BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo pricing and specifications announced

BMW has announced Australian pricing and specifications for the newest member to join the 3-Series line-up, the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo.

Based on the same architecture as the 3-Series Sedan and Touring, the 3 Series Gran Turismo offers larger proportions, which include 200 mm of additional overall length, a 110 mm longer wheelbase and an 81 mm taller roof line compared to the 3 Series Touring. This allows increased in cabin space and passenger comfort.

Three engines will be available. The range starts with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct injection engine, featured in the entry level 320i Gran Turismo, producing 135 kW and 270 Nm of torque to deliver a 7.9 second sprint from 0-100 km/h,  with a fuel economy figure of 6.2l/100km.

Slotting in the middle of the range is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 135kW of power and 380 Nm of torque. The 0-100 km/h performance is identical to the 320i variant at 7.9 seconds whilst zipping only 4.9l/100 km.

The range topping 328i Gran Turismo features BMW’s much-lauded new TwinPower turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct injection engine. Producing 180 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque for a 0-100 km/h sprint of just 6.1 seconds, while returning a fuel economy figure of 6.5 litres per 100 km’s.

All models are equipped with eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

The 3-Series GT combines the class-leading driving dynamics of the 3-Series sedan with added practicality and extra luggage space. The cargo area boasts a generous 520 litres of capacity which can be increased to a voluminous 1,600 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Access is via the standard electrically operated tailgate.

The versatile luggage area features 40:20:40 split fold seats with adjustable seatback angle, a two-part rear shelf (which can be stowed in the cargo floor when not in use), dividable underfloor storage and the adaptive fixing system as part of the standard storage package.

In order to achieve the impressively low drag coefficient of just 0.29 Cd, the 3 Series GT comes equipped with front apron air curtains and new air breathers situated behind the front wheels which are designed to reduce air turbulence, and therefore drag.

Every model is also fitted with flat undercarriage panelling and an active rear spoiler, which rises up at speeds above 110 km/h and lowers again once the car drops below 70 km/h.  Both the undercarriage and the innovative spoiler are designed to reduce lift and maintain high speed stability.

Inside, the range features Dakota  leather upholstery, leather multi-function steering wheel, electrically adjusted front seats with memory with the 328i Gran Turismo also featuring electric lumbar support, storage package, 40:20:40 split rear seat backrest with reclining function and automatic tailgate opening and closing on every model.

Both the 320i and 320d receive a business navigation system which includes 6.5 inch display with iDrive controller and six programmable memory buttons as well as a USB audio interface.

The 328i Gran Turismo comes equipped with BMW’s professional navigation system, which incorporates an 8.8 inch, high resolution colour display, DVD drive, 3D map, bird’s eye view and a 20Gb hard drive for storage and playback of audio files as well as Internet functionality, extended Bluetooth function including audio streaming and the nine speaker HiFi loudspeaker system.

Additional individual options such as M adaptive suspension, variable sports steering and sport seats are also available.

BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo Australian Pricing (excl. on roads):