BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo, 2014

 

 

 

•  BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo, 2014

The new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo represents a high-calibre addition to the premium reaches of the mid-size segment. This new concept performs a genuinely unique role within the successful BMW 3-Series range and provides a fresh and distinctive take on aesthetic appeal, space and functionality. The BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo fuses the dynamic sporting attributes of the 3-Series Sedan with the practicality and versatility of the 3-Series Touring, and backs these qualities up with a palpable increase in space and long-distance comfort. The new addition to the range exudes aesthetic and emotional appeal, boasts a distinctive presence on the road and offers similarly pronounced driving pleasure.

Among the eye-catching features of the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo are a powerfully formed front end, an elegantly stretched silhouette with coupe-style roofline, frameless side windows and a flowing rear end with large load aperture. Here, an extended rear spoiler - the first of its type on a BMW - provides visual lightness as well as reducing lift at touring speeds. The clear increase in length over the Sedan and Touring benefits not only the car's elegant silhouette, but also the amount of space available on board.

Ease of access, a raised seating position offering an outstanding view out to all sides and luxurious expanses of space around every passenger provide an instant feel-good factor. The Gran Turismo offers more room in the rear compartment in particular. Indeed, passengers in the three full-size rear seats will encounter legroom normally only found in luxury-class cars.

The broad range of qualities - both functional and aesthetic - allows the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo to tick all the right boxes for active and demanding drivers who use their car in a variety of ways but would also value the aesthetic appeal of a coupe. All of which allows the new Gran Turismo to make a compelling case for itself as both an elegant business carriage and a dynamic, comfortable tourer for family trips away and leisure activities.

Design: Innovative, emotional and practical.
The first impression delivered by the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo invariably centres on the striking combination of dynamic and aesthetic appeal. Attractive proportions, four doors with frameless windows, the coupe-style, gently falling roofline and large tailgate define the distinctive character it has chiselled for itself within the BMW 3-Series ranks. Powerful lines and taut surfaces sketch out an athletic body which lends the car an actively forward-surging purpose, as well as suggesting a high degree of functionality. Indeed, the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo sets new standards inside as well as out. A convincing sense of roominess, a high seating position, generous levels of space and intelligent load area management seal its status as a one-off in the premium mid-size segment.

At 4,824 millimetres long, 1,489 millimetres tall, 1,828 millimetres wide and with a 2,920-millimetre wheelbase, the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo is notably larger all round than the Sedan and Touring variants of the 3-Series range. However, the designers' clever use of proportions, surfaces and lines ensures that the Gran Turismo appears to cut a similarly low-slung and dynamic figure as its siblings. Its dimensions allow it to lay on impressive levels of space for passengers and their luggage, as a result of which it passes the "long-distance comfort" test with flying colours. At 520 litres, its boot capacity is up 25 litres on the BMW 3-Series Touring's, while an extra 70 millimetres of rear legroom place it between the BMW 5-Series and BMW 7-Series, i.e. firmly in luxury class territory.

Front view: powerful dynamics.
The eye-catching front end of the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo makes no secret of its BMW 3-Series family ties, but also brings its own individual flavour into the mix. The broad, powerful BMW kidney grille and modified front apron underline the car's sporting character, while striking twin headlights with corona rings (if xenon headlights are specified) and LED accent lights form a visual unit with the slightly forward-slanting kidneys and reinforce the sense of both width and presence. The silhouette of the headlights is larger than on the Sedan. Large air intakes below the headlights emphasise the sporting character of the car, as do the aerodynamically motivated apertures for the Air Curtains. The bonnet, meanwhile, has smoother contours than the Sedan and Touring. The most prominent design cue remains the kidney grille, which draws the visual focus of the front end further towards the road and gives the car a lower-slung and sportier feel. Another identifying feature of the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismoare the "blades" set into the outer air intakes of the front apron.

