Press Kit - The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo

The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo.(Highlights)

The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo adds an innovative new concept to the successful BMW 3 Series line-up. The third body variant in the current model family combines the Sedan’s dynamic, sporting genes with the practicality and versatility of the Touring, qualities which are backed up by a palpable increase in space and driving comfort. The Gran Turismo exudes aesthetic and emotional appeal, boasts a distinctive presence on the road and offers similarly pronounced driving pleasure. All of which allows the Gran Turismo to make a compelling case for itself as both an elegant business carriage and a dynamic, comfortable tourer.

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 – the first of its type on a BMW – provides visual lightness and reduces lift at touring speeds. The 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. However, the clever use of proportions, surfaces and lines ensures that the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is immediately recognisable as a member of the new BMW 3 Series range.

Impressive long-distance comfort in a unique ambience.

Generous interior dimensions allow the passengers in every seat of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo to sit back and enjoy an impressive feeling of space and unbeatable freedom of movement. 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 – giving luxury-car levels of spaciousness – is there to be enjoyed. The cocooning nature of the interior, complemented by its design forms, colour scheme and materials, creates a lounge-style ambience which allows passengers to enjoy short trips and long journeys alike in relaxed comfort.

Intelligent load area management.

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 split/folding rear seat bench with folding head restraints and tilt-adjustable backrests (cargo function), and the two-piece parcel shelf – underscore the impressive functionality of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. The large load area can be utilised in many different ways, allowing intelligent space management. Practical features such as lashing points, multifunction hooks and an underfloor storage compartment make it even more convenient to use, while the LED strips that illuminate the cargo area emphasise the premium quality of the 3 Series Gran Turismo.

Quintessential BMW 3 Series: functional elegance, three equipment lines.

High-end material combinations and fit and finish of the highest quality underline the premium ambience on board the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. The latest addition to the 3 Series family can be ordered with the Sport Line or Luxury Line.  Diesel engine powers the GT off the start line.

A powerful, refined and economical 2.0 L diesel engine using BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic linked 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. The longer wheelbase (+ 110 mm), greater wheel diameter and baseline specification of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo– which includes 18-inch wheels – result in a car offering excellent directional stability and long-distance comfort.

BMW EfficientDynamics.

In addition to its enviable practicality and sporting dynamics, the outstanding fuel economy of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo also serves the cause of driving pleasure. The key here is the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, whose influence can be seen in virtually every area of the new model. Building on the good work of the ultra-frugal diesel engine, the intelligent lightweight construction concept of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo and its optimised aerodynamics (including Air Curtains, Air Breathers and the active rear spoiler) do their bit to maximise efficiency and dynamics. And other measures, such as the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration and on-demand operation of ancillary components join the campaign to ensure the powerful BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo boasts impressively low fuel consumption and emissions. The economy drive doesn’t stop there, either; the car still has the potential to cut fuel use by as much as another 20 per cent using ECO PRO mode.

BMW ConnectedDrive.

An extensive selection of driver assistance systems and mobility solutions, offered under the BMW ConnectedDrive programme, allows the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo to set the benchmark in its segment in terms of safety, convenience and infotainment. One highlight of the range is highly effective interface technology that allows extensive use of external mobile phones and numerous Bluetooth functions. The Apps option and free BMW Connected application provide access to services such as social networks and web radio.