The festive period always calls for new and exciting car launches. We’re not even mid-way of the month, and there already have been eight different launch events. And taking the count up to nine is what BMW has introduced today. It’s called the 3 Series Gran Limousine Iconic Edition. There are two variants on offer, both based on the Luxury Line trim. The petrol-fed variant – 330Li – comes with a sticker price of Rs 53.5 lakh, whereas the diesel-powered one – 320Ld – demands Rs 54.9 lakh.

Compare those numbers with the standard variants, and you’ll find the limited-run derivatives, which can only be booked online, cost Rs 1 lakh more. So, what do you get for the premium? First of all, the car comes with a “glow kidney grille”. LED lighting illuminates the grille and the area in front of the vehicle from opening to starting and turning the ignition off to locking. Indoors, there’s a Cognac/Black theme, a crystal gear lever with a glowing “3” logo, head cushions for rear passengers, a coat hanger with a base carrier and Vernasca leather upholstery for seats.

Other features on offer include automatic tailgate operation, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, three-zone climate control and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The car also has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, launch control function, auto headlamps and wipers and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. As for colour options, there are three – White, Black and Silver.

Both Iconic Edition variants get their propulsion from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. The petrol-powered one offers 255bhp/400Nm, whereas the diesel-fed mill pumps out 188bhp/400Nm. By default, both powerplants come coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission that routes the oomph to the rear wheels. As a result, the 330Li can hit 100kmph from nothing in 6.2 seconds, and the 320Ld can complete the same sprint in 7.6 seconds.

The 3 Series Gran Limousine doesn’t have a direct rival in India. The standard 3 Series, on the other hand, competes with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and the Volvo S60.