Side view: elegance with a coupe-style roofline.
The link between the front and rear of the BMW 3-Series GT is particularly seamless. Hallmark BMW proportions and a coupe-style roofline sloping down towards the rear stretch the car's silhouette, while powerfully taut surfaces and rising lines lend the flanks their inherent dynamic verve. The smooth transition of the roofline into the rear creates extra interior space while showcasing the car's enviable functionality. The BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo is the brand's first-ever model to sport an active rear spoiler. At lower speeds it retracts virtually out of sight, leaving barely a ripple in the coupe-style roofline. One feature that is most definitely visible from the side are the forward-surging kidney slats, which dart up into the bonnet, underlining the agile character of the Gran Turismo.

The dominant theme of the car's flanks is the double swage line, made up of two character lines running alongside each other, which is central to the appearance of the latest BMW 3-Series. Viewed in tandem with the pronounced door sill line it strengthens the body's dynamic wedge shape. The high-set side window graphic, which rises slightly at the Hofmeister kink, lends pleasingly aesthetic emphasis to the clear forward orientation of the exterior design. A new element of the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo comes in the form of the Air Breathers. Located just rearwards of the front wheels, they are designed to reduce drag around the wheel arches. The Air Breathers team up with the Air Curtains to underline the sporting character of the car's design and provide tangible evidence of the innovative aerodynamic solutions devised by BMW as part of its BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy.

Rear view: a powerful tail end with compelling functionality.
The rear of the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo is highlighted by horizontal surfaces and lines emphasising muscular width and unshakable roadholding. The wraparound section below the spoiler has an extremely flat appearance and visually lowers the stance of the rear. The interplay between light and shadowed surfaces generates a dynamism even when the car is stationary.

The extended rear lights, in customary BMW L-shaped design, stretch far into the sides of the car, add further presence to the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo's powerful breadth and make the car appear lower to the road. Two integrated bars of LEDs allow a slim light design and ensure the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo's distinctive appearance is maintained both day and night. The large tailgate, meanwhile, showcases the versatility and functionality of the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo. It allows optimum access to the load area and, thanks to its wide, generously sized aperture, makes it easier to load and unload even bulky items.

Interior: surprising spaciousness, generous freedom of movement.
"The focus of the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo's interior is clearly on the rear compartment - here we wanted to create a totally new, spacious yet also cocooning ambience." Georg Allmendinger, interior designer for the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo.

The new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo adds 200 millimetres to the length of the BMW 3-Series Touring and has a 110-millimetre longer wheelbase. The new model variant also stands 81 millimetres taller. These generous dimensions create a luxurious feeling of space for the passengers and ensure unbeatable freedom of movement in every seat. The front and rear passengers all benefit from a seating position raised by 59 millimetres, which allows an outstanding view out and makes entry and exit significantly easier. The Gran Turismo also raises headroom another notch.

Space-loving elegance with lounge-style character.
Rear passengers enjoy a particularly impressive increase in space. Indeed, the Gran Turismo offers a full 70 millimetres of extra legroom in the rear, providing a freedom of movement normally only found in luxury-class cars. Thanks to the car's longer wheelbase - and a reduced overlap with the rear wheel arches as a result - the full breadth of the rear seat bench can be used without restriction and three adults can be seated in comfort. This supreme feeling of space is complemented by the design forms, colour scheme and materials employed in the interior. The flowing lines of the door panels link the front and rear compartments into a single stylistic unit, while the interplay of the flat roofline and frameless windows with the cocooning character of the interior creates a spacious lounge-style ambience in the rear compartment, and thus the ideal environment for relaxed touring.

Maximum long-distance comfort.
An array of storage compartments and other practical details helps lay on a suitably sumptuous level of long-distance comfort. A pair of cupholders are integrated into the centre console, but can be swapped for an oddments tray if desired. And large door pockets front and rear can accommodate up to one-litre drinks bottles (0.75 l in the rear). The BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo can be adapted precisely to meet changing requirements. To this end, the rear seat backrests are fitted with folding head restraints and can be split 40:20:40 as standard, allowing the load area to be increased in stages from 520 up to 1,600 litres. Folding down only the central segment creates a large through-loading aperture that enables four people to bring several pairs of skis or snowboards on board with them. Folding down all the backrests, meanwhile, creates a slightly rising, almost level and flush-fitting load compartment floor.

