The new BMW 3 Series GranTurismo has already been presented and represents a high-caliber bet in the premium segment.
This new concept plays a truly unique role within the 3 Series range, a successful series which is now enhanced with more functionality, space and familiar appeal with the new 3 Series GT. The BMW 3 Series GranTurismo fuses the dynamic and sporty attributes of the 3 Series range, adding and placing special emphasis on space on board and comfort for long-distance travel.
Among the most distinctive features of the new BMW 3 Series GranTurismo is its silhouette with a Coupé-style roof and frameless side windows. At the rear an extended spoiler – the first of its kind at BMW – that provides a safer drive. At 110km/h the spoiler rises giving GranTurismo more stability.
With greater ease of access and an elevated position, it offers increased visibility compared to the rest of the Series-3 range, with luxurious extensions of space around the passengers making it an immediate well-being factor.
The clear increase in length over the Sedan and the Touring had repercussions on the exterior silhouette, but also the amount of space available on board, which on balance, for the rear passengers has grown by 7 cm. One of the strengths of this model is also its large 520-litre luggage compartment capable of increasing to a fantastic 1,600 liters with the rear seats folded down (40:20:40).
Unlike its big brother (Series 5 GT), the double opening of the boot is not available, but to fill this gap numerous other practical features are available such as «storage» drawers under the trunk floor and hooks for hanging, for example, shopping bags.
Like the range, the 3 Series GT will be available in 3 equipment lines, Sport, Luxury and Modern. It will have 5 engines, three petrol (the 320i (143 hp), the 328i (245 hp) and the 335i (306 hp)) and two with diesel (the 318d (143 hp) and the 320d (184 hp)). Later, the 325d and its all-wheel drive xDrive versions will arrive.
This BMW 3 Series GT will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and will reach dealers in mid-July this year.
Text: Marco Nunes