If anybody was still in doubt that China is about to become the world's major automotive market, think about this: hard on the heels of Bentley's announcement that China has become its biggest market, comes the release of another China-only BMW model.
The long-wheelbase 3 Series Li, which will be shown for the first time at the upcoming Auto China show in Beijing, will be built at the new Shenyang production plant, exclusively for the Chinese market, alongside another China-only model, the long-wheelbase 5 Series Li.
Long-wheelbase models are popular among well-to-do customers in China, where it is a status symbol to be driven by a chauffeur.
ELEGANT PROFILE
The Long Three has an extra 110mm between its axles - all between the B and C pillars - extending its wheelbase from 2810 to 2920mm and overall length from 4624 to 4734mm.
The 'stretched' horizontals, emphasised by a special chromed window trim, give it an elegant profile and what BMW claims is the most rear legroom, and the best rear-seat comfort, in its class.
It will be available with a choice of TwinPower engines, ranging from the 135kW 320Li, to the 180kW 328Li and the 225kW, straight-six 335li, all driving the rear wheel through an eight-speed auto gearbox.
Also on the BMW stand in Beijing will be the recently-launched standard-length 3 Series and the full-hybrid ActiveHybrid 3.