COMPANY car buyers who love the BMW 3-Series but need more space and practicality have an attractive new option – the 3-Series Gran Turismo.
The latest addition to the 3-Series line-up arrives in the UK in June, priced from £28,830.
Compared with the 3-Series saloon and estate models, the Gran Turismo has a longer and taller hatchback body, and also a longer wheelbase.
The Gran Turismo concept is already familiar from the larger 5-Series Gran Turismo, and places a premium on a raised seating position, improved rear-seat space and comfort on long journeys.
BMW is emphasising that the 3-Series Gran Turismo shares the dynamic qualities of other 3-Series models, but with a shift in emphasis towards comfort and directional stability. The gain in rear legroom is 70mm (almost three inches) and luggage space is a generous 520 litres if all of the seats are in use, and a maximum of 1,600 litres with the rear seats folded down. An electric tailgate is standard.
The 3-Series Gran Turismo’s trim levels and engine choices have a familiar look. Even the entry-level SE gets eighteen-inch alloys, and a 6.5-inch colour screen with climate control and BMW’s iDrive system.
Sport models get extensive black gloss exterior trim and sports seats with a choice of cloth or optional leather upholstery.
Luxury models get further exterior chrome detailing, while inside there are high-gloss wood strips and leather seats.
Cars with Modern trim get matt chrome exterior detailing, a light-coloured dashboard and cloth/leather or optional leather upholstery.
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M Sport models get a sportier look, with a revised front apron and large air intake, and a rear bumper incorporating a diffuser and side skirts, as well as eighteen-inch M Star-spoke light-alloys. Inside there are M door sill finishers and an M leather steering wheel, as well as leather sports seats. M Sport suspension is standard and optional M Sport brakes with callipers in contrasting blue paint finish are also available.
Initially, the 3-Series Gran Turismo is available with three petrol engines and two diesels. The most powerful petrol option is the 306 PS turbo-charged six-cylinder 335i. That’s joined by the four-cylinder 320i (184 PS, 153g/km in manual form, 145g/km automatic) and 328i (245 PS, 156g/km manual, 149g/km automatic).
The 143 PS entry-level 318d diesel engine delivers a business car tax friendly 119g/km (manual) or 127g/km (automatic), while the 320d emits 129g/km. A third, more powerful diesel, badged 325d, will join the range later on.