Load area: large, practical and versatile.
The perceived value and functionality of the generously sized load area in the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo impress in equal measure. The gaping 1,120 x 618-millimetre (width x height) load aperture and high-opening electric tailgate make it easier to load up bulky items. Another extremely practical feature is the cargo function for the rear seat backrests. The tilt angle of the backrests can be adjusted through 15 stages and 19 degrees and even brought into a vertical position if required. This allows the space available in the load compartment to be adapted to changing requirements, a process aided by the smooth panel surfaces of the load area's side walls. Another example of the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo's practical qualities is the two-piece parcel shelf. The larger segment opens with the tailgate, facilitating access to the load area. The second segment remains on its railing, allowing smaller items to be left in place even when the tailgate is opened. When not in use the sections can be easily removed and stored away neatly under the load compartment floor. The new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo is fitted as standard with button-controlled electric tailgate activation, but the options list also includes the Smart Opener (part of the Comfort Access option), which allows the boot lid to be opened hands-free with a movement of the foot under the rear bumper.

Four lashing points in the load compartment floor and a multifunction hook in the left-hand side panel are on hand for securing loads, while a multifunction storage tray under the load compartment floor and a deep compartment in the left-hand side panel swallow up all kinds of small items. Also located here is a 12-volt power socket to plug in a cool box or charge electrically-powered devices. The optional storage package, meanwhile, ups the comfort rating another notch when it comes to transporting both people and loads. In addition to an array of interior features, it also comprises handy extras for the load compartment. These include a remote release function for the rear seat backrests, a gas pressure spring for the load compartment floor, a sliding retaining net on the right-hand side panel, an additional strap for holding loads in place and a variable attachment system using two rails integrated into the load compartment floor.

Typical BMW 3-Series: functional elegance in the cockpit as well.
The cockpit of the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo fits the same template as the new 3-Series Sedan and new 3-Series Touring. In customary fashion, the driver-focused layout ensures optimum access to all driving functions. Crystal clear circular instruments with a black-panel display and a freestanding iDrive monitor in contemporary flatscreen design underline the sense of functional elegance. The iDrive Controller - within easy reach on the centre console - and the optionally fore-and-aft sliding/folding armrest between the front seats underscore the cabin's exceptional usability and comfort. Descriptions of additional equipment features, such as the full-colour Head-Up Display and cutting-edge convenience-enhancing and driver assistance systems, can be found in the "BMW ConnectedDrive" chapter.

Three equipment lines, each with their own individual character.
High-quality material combinations coupled with supreme levels of workmanship reinforce the premium ambience on board the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo. A large number of colour and upholstery variants offer scope for a multitude of combinations. In the entry-level version, for example, three different trim colours can be combined with a choice of one cloth or two leather shades. Customers can also choose from three additional equipment lines and an M Sport package, all of which add individual touches to the car's looks inside and out. Indeed, even the ignition key shares the colour-coding of the equipment line specified.

Sport Line: The Sport Line adds extra depth to the dynamic repertoire of the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismowith a selection of eye-catching exterior features in high-gloss black. Nine moulded black kidney grille slats in a chrome-coloured surround lend the front end a particularly sporty and alert look, and the forward-slanting angle of the BMW kidneys gains further visual impact. The black air intakes and likewise gleaming black Air Breathers, meanwhile, draw the eye to the car's aerodynamics features. Optional 18-inch or 19-inch light-alloy wheels - depending on the model - in double-spoke design provide an additional dose of sportiness, while exterior mirrors and a "wraparound" window strip (also available in high-gloss black as an option), B-pillars in matching paint finish and a trim strip at rear apron height add further flourishes. Inside the car, the contrast between black and red accents adds a sporty and exclusive allure that is heightened by the accent strips in the doors (also part of the Luxury and Modern Line as well as the M Sport package). The standard-fitted sports seats can be specified with a choice of three upholstery variants in four different colours.

