BMW takes the covers from the new Gran Turismo version of the 3 Series in Geneva. As per the rest of the 3 Series range, the Gran Turismo model will be offered in ‘Sport Line’, ‘Luxury Line’ and ‘Modern Line’ grades with the sporty M Sport package coming in July.
Like other Gran Turismo models, the 3 Series version (the third body type for BMW’s best-seller) runs four doors, a coupe style downwards sloping roof, frameless side windows and a large automatically-opening tailgate with an active spoiler (the first for BMW).
The Gran Turismo version is 110mm longer in the wheelbase than the regular 3 Series sedan and 200mm longer overall. Height is also up (by 81mm).
That pays off inside with plenty of extra space – the seats are 59mm higher than the sedan and rear seat occupants enjoy an extra 70mm of legroom.
Same out back where the Gran Turismo provides 520-litre of cargo capacity (25-litres up on the sedan) and a 40/20/40 split-fold rear seat for luggage versatility.
As usual, power comes from three petrol engines – the 335i six-cylinder and 328i and 320i four-cylinders. The 2.0-litre diesel is offered in 320d and 318d. And all are BMW TwinPower Turbo versions.
Drive is to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and BMW superb eight-speed automatic.
Inside is the latest-generation colour Head-Up Display and BMW ConnectedDrive system.
