BMW 3-series GT unveiled

BMW's longer and taller 3-series GT is third body style in the car's line-up.

BMW has added a new model to the 3-series global line-up for the first time since the short-lived Compact was launched in 1993.

The new high-riding 3-series GT follows the template of the larger 5-series GT. It is longer, wider and taller than the 3-series Touring on which it is based. BMW claims the 3-series GT mixes the dynamics of the 3-series saloon with the practicality of the 3-series Touring and the looks of a coupé.

 

The five-seat 3-series GT will be offered with five engine options from launch, including a 302bhp 335i range-topper. 

 

At 4824mm long, 1828mm wide and 1508mm high, the 3-series GT is 200mm longer, 17mm wider and 79mm taller than the 3-series Touring. The wheelbase is also 110mm longer at 2920mm, the upshot of which is 70mm more legroom for rear passengers, more than in a 5-series saloon.

 

Boot capacity is also increased in the 3-series GT over the 3-series Touring by 25 litres to 520 litres. The split rear bench folds 40/20/40 to further improve the car’s LED strip light-illuminated loading area up to 1600 litres. A low-loading lip and wide boot opening also improve the car’s ability to carry bulky loads. An electric tailgate is standard.

 

The design of the 3-series GT is much sleeker than that of the bulky 5-series GT. A sloping roofline, frameless doors and an active rear spoiler that automatically raises at speeds above 68mph are among the design traits over and above the basic 3-series themes that carryover from the saloon and Touring models.

 

Inside, the driving position is raised by 59mm over the standard 3-series. BMW claims three adults can sit on the rear bench in comfort.

 

The international launch line-up of the rear-drive 3-series GT includes three petrol models (320i, 328i and 335i) and two diesels (318d and 320d). A turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine is offered with 181bhp in the 320i and 242bhp in the 328i.

 

A 302bhp turbocharged 3.0-litre unit powers the 335i model, which can crack 0-100kph in 5.4sec when equipped with the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox (all other engines have a six-speed manual as standard, with the eight-speed auto’ optional).

 

BMW’s familiar 2.0-litre turbodiesel is offered with 141bhp in the 318d and 181bhp in the 320d. In the 320d, combined economy is rated at 20.4kpl and CO2 emissions are 129g/km.

 

The Sport, Modern and Luxury trims from the 3-series saloon and Touring ranges will be offered on the 3-series GT in addition to a base spec. M Sport models, which will ride 10mm lower and include adaptive dampers as part of the dynamic and cosmetic upgrades, are set to be introduced globally from July 2013.