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2016 BMW 3 Series Facelift Long Wheelbase Model Spied Before Entering Production

We’ve seen plenty of spyshots of the upcoming BMW 3 Series facelift up until now, but we didn’t stumble on the long wheelbase model so far. Well, our spy photographers caught this rare whale out testing and sent a set of photos our way immediately.
2016 BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase Facelift Spyshots 10 photos
Photo: SB Medien
2016 BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase Facelift Spyshots2016 BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase Facelift Spyshots2016 BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase Facelift Spyshots2016 BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase Facelift Spyshots2016 BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase Facelift Spyshots2016 BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase Facelift Spyshots2016 BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase Facelift Spyshots2016 BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase Facelift Spyshots2016 BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase Facelift Spyshots
In case you didn’t know, in China, culture dictates you offer as much space to your passengers as possible. That’s why BMW and other manufacturers create special versions of their most popular cars that have longer wheelbases. The 3 Series is no exception.

As a matter of fact, all the 3ers sold in China have a couple of extra inches in between the axles. The facelift will continue in this fashion as we can see a prototype out testing just before it enters production.

If the longer door in the back isn’t an obvious indicator, the chrome detail in the C-Pillar is a dead giveaway. Just like on the European and American models, the front and rear ends of the car have been camouflaged to keep our eyes away from the styling updates.

We can guess that the headlights and taillights will get a different design even though they’ll keep the overall shape intact. Up front, the corona rings will probably be closer to the current trend that sees them becoming sleeker and connected to the grille.

Round the back, any guess is welcome. Most likely, LED strips will be used but we can’t vouch for that right now.

The biggest changes will come under the bonnet though, as we told you before. Apart from a new plug-in hybrid model, the new 3 Series will also get two new models and the B-family of modular engines.

Ranging from 3-cylinder 1.5-liter units to the 2-liter and even 3-liter inline 6-cylinder ones. Initially we thought that the 7 Series will be the first BMW to use the new B58 engine but with the introduction of the 340i version, the Germans are offering this ‘honor’ to the 3 Series, their most popular car.

Recent leaks point to a 326 HP / 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) output that would make the B58M plant just as capable as the N55 units on the M135i and M235i models. The 330i version that will be replacing the 328i will use a turbocharged 2-liter plant making close to 260 HP.

Inside the cabin, not much will change but we do expect more tech like the one seen on the 1 Series LCI, which includes a new Navigation system and all sorts of assistants for highway driving and parking. Expect the new 3 Series to reach dealerships towards the end of the year.
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