The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo combines the 3 Series Sedan’s dynamic, sporting genes with the practicality and versatility of the Touring. Typical BMW proportions, four doors with frameless windows, a coupe-style, gently downward-sloping roofline and a large, automatically opening and closing tailgate define the distinctive exterior character of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. An active rear spoiler provides visual lightness and reduces lift at touring speeds. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is 200 millimetres longer in total than the BMW 3 Series Touring, comes with a 110 millimetre longer wheelbase and stands 81 millimetres taller.
The front and rear passengers all benefit from a seating position raised by 59 millimetres, which provides an outstanding view out and makes entry and exit significantly more comfortable. Plus, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo also offers extra headroom. The increase in space will be particularly noticeable in the rear compartment, where a full 70 millimetres of additional legroom over the Sedan and Touring give luxury-car levels of spaciousness.
The load area also reflects the car’s increased dimensions, its 520 litres of boot capacity even outstripping that of the BMW 3 Series Touring by 25 litres. The large load aperture and high-opening tailgate make access easier. Practical standard features, such as the 40:20:40 folding rear seat bench with folding head restraints underscore the functionality of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. The large load area can be utilised in many different ways, allowing intelligent space management.
Customers can choose from a selection of five powerful, refined and economical engines, covering an output range from 105 kW/143 hp to 225 kW/306 hp. All the powerplants use BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The range-topping six-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet of the BMW 335i Gran Turismo is joined by the four-cylinder petrol units in the BMW 328i Gran Turismo and BMW 320i Gran Turismo. The two 2.0-litre diesel engines powering the BMW 320d Gran Turismo and BMW 318d Gran Turismo round off the line-up at launch.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, although BMW also offers an eight-speed automatic as an option for all engine variants. Both gearboxes link up with the fuel-saving Auto Start-Stop function. Advanced suspension technology, featuring a large number of light-alloy components, the torque steer-free Electric Power Steering, finely-balanced axle load distribution (50:50) and a torsionally stiff lightweight body ensure outstanding handling attributes and a high degree of agility and precision.
