BMW will launch the new 3-series in early 2012. The new 3 will be made in China by the Brilliance-BMW joint venture, jut like the outgoing car. But there will be one big difference: the joint venture will also make a long wheelbase BMW 3.

First spy shots indicate at least 10 centimeter extra behind the B-pillar. BMW 325iL would compete directly with Audi’s popular A4L. Price of the current 3-series starts around 250.000 yuan, the ‘L’ will likely start around 300.000 yuan. Question is: will there be a BMW M3L at some time in the future?

Pics via: Sohu.com.