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BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo prices announced

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22nd July, 2013

  • Commanding seating position, longer wheelbase and more interior space
  • Range starts from $69,500*

BMW Group Australia has announced 1st September 2013 as the on-sale date for its new 3-Series variant, the 3 Series Gran Turismo.

Highlights of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo line-up include an innovative and stylish design, the expected engaging driving dynamics of the BMW 3 Series, elevated seating position, voluminous occupant space and a capacious luggage compartment.

The managing director of BMW Group Australia, Phil Horton, expects the new model to appeal to a wide audience.

“The 3 Series Gran Turismo will appeal to people who may be thinking about buying a touring sedan, a wagon, or an SUV. It will appeal to people who love stylish and prestigious design,” Horton said.

“But most of all, the 3 Series Gran Turismo has BMW’s legendary driving dynamics, so it will appeal to people who love to drive.”

The new addition to the 3 Series range will be powered by three of the German marque’s most popular engines – the 320i (135 kW/270Nm), the 320d (135kW/380Nm) and the range-topping 328i (180kW/350Nm). All engines boast increased economy and low emissions. A standard eight-speed automatic transmission is matched to each engine.

Dynamically, the 3 Series Gran Turismo is a winner. Every model is fitted with a flat undercarriage and an active rear spoiler which is raised at 110 km per hour, and lowered when the speed drops below 70 km per hour. These components contribute to reduced lift and a lower co-efficient of drag (0.29Cd)

Enhanced specifications are available on the 3 Series Gran Turismo, with a long list of standard features including active and passive safety features, passenger comfort and convenience features and navigation systems. The 3 Series Gran Turismo also receives, as a standard specification, the choice of one of three 3 Series ‘Lines’ packages which boast individual interior and exterior features. The Lines available include Modern, Luxury or Sport.

Additional individual options such as M adaptive suspension, variable sports steering and sport seats are available to enhance the dynamics of the 3 Series Gran Turismo.

Based on the same architecture as its Sedan and Touring models, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo shares the driving dynamics of the better known 3 Series variants. However, larger proportions, which include 200 mm of additional overall length, a 110 mm longer wheel base and an 81 mm taller roof line versus the 3 Series Touring has allowed increased cabin dimensions resulting in an extra level of passenger comfort and space.

Along with the extra room for passengers, the cargo area also boasts a substantial and versatile 520 litres of capacity for everyday use. This increases to a voluminous 1,600 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Access is via the standard electrically operated tailgate which opens to provide an impressively large aperture, making it a simple matter to load all manner of items.

But it’s the innovative flexibility of the luggage area that stands out with this new model, combining the 40:20:40 split fold seats with adjustable seatback angle, a two-part rear shelf (which can be stowed in the cargo floor when not in use), dividable underfloor storage and the adaptive fixing system as part of the standard storage package. The almost limitless combinations for cargo carrying demonstrate the impressive versatility of the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo.

All new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo models available from launch demonstrate competitive efficiency and performance, with a choice of three of the most technologically advanced engines mated to eight-speed sport automatic transmissions as standard.

BMW’s TwinPower turbo four-cylinder direct injection engine, featured in the entry point BMW 320i Gran Turismo, produces 135 kW and 270 Nm of torque to deliver a very respectable 7.9 second sprint from 0-100 km/h, whilst sipping a mere 6.2l/100km and emitting 145 g CO2 per km.

The BMW 320d Gran Turismo boasts a BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 135kW of power and 380 Nm of torque. The 0-100 km/h performance is identical to the 320i variant at 7.9 seconds.

The range topping BMW 328i Gran Turismo leads the model line-up and features BMW’s new TwinPower turbo four-cylinder direct injection engine. Producing 180 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque for a 0-100 km/h sprint of just 6.1 seconds.

Each BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is equipped with Auto Stop/Start, Brake Energy Regeneration, ECO PRO mode and on-demand ancillaries such as electric power steering.

The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo also benefits from time spent in a wind tunnel during development to fine-tune its aerodynamics. In order to achieve the low drag coefficient of just 0.29 Cd, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo comes equipped with front apron air curtains and new air breathers situated behind the front wheels which are designed to reduce air turbulence, and therefore drag.

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Standard features

Additional to the commanding seating position, which improves visibility and awareness for the occupants, the 3 Series Gran Turismo is loaded with active and passive safety features such as DSC, active protection accident preparation system, six airbags, dynamic braking lights, anti-dazzle interior mirror, rear view camera, run-flat safety tyres and rain sensor with automatic headlight control.

Passenger comfort and convenience is further enhanced with features including heat/sun protection glass, dual-zone climate control, Dakota leather upholstery, leather multi-function steering wheel, electrically adjusted front seats with memory with the 328i Gran Turismo also featuring electric lumbar support, storage package, 40:20:40 split rear seat backrest with reclining function and automatic tailgate opening and closing on every model.

Both the 320i and 320d receive a business navigation system which includes 6.5 inch display with iDrive controller and six programmable memory buttons as well as a USB audio interface.

Additionally, the 328i Gran Turismo comes equipped with BMW’s professional navigation system, which incorporates an 8.8 inch, high resolution colour display, DVD drive, 3D map, bird’s eye view and a 20Gb hard drive for storage and playback of audio files as well as Internet functionality, extended Bluetooth function including audio streaming and a nine speaker HiFi loudspeaker system.

The BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo will also include one of the 3 Series ‘Lines’ as standard, with option of either Modern, Luxury or Sports, each offering a distinctively different character through unique packaging of interior and exterior trims, upholstery colours and ‘Line’ specific design elements.

Additional individual options such as M adaptive suspension, variable sports steering and sport seats are available to enhance the dynamics of the new 3 Series Gran Turismo.

From a safety and connectivity viewpoint, features such as head-up display, surround view, lane change and lane departure warning, adaptive bi-Xenon headlights with high-beam assist, and high-end audio systems such as the optional Harman/Kardon sound system are all available.

Australian Manufacturer's List Price*

BMW 320i Gran Turismo

$69,500*

BMW 320d Gran Turismo

$71,800*

BMW 328i Gran Turismo

$76,500*


NOTE:

* Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.

E&OE.


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