You've likely seen one of the four available BMW 3 Series cruising around Connecticut streets - the Sedan, Coupe, Convertible or Sports Wagon. While it's by no means tiny, it's also not what you'd call a long-wheelbase vehicle. At least not stateside.

A recent debut abroad indicates BMW has different plans for the 3 Series in China. Specifically, the German automaker unveiled a new, longer 3 Series at the Beijing International Auto Show at the end of April.

With nearly four-and-a-half more inches added to the wheelbase, the new variants will carry the following nameplates: 335Li, 328Li, and 320Li. Each will be manufactured in Shenyang, China.

The 3 Series represents the second long-wheelbase model BMW has made solely for dealerships in China. This underscores industry-wide attempts to capitalize on the burgeoning auto market there.

To emphasize the longer, Li wheelbase at the Beijing International Auto Show, BMW also showcased the conventional 3-Series as well as the ActiveHybrid 3 (expected to go on sale later this fall). Also hitting the stage for the first time in Asia was the BMW M6 and 6-Series Gran Coupe.

Interested in staying on top of all other imminent changes BMW has up their sleeve?

Be sure to stay tuned to the BMW of Ridgefield blog. And, remember if you'd like to learn more about the 2012 BMW 3-Series (i.e., the BMW 328i and BMW 335i) available at BMW of Ridgefield now, you can browse our online resources, contact us online, or swing by our showroom.