BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Gets Sportier Design, Upgraded Interior
The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo has premiered at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.
Designed to combine the elegance of a coupe with the interior space of a sedan and the cargo capacity of a wagon, the new 3 Series Gran Turismo features a sportier design and a total of eight different engine offerings. According to BMW, the 3 Series Gran Turismo’s biggest sales markets are China, Germany and the U.S., with a majority of the customers new to the BMW brand.
Measuring nearly 190 inches [4,824 mm] in length, the model is around 7.9 inches [200 mm] longer than the standard BMW 3 Series. Up front are new, standard-fitted LED headlights and LED fog lights, while the LED rear tail lights have been redesigned with more dynamic lines, helping attribute to a visually broader stance on the road.
2016 Paris Motor Show Coverage
In the cabin, the German automaker has given the model a more sophisticated feel, thanks to upgraded materials and accents. Extra chrome can now be found around the interior controls, along with new decorative wood elements, colors and leather trim variants all designed to take perceived quality to a new level.
The new-generation engines available on the 3 Series Gran Turismo include three all-new gasoline mills producing 184 to 326 horsepower, while the five diesel engines generate between 150 to 313 hp. All models come with standard rear-wheel drive but can be had with BMW xDrive all-wheel drive, while some models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. An eight-speed Steptronic automatic is available as an option and comes standard on every model except for the 320i Gran Turismo, 318d Gran Turismo and 320d Gran Turismo. In total, there are 18 engine, transmission and drive configurations available.
Standard features on the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo include automatic climate control, keyless engine ignition, Servotronic, six airbags, LED headlights, LED front fog lights, a high-resolution color screen with iDrive Controller, hands-free phone connection via USB or Bluetooth and a leather multifunction steering wheel.
Expect pricing and availability in the U.S. to be announced closer to its launch.
Discuss this story on our BMW Forum
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
More by Jason Siu
Comments
Join the conversation
for the life of me; i can't understand why they don't offer an M3 GT. i mean, they even have an X3M, Some people require more utility than a standard M3, but don't need a full on SUV