BMW India launched the long wheelbase (LWB) 2021 BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine (codenamed G28) today. This launch marks India as the first country to get the right-hand drive (RHD) version of the stretched 3 Series.

And yes, if you've been following our posts, you'd have noticed that Malaysia could be the next country to receive this model. More on that later.

Longer, with more legroom

Let's start with the obvious: the car's size. Other than the longer wheelbase, the G28 is also slightly taller than the regular G20 3 Series. Width remains unchanged however.

Here's how they match up:

The extra length translates in an extra 43 mm to the rear legroom. 

Choice of petrol or diesel engines

Indian customers have a choice of two engines to choose from, as below:

Subdued or aggressive?

BMW India offers the G28 3 Series in two trim levels: the Luxury line, and the M Sport.

The Luxury line is bathed in chrome: there's chrome vertical slats on the kidney grilles, lower bumper intakes, and window surrounds.

Other than that, the Luxury line rides on 17-inch Style 775 wheels. 

On the other hand you've got the angrier M Sport. The M aerodynamics package includes a reworked front bumper, and black high-gloss trims take over from the chrome on the Luxury line.

Capping off the looks are a set of 18-inch Style 848 M wheels. 

Better seats and loads to look at

Inside, the G28 3 Series is swathed in Vernasca leather upholstery and Sensatec upper dashboard material. There's electronically-adjustable seats, a panoramic sunroof, and even ambient lighting.

BMW has also fitted better cushions and bolsters on the rear seats.

For the driver, there's a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster. If buyers opt for the M Sport package, they'll get an M Sport leather steering wheel and head-up display (HUD).

In terms of creature comforts, the G28 3 Series comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Loaded with BMW Operating System 7, the system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and blares music through a Harman/Kardon 16-speaker setup. 

Safety features - no ADAS

There's no advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features to speak of here, with the G28 3 Series only getting safety features such as:

• 6 airbags
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Cornering brake control (CBC)
• Dynamic stability control (DSC)
• ISOFIX mounts

The big news - Malaysian launch when?

Closer to home, the G28 3 Series has been caught undisguised on a transporter recently. It seems that the unit we'll be getting is the 330 Li M Sport too. 

When it'll be launched here is yet to be seen however. Meanwhile, with prices for the BMW 330i topping out at RM 293,800 (without SST exemptions) and the BMW 520i starting from RM 311,980 (without SST exemptions), we expect the G28 to be priced between these two models. 

As always - watch this space.