Ahead of this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, BMW has officially lifted the lid on its new BMW 3 Series GT.

The new 3 Series Gran Turismo is the third body variant in the current model family and combines the saloon’s genes with the practicality of the Touring.

Typical BMW proportions, four doors with frameless windows, a coupe-style, downward-sloping roofline and a large, automatically opening and closing tailgate make up the exterior character of the new car. An active rear spoiler – the first of its type on a BMW – reduces lift at touring speeds. The new GT is 200 millimetres longer in total than the BMW 3 Series Touring, comes with a 110-millimetre longer wheelbase and stands 81 millimetres taller.

Front and rear passengers benefit from a seating position raised by 59 millimetres, which is designed to make entry and exit more comfortable. Plus, there is extra headroom. The increase in space will be particularly noticeable in the rear compartment, with a full 70 millimetres of additional legroom over the Sedan and Touring. The interior attempts to mimic a lounge-style ambiance.

The load area also reflects the car’s increased dimensions, its 520 litres of boot capacity even outstripping that of the BMW 3 Series Touring by 25 litres. The large load aperture and high-opening tailgate make for better access. Practical standard features – such as the 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat bench with folding head restraints and tilt-adjustable backrests (cargo function), and the two-piece parcel shelf – underscore the increased focus on functionality.

Three petrol and two diesel engines power the GT. All the powerplants use BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The range-topping six-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet of the BMW 335i Gran Turismo is joined by the 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.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, although BMW will also be offering an eight-speed automatic as an option for all engine variants.

Source: BMW

Tags: 2013 Geneva Motor Show, BMW 3 Series GT, car design, Gran Turismo