Luxury Line: Discreet high-gloss chrome touches lend the exterior of the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismoa particularly elegant and exclusive appeal. 11 intricate kidney grille slats with chrome-coloured fronts and matt black sides, two chrome blades in the front apron air intakes and chrome Air Breathers all furnish classy touches. Within the gleaming chrome window surround the black B-pillar provides a particular highlight, and special 18 and 19-inch light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design accentuate the extravagance of the Luxury Line. The Gran Turismo Luxury Line can be identified from the rear by a stylish, high-gloss chrome strip above the rear apron and a chrome exhaust tailpipe embellisher. The interior also stands out with various chrome elements, such as the surround for the audio and air conditioning system. High-gloss wood strips, seats with distinctive stitching and a choice of two upholstery materials in four classically elegant colours highlight the exclusivity of the Luxury Line.

Modern Line: High-quality chrome exterior trim elements define the cool aesthetic of the Modern Line, while the BMW kidney grille with 11 slats, the Air Breathers and the double trim strips for the air intakes continue the theme. The optional window surround in satinated aluminium draws attention to the window graphic and blends in seamlessly with the trim elements at the front and rear. 18 or 19-inch turbine-style light-alloy wheels lend a fresh angle to the exterior design of the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo, while the light-coloured dashboard coupled with a steering wheel in dark oyster create a very special ambience in the cockpit. Leather upholstery or cloth-leather combinations in anthracite, oyster or black, and a choice of three trim surfaces with accent strips in pearl-effect chrome, ensure an appealing interplay between materials.

M Sport package: The optional M Sport package gives the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo a shot of adrenaline that spreads beyond its exterior and interior design. As well as the all-new aerodynamic package, including numerous body components (front apron with large air intake, rear bumper with diffuser, side skirts), and the BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim, the exclusive optional exterior paint shade Estoril Blue metallic ensures an unmistakably sporty appearance and unbeatable road presence- an effect underpinned by 18 or 19-inch light-alloy wheels in hallmark M design. Inside the car, features such as M door sill finishers, an M leather steering wheel and an M driver's footrest shape the sporty yet elegance ambience. The driver and front passenger can settle into Hexagon Anthracite cloth/Alcantara sports seats with royal blue contrast stitching offered exclusively as part of the M Sport package. Technical features of this package include lowered M Sport suspension and the optional M Sport brakes with callipers in contrasting blue paint finish.

Exterior colours and wheels: The spectrum of colours available for the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo takes its cues from the BMW 3-Series Sedan and ranges from elegant and classic to modern and expressive. Customers can choose from a total of 12 paint finishes, irrespective of the equipment line specified, including intense colour shades, an array of metallic options and a broad spread of classic tones. The Kalahari Beige metallic, Midnight Blue metallic and Sparkling Brown metallic shades are reserved exclusively for the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo. An impressively extensive selection of light-alloy wheels is also available.

Powertrain and chassis: Driving pleasure, dynamic excellence and comfort over long and short distances.

Customers can choose from a selection of five torquey, refined and economical engines from the launch of the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo, all of which work with the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The range-topping six-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet of the BMW 335i Gran Turismo is joined by the state-of-the-art 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. The power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, although BMW also offers an eight-speed automatic as an option for all engine variants. Both gearboxes link up with the fuel-saving Auto Start-Stop function.

BMW 335i Gran Turismo: six-cylinder petrol version with muscular power development, imposing torque and outstanding refinement.

Aficionados of large six-cylinder engines are in for a treat with the new BMW 335i Gran Turismo. The 3.0-litre in-line engine will win the hearts of sporty drivers with its supreme power delivery, ravenous appetite for revs and exceptional refinement. Developing output of 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm, the six-cylinder powerplant helps the Gran Turismo to put forward a compelling dynamic case. Torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) is available as low down the engine speed range as 1,200 rpm and remains on tap up to 5,000 rpm. With such impressive firepower on board, the new BMW 335i Gran Turismo accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.7 seconds on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). And yet, despite this eye-catching performance, the six-cylinder is also extremely economical and low-polluting. Its fuel consumption in the EU test cycle stands at 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres (34.9 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions come in at 188 grams per kilometre.

