SPIED: BMW Producing A LWB 3-Series For Chinese Market BUT Is This What WE Need?

Now if you didn't already know, BMW produces special cars for the Chinese market. Automakers have been doing this for quite some time; however, now it's becoming more apparent given that the Chinese market is growing much larger and the vehicles are becoming more specialized.

Take, for example, the FIRST spy shots of the next-generation 3-Series sporting a long-wheelbase. Sure this makes sense for the Chinese market but I am a bit confused:

Why NOT bring this to the U.S. market?

Would buyers make a move to the 5-Series before buying a long wheelbase 3? Seems to be a business case abroad.


According to BMW insider, Scott26:

First Pictures of the Chinese Market BMW 3er Li.

Like the BMW 5er, the new BMW 3er for the Chinese market will inherit an extended wheelbase model. Extra length in the rear will be a boon to Chinese customers in this segment where the car will face off with the Audi A4L. With BMW adding a 3er Li , expect Mercedes-Benz to add a C-Klasse L when the next generation arrives.

Like all new F30's for the Chinese market The 3erLi will be manufactured in China.

Whilst Europe and the US will not see the 3erLi , The platform will form the basis of the BMW 3er Gran Turismo which debuts in 2013. The 3er GT will benefit from the extended wheelbase for rear passengers.

The BMW 3er Li will debut at the Beijing Autoshow in April 2012.

[Source: F30post]


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sdcarguy - 7/26/2011 7:46:49 AM

+3 Boost

These LWB cars are used as cars for hire to shuttle execs around. There are a lot of them there. Sort of a communist friendly limo. I don't see such a car in use here, unless they were to replace Lincoln Towncars.
I could see European taxis start using these.

dumpsty - 7/27/2011 2:08:44 PM

+5 Boost

Interesting...when a larger version (LWB) of a car is being tested for a market outside of the US, there are reasons related to the car's use for the uptick in sizing. But when a larger version is suggest for the US, the immediate explanation is that Americans are getting bigger/fatter.