BMW presents a new concept in the mid-range premium car segment. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo combines several attributes that together create a unique whole. Higher seats (by 59 mm) together with an extraordinary range of interior space are the basis for extraordinary travel comfort. By contrast, the flowing roofline and dramatically shaped nose give the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo a distinctive dynamism and freshness. In order to ensure the necessary driving stability, an active spoiler is located at the rear , which increases the downforce on the rear axle by a third when extended.
The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is 200 mm longer than the Touring version and has a wheelbase extended by 110 mm compared to it. With the increase in dimensions, it was possible to create a truly impressive interior space, which represents, for example, an increase in legroom for passengers sitting in the back by 70 mm. This puts the comfort of the rear seats even between the BMW 5 Series and the BMW 7 Series . The luggage compartment has also been enlarged with the standard electric opening of the tailgate, its volume is 520 l . Considerable attention has been paid to the overall practicality of the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo , so for example the rear seats are split in a ratio of 40:20:40 and their backrests can be adjusted to one of 15 positions within a range of 19 degrees.
Three petrol and two diesel engines with a power range from 143 hp to 306 hp are available to power the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo when it goes on sale. A six-speed manual or optional eight-speed automatic transmission is a matter of course. All of them transmit the power of the engines to the wheels of the rear axle, which is a guarantee of traditional driving pleasure. In all cases, this is multiplied for the given performance parameters of the engines by exemplary low fuel consumption values, thanks to the set of continuously improved technologies of the BMW EfficientDynamics approach. A novelty in the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is, for example, the aerodynamic optimization of the air flow in the area of the front fenders, where the already known air screens that direct the flow around the front wheels have also been added to the openings behind the front wheels, limiting the pressure in the undercarriage.
The range of BMW 320i, 328i, 335i, 320d and 318d versions will be expanded from the summer of 2013 by the powerful 325d diesel model with a two-stage turbocharged BMW TwinPower Turbo engine. At the same time, four versions will also be available to order in conjunction with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.
A comprehensive range of safety and assistance systems from the BMW ConnectedDrive program is also available for the new BMW 3 GT . Among other things, active protection systems, lane keeping or mirror blind spot monitoring are available. The lighting technology also belongs to the most advanced, the bi-xenon headlights can be supplemented with a system of adaptively controlled lights, which can distribute the light on the road according to the current driving situation. They also include a non-dazzling high beam assistant, which allows the driver to keep the high beams on even when passing oncoming vehicles.
The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is a specific premium car in the middle class, which is ready to appeal to customers looking for an exceptionally comfortable, spacious and practical touring car, which, however, is also able to provide the joy of sporty driving, the highest possible economy and, last but not least, also an active connection with the outside world through advanced communication functions.
Source: BMW
