BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo updated with new engine and more kit

The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo range has been updated with a subtle facelift and additional standard equipment, along with a new turbocharged petrol engine.

Due to arrive in the final quarter of 2016, the 3 Series Gran Turismo line-up now commences with the turbo-diesel 320d GT from $70,400 plus ORC, topped by new turbocharged petrol 330i GT, which replaces the 328i GT, from $77,900 plus ORC.

The updated 3 Series Gran Turismo boasts a new bumper design, incorporating revised air intakes and cleaner lines to showcase the new LED foglights.

The rear of the new 3 Series Gran Turismo is similarly updated, a revised rear apron design housing updated reflectors above an enlarged-diameter, twin tail-pipe exhaust system (on all variants).

L-shaped LED tail lights bring a cleaner look that showcases the lipped tailgate, incorporating an active rear spoiler. This automatically deploys at speeds of over 110km/h to reduce rear-axle lift, and returns seamlessly to the boot lid when speed drops below 70km/h. It can also be manually operated.

Two new 19-inch alloy wheel designs further freshen the exterior, while two new metallic paint options – Jatoba and Arctic Grey – take the total colour palette to 12.

Inside, the new GT gains an updated iDrive system with a new user interface for the Navigation System Professional. Refreshed materials include the high-gloss black trim for the centre stack and ambient lighting surrounds, contrasted with chrome accents around the air vents and controls.

A panorama glass sunroof is now standard on the top of the range 330i GT variant.

The entry-level 320d GT is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine producing 140kW and 400Nm, enabling the 320d GT to sprint from standstill to 100km/h 7.7 seconds, while consuming 4.5L/100km of fuel.

Standard equipment includes:

• Sport Line
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• LED Headlights and foglights
• Navigation System Business
• Adaptive M Suspension
• Head-Up Display
• Instrument cluster with extended contents
• Driving Assistant
• Exterior mirrors with anti-dazzle function
• Lane Change warning
• Surround View with Top View and Side View
• Rear View Camera
• Auto Tailgate function
• Sensatec Upholstery
• ConnectedDrive Lifestyle
• ConnectedDrive Real Time Traffic Interface
• DAB+ Digital Radio Tuner
• Extended Smartphone Connectivity

Stepping into the 330i GT brings a new turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, generating 185kW (up 5kW on the outgoing 328i GT) and 350Nm. Zero to 100km/h is achieved in 6.1 seconds. The new engine benefits from improved efficiency with fuel economy now rated at 6.2L/100km, down 0.3L/100km from the previous figure.

Over and above the 320d GT, the 330i GT version gains:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Dakota Leather upholstery
• Electric Lumbar Support for driver and front passenger
• Comfort Access with contactless tailgate opening
• Navigation System Professional
• Panorama Glass Sunroof
• Nine-speaker HiFi Loudspeaker System

As standard, the 330i GT is equipped with the Sport Line trim package. Luxury Line, which includes a specific 19-inch alloy wheel and trim finishers, is also available at no extra cost.