The 2021 G28 BMW 3 Series (G20 long wheel base) will be coming to Malaysia, here’s why
Eric · Jan 12, 2021 10:45 AM
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Recently, we reported that the 2021 G28 BMW 3 Series (G20 long wheelbase) will be launched in India soon. This could potentially be a sign that other right-hand drive (RHD) markets like Malaysia is also set to launch this model.
Here’s why.
Starting with sales volume, BMW India sold 6,604 cars in 2020, which the company said is a 31.5 percent drop from 2019 (9,641 units).
By comparison, BMW Malaysia sold 11,567 cars in 2019, but have yet to announce 2020 sales figures. Regardless, BMW Malaysia’s sales in 2019 already surpassed that of India.
With India being a very small market for BMW, clearly the model, which will be called the 3 Series Gran Limousine, cannot be exclusive to them. It is very likely that other right-hand drive markets in Asia including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, will also be launching the stretched 3 Series.
To recap, the G28 3 Series made its global debut in China back in 2019. As the name suggests, G28 3 Series features a wheelbase that is 110 mm longer than the standard car, adding another 43 mm to the rear legroom. The seats also receive better cushions and bolsters than the regular 3 Series.
The long wheelbase variant boast an overall length of 4,829 mm. Its 1,463 mm height is also marginally taller than the regular G20 3 Series (1,435 mm), though the width remains unchanged (1,827 mm).
BMW 3 Series SWB vs LWB
G20
G28
Difference
Length (mm)
4,709
4,829
+120
Width (mm)
1,827
1,827
0
Height (mm)
1,435
1,463
+28
Wheelbase (mm)
2,851
2,961
+110
Take note that the 3 Series SWB in the table refers to the standard wheelbase G20 3 Series, not short wheelbase.
Closer to home, could the G28 3 Series replace the regular G20 3 Series? After all, it makes little sense for BMW Malaysia to sell both models.
Started from the IT industry but somehow managed to find his way into the automotive industry. If he’s not gaming, he’s constantly tinkering with his daily/weekend car.