BMW 328i Gran Turismo: four-cylinder petrol engine sets the benchmark for dynamics and efficiency.

The power and performance, responsive acceleration, impressive torque, high rpm ceiling and low weight of this innovative turbocharged engine makes it the perfect fit for the dynamic overall theme of the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo. At the same time, though, the four-cylinder unit is remarkably economical and low in pollutants. The advanced BMW powerplant produces a maximum 180 kW/245 hp from its 1,997 cc capacity at 5,000 rpm. The petrol unit drums up peak torque of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) at just 1,250 rpm and maintains it all the way to 4,800 rpm. The new BMW 328i Gran Turismo sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 6.1 seconds and posts an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) while recording average fuel consumption of just 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres (42.2 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle. CO2 emissions are also suitably restrained, at 156 grams per kilometre. The pace of technical progress is even more evident if the eight-speed automatic is fitted, with fuel consumption and emissions figures of 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres (44 mpg imp) and 149 g/km.

BMW 320i Gran Turismo: entry-level petrol engine packs a punch.
The BMW 320i Gran Turismo comes with a powerplant based on the same ultra-low-friction 1,997 cc core engine as the BMW 328i, their differing output ratings achieved principally through modifications to the injection and turbocharging technology. In the new BMW 320i Gran Turismo, the four-cylinder petrol unit develops 135 kW/184 hp at 5,000 rpm and serves up peak torque of 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) at a meagre 1,250 rpm. Fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox, the 320i needs only 7.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) from rest, but has a very understated thirst for petrol. Impressive average fuel economy in the EU test cycle of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres (42.8 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 153 grams per kilometre are improved still further when the eight-speed automatic gearbox is specified; then, consumption falls to 6.2 litres per 100 km (45.5 mpg imp) with CO2emissions dropping to 145 g/km.

BMW 320d Gran Turismo: strong-pulling diesel is also big on refinement and economy.
The new BMW 320d Gran Turismo is powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine whose enviable power output belies an extremely frugal and low-polluting nature. Maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp at 4,000 rpm and torque of 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) - available between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm - ensure the new BMW 320d Gran Turismo is a stand-out dynamic performer and fits the profile of a sporty GT even on diesel power. Its performance figures bear this out. The agile diesel asks a mere 8.0 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph), and a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph) is available should the need arise. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres (57.7 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 129 grams per kilometre already put the new BMW 320d Gran Turismo in low-pollutant territory.

BMW 318d Gran Turismo: ultra-economical entry-level diesel.
High output and surging torque also mark out the entry-level diesel model, which is based on the same core 2.0-litre engine as the unit under the bonnet of the BMW 320d. In the BMW 318d Gran Turismo it develops 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm, while peak torque of 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) is available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Given its 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of 9.7 seconds (automatic: 9.6 sec) and 210 km/h (130 mph) top speed, the BMW 318d Gran Turismo goes extremely easy on the diesel: with the manual gearbox it records average fuel consumption figures of 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres (62.8 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km, while the automatic posts 4.8 litres (58.8 mpg imp) and 127 g/km.

Further drive variants from summer 2013: BMW 325d Gran Turismo and four models with BMW xDrive.

Later this year BMW will be adding another diesel engine and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive to the new 3-Series Gran Turismo range. The BMW 325d Gran Turismo with 160 kW/218 hp and an extremely impressive torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) will join the line-up in summer 2013, as will the xDrive variants of the BMW 320i, 328i, 335i and 320d Gran Turismo.

Six-speed manual gearbox as standard.
Easy gear changes, precise shift travel and optimum gear spacing are the stand-out features of the six-speed manual gearboxes in the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo. Their lightweight, compact construction and innovative, low-friction design allow them to make a pivotal contribution to the driving pleasure available on board. For drivers with sporty ambitions, the interface where the power from the engine is relayed to the drivetrain is key to maximising the car's dynamic performance.