BMW Australia has revealed the revised version of the F34 3 Series Gran Turismo as the mid-life facelift (or Life Cycle Impulse – LCI) version of the popular BMW saloon gets its global rollout. The newer 3 Series GT will be in showrooms in Q4 2016.
The updated GT brings with it all the usual tweaks that were already covered with the standard saloon, including an improved engine range, some naming and rebadging for more logical tiers, and minor visual changes.
The first thing to note about the 3 Series GT is that the entry 2.0-litre 320i petrol will no longer be offered, leaving the 320d to pick up the slack at the end of the field at $70,400, a price that’s untouched from the pre-facelift version and a $6,600 premium over the non-GT 320d.
The diesel engine is also untouched, still the solid performer it was in the previous iteration producing 140kW and 400Nm of torque to send the rear-driven Bimmer to 100km/h from rest in 7.7 seconds while managing a claimed 4.5-litres/100km on a combined cycle and mildly improved 118g/km emissions figure.
Moving up from the 320d GT we have the only other variant in the 2016 3 Series Gran Turismo range, the 330i GT at $77,900. It gains a more substantial powertrain improvement with an extra 5kW extracted from its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (185kW/350Nm). The extra grunt takes the 0-100km/h dash to 6.1 seconds while fuel economy improves by 6.5 percent to a claimed 6.2-litres/100km. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and come standard with the Adaptive M suspension system.
Inside, the newer GTs gain a revised interior that uses improved materials and finishes to improve tactility and retain a premium feel throughout the cabin. Glossy black and matte chrome accents adorn the centre stack and other trim surfaces while ambient lighting is also now standard. The iDrive system has been improved with the latest user interface and BMW’s Professional navigation system and an automatic tail gate.
Outside, the new front and rear bumper designs make it through from the LCI sedan, as does the new LED fog lamp and slightly altered tail lamp cluster. Unique to the updated GT, however, is the new rear apron that wraps the two tailpipes.
The updated 320d GT also has the Sports Line package as standard which adds the requisite body kit and 18-inch wheels while the more expensive 330i GT gains 19-inch alloys, a panoramic glass sunroof, Dakota leather upholstery, and a premium audio system. Two new metallic paint options are now also available: Jatoba and Arctic Grey.
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