Are you the sort of person who wants an executive saloon that’s the best for rear passengers? If yes, then this is the car for you – the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine. You can consider it as the replacement of the 3 Series Gran Turismo, a car that was to be chauffeured in. The 3 Series Gran Limousine is on the same lines, albeit in a more acceptable silhouette. Besides offering that extra room to move about, the longer 3 Series also promises a comfier ride. Although we haven’t driven one, BMW has tweaked the suspension to absorb bumps and potholes better. Here’s the introductory price list:

Like the standard 3 Series, the Gran Limousine is also available in petrol and diesel guises. Unsurprisingly, it shares the powertrain with the standard 3 Series. That means the 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol engine pumps out 255bhp/400Nm, whereas the 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel produces 188bhp/400Nm. The only transmission option available is the 8-speed automatic, which harnesses and feeds the oomph to the rear wheels. 0-100kmph sprint times with the petrol and diesel engines are 6.2 seconds and 7.6 seconds, respectively.

Features? Well, they will depend on which of the two trims you settle for. Between them, they offer stuff like 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, a panoramic sunroof, three-zone automatic climate control, auto start/stop and wireless mobile charging. Falling under the safety section are features like a rear-view camera, tyre pressure indicator, ISOFIX anchorages for child booster seats, Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic stability control.

Yes, the 3 Series Gran Limousine is expensive, but it helps BMW offer something unique in the segment – a roomier cabin along with a comfier ride. Other options in the same space include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Jaguar XE and the recently-launch Audi A4 facelift. Soon, Volvo will join the party with the brand-new S60. That, like the Jaguar and Audi, will be on offer with a petrol engine only.