In the space of just three years, BMW says that the 3 Series Gran Turismo has established itself as a standalone character within the 3 Series family. It adds that it brings together the sporting attributes of the 3 Series Saloon, with the elegance of the 4 Series coupé, and the functionality and versatility of the 3 Series touring.
The new 3 Series Gran Turismo has just gone on sale with prices starting from €47,580 on-the-road. With it, BMW claims that the development engineers have given particular focus to enhancing its sporting potency and enhancing quality. The engine range now consists entirely of power units from the new modular family of BMW engines, offering more performance for less emissions and fuel consumption. Inside and out the new 3 Series GT also benefits from carefully crafted enhancements both visually and to its functionality.
The carmaker points to the fact that the successful underlying concept, however, has remained untouched. It offers ease of entry, a slightly raised seating position with outstanding all-round visibility, and a sense of spaciousness are key qualities, along with more room in the rear compartment.
Here, customers can expect three full-size seats and thanks to a longer wheelbase, the legroom of a luxury saloon. Then there is the boot accessed via the large, electrically operated tailgate [fitted as standard], whose capacity and variability exceed even the touring model.
The overall dimensions of the 3 Series Gran Turismo remain unchanged, as do the key attributes: four doors with frameless windows, the coupé-style, gently sloping, roofline, and a large tailgate.
However, subtle enhancements to exterior design further refine the unique Gran Turismo proposition. The new twin circular headlights define the front end, with LED headlights for dipped and high beam now fitted as standard. The front fog lamps are also now LEDs, while Adaptive LED headlights are available as an option. Together with the light graphics, the links from the headlights to the kidney grille give the front end a broader and therefore sportier visual impact.
The Interior also benefits from subtle enhancements for an even higher quality ambience. BMW says that a host of details inside the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo have benefited from the introduction of new materials. Chrome and high-gloss elements have been applied to areas such as the surround for the air vents, the buttons in the doors for the windows and mirror adjustment, and the radio and air conditioning controls.
The centre information display now features a flatter design and narrower frame profile to give it a slimmer and, as a result, more elegant appearance. The range of colours and materials available has also been expanded and refined, with an array of new wood trim strips available.
The new engine range consists entirely of petrol and diesel units from the latest BMW modular engine family, with fuel consumption reductions of up to 14 per cent.
The new generation of engines in the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo are notable for combining performance with efficiency; all engines are now turbocharged. The line-up comprises three new petrol units and five diesel engines. All the petrol models and two of the diesels [320d, 330d] are available with the option of BMW xDrive, while the BMW 335d Gran Turismo comes with the all-wheel-drive system as standard.
Further improved manual and automatic transmissions, the auto start stop function, brake energy regeneration, on-demand operation of ancillary units and the ECO PRO mode also help to ensure the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo delivers all the sporting and dynamic qualities for which the brand is renowned, but still manages to return lower fuel consumption and emissions than anything else in its class.
All the petrol and diesel engines now come from the newly developed modular BMW efficient dynamics engine family, and feature the very latest BMW twin power turbo technology. The petrol engines are new to the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, while the four-cylinder diesels have all been available.
The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo features an extensive list of equipment already fitted as standard, including automatic climate control, keyless engine ignition, Servotronic steering, six airbags, LED headlights for dipped and high beam, and LED front foglamps. A high-resolution colour screen with iDrive controller, a front armrest, a rain sensor, a Bluetooth hands-free facility for phone calls – including a USB port and Bluetooth audio streaming – and a leather multifunction steering wheel also feature.
Sport line and luxury line cars add further individual character and meanwhile, the M Sport model offers additional options designed to further increase the car’s presence on the road and the driving pleasure available at the wheel, such as the aerodynamic package, M Design alloy wheels, and a sporty interior ambience.
