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Production of the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo will commence
in March 2013. An Australian release is expected about mid-year.

BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo on the horizon

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7th February, 2013

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

Typical BMW proportions, four doors with frameless windows, a gently downward-sloping roofline and a large, automatically opening and closing tailgate define the distinctive exterior styling 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 new 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 part of the new BMW 3 Series range.

Coupe models will become the 4-Series with the introduction of this new name later this year.

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 a feeling of space and 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, provides 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.

Functional elegance, three equipment lines

High-end material combinations and fit and finish of the highest quality underline the premium ambience on board the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo. The latest addition to the 3 Series range can be ordered in an entry-level version, with the Sport Line, Luxury Line or Modern Line equipment packages, or with the optional M Sport package, which will be available from July 2013.

Three petrol and two diesel engines power the "GT" off the start line

European customers can choose from a selection of five powerful, refined and economical engines – covering an output range from 105 kW/143 hp to 225 kW/306 hp– from the launch of the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. All the powerplants use BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The range-topping six-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet of the BMW 335i Gran Turismo is joined by the four-cylinder petrol units in the BMW 328i Gran Turismo and BMW 320i Gran Turismo. The two 2.0-litre diesel engines powering the BMW 320d Gran Turismo and BMW 318d Gran Turismo round off the line-up at launch.

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Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, although BMW also offers an innovative eight-speed automatic as an option for all engine variants. Both gearboxes link 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 new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo– which includes 17-inch wheels – result in a car offering excellent directional stability and long-distance comfort.

BMW EfficientDynamics

In addition to its practicality and sporting dynamics, the fuel economy of the new 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 petrol and diesel engines, the intelligent lightweight construction concept of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismoand 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, Optimum Shift Indicator and on-demand operation of ancillary components join the campaign to ensure the powerful BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo boasts 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 and the new ECO PRO Route function.

BMW ConnectedDrive

An extensive selection of driver assistance systems and mobility solutions, offered as standard or as options under the BMW ConnectedDrive programme, allows the new 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 the latest-generation full-colour Head-Up Display, which projects key information onto the windscreen in sharp resolution. Included alongside an array of other convenience and safety enhancing assistance systems is highly effective interface technology that allows extensive use of external mobile phones and numerous Bluetooth office functions for internet-based services.

The Apps option and free BMW Connected application provide access to services such as social networks, web radio and iPhone calendar functions. Last but not least, information and office services, and travel and leisure planners using the Google Maps and Panoramio services, further increase levels of passenger comfort in the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo.

Dimensions

Length: 4,824 mm
Width: 1,828 mm
Height (unladen) 1,508 mm
Wheelbase 2,920 mm
Track - front/rear: 1,541-1,586
Ground clearance: 165 mm

Stay tuned to Next Car for confirmation of Australian specifications and prices, in due course.


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