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine brings a refined upgrade to the mid-size sedan segment, catering to those who seek luxury and practicality. In India, we get the long-wheelbase variant which emphasizes interior space while incorporating subtle design changes over the 2021 model. At front is the twin circular headlamps have been redesigned with a slimmer, shorter profile and a flatter base, adding a sharper and more aggressive look. The iconic BMW kidney grille has been tastefully retained, with proportions that feel modern and sophisticated. The air flaps in the grille also opens when car turns on allowing to breathe in the air to cool the engine when necessary while also shutting off automatically when not in need.  Enhancements such as slightly tweaked front bumpers with a gloss black finish further elevate the bold aesthetic, especially with the M-Sport package. These refinements ensure the 2023 BMW Gran Limousine maintains its strong global appeal.

From the side, the car exudes a sporty yet elegant vibe with short overhangs, a long bonnet, horizontal lines, and flared rear wheel arches. Standard 18-inch double-spoke wheels with high-gloss finish complementing its dynamic persona. While retaining its signature athletic design, the 2023 model reflects improved proportions and modern detailing, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who value both performance and sophistication. BMW’s attention to detail ensures the Gran Limousine remains a standout in the luxury sedan market. The rear profile has been subtlety tweaked for modern, yet aggressive sporty look.

Dimensions

Colour Options

1. Mineral White
2. Skyscraper Grey
3. Carbon Black
4. Portimao Blue
5. Melbourne Red

Interior

The interior has undergone a significant revamp, bringing it on par with BMW’s flagship models like the 7 Series. The main highlight is the new fully digital BMW Curved Display, which combines a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. This sleek unit spans two-thirds of the dashboard, boasting a minimalist design. The redesigned center console features a compact toggle gear selector, freeing up space for a cleaner layout, while the updated iDrive 8.0 system offers intuitive controls through touch and a redesigned iDrive controller. The displays are high-resolution, bright, and responsive, ensuring seamless functionality even in direct sunlight.

Luxury and practicality are well-balanced, with Vernasca leather seats offering enhanced comfort and an electric tailgate revealing a 480-litre boot. Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, Harman/Kardon sound system, and wireless charging enhance the cabin’s appeal. Rear AC vents, Type-C charging slots, and M-specific seats ensure passenger comfort. The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine interior exudes sophistication, making it a top choice in the luxury sedan segment.

Space and Comfort

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine offers impressive space and comfort, especially for rear passengers. Legroom is generous, and the under-thigh support ensures a comfortable seating experience even on long journeys. Taller passengers will find ample headroom, with no issues even during significant vertical movements caused by road undulations. The rear seats, while offering a slightly upright posture, provide excellent cushioning for enhanced passenger comfort. Additionally, accessing the rear seats is easier compared to the front, making the car practical and accommodating for passengers of all heights.

Top Features

1. Launch Control Function
2. Servotronic Steering Assist
3. Heat Protection Glazing
4. Heated Foldable ORVMs
5. 3-zone Climate Control
6. Panoramic Glass Roof
7. Paddle Shifters
8. Wireless Charging Pad
9. Dual 12.3-inch Curved Displays – Infotainment and Digital Cluster
10. Powered Front Seats
11. Ambient Lighting
12. Harman Kardon 16 Speakers Sound System

Top Safety Features

• 8 Airbags
• Auto-Dimming IRVM
• Parking Assistant
• Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold
• ABS with Brake Assist
• Tyre Pressure Indicator
• Rain-Sensing Wipers
• Automatic Headlamps
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
• Surround View Camera

Engine Specifications

Drive Review

BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine offers an exceptional driving experience, combining power, comfort, and stability. The suspension setup leans towards comfort, ensuring a smooth ride for passengers without compromising drivability or high-speed stability, a departure from BMW’s typically stiffer setups. Braking performance is precise and confidence-inspiring, while the car’s excellent cornering stability is complemented by a steering system that adapts well, particularly in Sport mode.

The engine delivers remarkable power with impressive refinement, remaining silent during regular driving and paired with quick gear shifts for seamless performance. The sporty exhaust note and low NVH levels further enhance the premium driving experience.The Gran Limousine features four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual. Eco Pro mode stands out for offering sufficient power while maximizing efficiency, with a claimed mileage of 13 KMPL at 90 km/h on the highway and around 10 KMPL in city conditions. Comfort and Sport modes deliver slightly reduced efficiency but enhance driving dynamics.

Individual mode allows fine-tuning, such as setting the steering to Sport and air conditioning to Normal for a balanced experience. Overall, the 3 Series Gran Limousine ensures a harmonious blend of performance and practicality, making it a versatile luxury sedan.

Ride and Handling

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine delivers powerful and refined driving dynamics with quick acceleration and a responsive engine that never feels underpowered. Sports mode and paddle shifters enhance performance, offering sharp mid-range bursts and smooth gear shifts. Precise steering, excellent body control, and strong grip make it stable and fun during high-speed cornering, while the sporty exhaust note adds excitement. The M Sport brakes and stiffer suspension handle uneven roads confidently, though upgraded tyres could improve long-distance comfort. Overall, it balances performance and refinement, standing out in its class.

Our Verdict

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine sets a benchmark in the mid-size sedan segment with its exceptional blend of luxury, performance, and practicality. From its spacious and comfortable interior to its refined driving dynamics and advanced technology, every element is thoughtfully executed. Whether it’s the premium cabin features, excellent ride quality, or the thrilling yet efficient drive, the Gran Limousine excels on all fronts. BMW has truly delivered a sedan that caters to both comfort-focused passengers and performance enthusiasts, making it a standout choice in its class.

On-Road of All Variants

320Ld

2.0 L Twin-Turbo Diesel AT – Rs. 73.05 L

320Ld M Sport Pro

2.0 L Twin-Turbo Diesel AT – Rs. 76.57 L

330Li M Sport

2.0 L Twin-Turbo Petrol AT – Rs. 69.90 L

330Li M Sport Pro

2.0 L Twin-Turbo Petrol AT – Rs. 72.19 L

On-road Price Comparison