2019 BMW 3-Series Long Wheelbase Stretches Out In First Spy Images

BMW didn’t even need to officially unveil their all-new G20 3-Series sedan in Paris for us to know exactly what the car looks like, thanks to this leaked online configurator.

Compared to its predecessor (the F30), the new car is lighter, more aerodynamic, more visually aggressive and a great deal more modern, from just about every meaningful technical stand point. Now, if you happen to live in China, know that you can look forward to all those changes too courtesy of the LWB model.

This prototype was spotted recently by our spy photographers, wearing a full body camo-wrap so as to throw most people off its scent. Of course, if you look close, you can tell that it has a longer body than your usual premium sports sedan, making life easier for people who will ride in the back.

The previous 3-Series LWB variant rode on an extended 2.920 mm (114.9 inch) wheelbase, approximately 110 mm (4.3 inches) longer than that of the regular model. Overall, its length was increased to 4,734 mm (186.4 inches), making it about as long as a Euro-spec VW Passat. Whether or not these numbers will also be applied to the brand new model (approximately), remains to be seen.

Better comfort, same tech

Expect to find the very same available on-board gadgetry in the new 3-Series LWB, as you would in the regular G20 model. Features will include the new displays, a more elegant ambient lighting setup, new software for the Infotainment system – which by the way you can operate via touch, voice or gesture control, plus a wide array of active safety systems.

As for its engine range, since nothing has been confirmed, we can only assume that BMW will offer the all-new 3-Series LWB with petrol units only, as they did its predecessor (available in China as the 320Li, 328Li and 335Li).

We expect to learn more about the China-only 3er in the coming months.