The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is the latest variation of the company's iconic 3 Series sedan and was introduced in 2013, two years after the standard, sixth-generation four-door made its public debut. Developed with customers looking for a smaller, sportier version of the 5 Series GT in mind, the 3 Series GT has a longer wheelbase, taller body, and hatchback-like rear end compared to the standard 3 Series. Engine options are virtually the same, except for the M version, which has yet to be offered on the GT model as of 2016.

After three years on the market, the 3 Series GT has received its first mid-cycle revision. Not surprisingly, changes are in line with the facelifted sedan and wagon version of the compact model. Specifically, styling revisions are rather mild on the outside, while the interior gains only a handful of updates. The most important additions are in the drivetrain department, where BMW introduced three new turbocharged gasoline engines.

The facelifted 3 Series Gran Turismo goes on sale in summer 2016 and will likely stay in showrooms until at least 2018, when the next-generation sedan is rumored to break cover. Until that happens, let's have a closer look at the new features available on the current 3 Series GT.

Continue reading to learn more about the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo.

2017 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 184 @ 5000
  • Torque: 214 @ 1350
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Much like the facelifted 3 Series, the GT features only a few nips and tucks on the outside. There are mild changes in the front and rear bumper areas, but the real highlight of the update are the new standard LED headlamps with new clusters and LED fog lamps. Around back, the GT sports updated taillights with a new LED pattern that gives it a more aggressive stance. BMW now offers two new metallic finishes and the flashy Estoril Blue hue. The latter is available exclusively for the M Sport trim, but customers opting for Sport Line or Luxury Line have plenty of colors to choose from thanks to the vehicle's extensive palette. As always, buyers looking to stand out can pick between the numerous bespoke hues available through the Individual program.

Interior

This is where the 3 Series GT received a lot more attention. The facelift brings upgraded materials and trim for a more sophisticated feel, as well as the latest version of the BMW Navigation system. The latter has the most important menu items now displayed in a clear, tile-based layout, for easier access, while linking up mobile phones has become more convenient thanks to inductive charging.

Technology-aside, the sedan gained extra chrome around the center stack and console controls, new wood inserts, and new colors and leather trim variants. As far as space goes, the configuration remained unchanged, meaning rear-seat passengers will continue to benefit from the extra legroom that comes with the 4.33-inch longer wheelbase. Up front, the seating position is raised by 2.32 inches compared to the standard 3 Series offering the driver excellent all-around visibility.

The large tailgate opens to reveal a trunk that offers at least 18.36 cubic feet of luggage room. With the rear seats folded flat, space increases to a whopping 56.5 cubic feet.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, the GT's engine lineup mimics the standard 3 Series' and gains three new gasoline units. The entry-level model uses a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-pot rated at 184 horsepower, while the mid-level 330i gets a similar four-banger with 252 horses on tap. As for the range-topping gasoline model, the 340i with the 326-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-six replaces the previous 335i.

Moving over to diesel models, the 3 Series GT comes in no fewer than five flavors. There's the base 318d with 150 horses, the 320d with 190 horsepower, and the 325d with 224 horses. The 330d cranks out 258 horsepower, while the range-topping 335d comes with 313 horses on tap. All powerplants are 2.0-liter four-cylinders. xDrive AWD is available on most trims, while transmission choices include the six-speed manual transmission and the eight-speed automatic gearbox. The former is standard on the 320i, 318d, and 320d, while the rest are equipped with the Steptronic automatic.

Both gearboxes have been updated for quicker shifting and improved fuel efficiency. The auto start-stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand operation of ancillary units, and the ECO PRO mode also help the facelifted BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo return better fuel economy.

Gasoline Engines

BMW 320i Gran Turismo

BMW 330i Gran Turismo

BMW 340i Gran Turismo

Config/No of cyls/valves

In-line/4/4

In-line/4/4

In-line/6/4

Effective capacity cc

1,998

1,998

2,998

Max output

184 HP @ 5,000 RPM

252 HP @ 5,200 RPM

326 HP @ 5,500 RPM

Max Torque

214 LB-FT @ 1,350–4,250 RPM

258 LB-FT @ 1,450–4,800 RPM

332 LB-FT @ 1,380–5,000 RPM

0–100 km/h (62 mph)

8.0 seconds

6.1 seconds

5.1 seconds

Top Speed km/h

230 km/h

250 km/h

250 km/h


Diesel Engines

BMW 318d Gran Turismo

BMW 320d Gran Turismo

BMW 325d Gran Turismo

BMW 330d Gran Turismo

BMW 335d xDrive Gran Turismo

Config/No of cyls/valves

In-line/4/4

In-line/4/4

In-line/6/4

In-line/6/4

Effective capacity cc

1,995

1,995

1,995

2,993

2,993

Max output

150 HP @ 4,000 RPM

190 HP @ 4,000 RPM

224 HP @ 4,400 RPM

258 HP @ 4,000 RPM

313 HP @ 4,400 RPM

Max Torque

236 LB-FT @ 1,500–3,000 RPM

295LB-FT @ 1,750–2,500 RPM

332 LB-FT @ 1,500–3,000 RPM

413 LB-FT @ 1,500–3,000 RPM

465 LB-FT @ 1,500–2,500 RPM

0–100 km/h (62 mph)

9.3 seconds

7.8 seconds

6.4 seconds

5.7 seconds

4.9 seconds

Top Speed km/h

210 km/h

230 km/h

240 km/h

250 km/h

250 km/h


Prices

Pricing information is not yet available, but the sticker shouldn't change much compared to the outgoing model. The latter retails from $43,000 in the United States (base model - 328i xDrive) and from €37,500 in Germany (base model - 318d).

Competition

Audi A5 Sportback

Launched in 2009, the Audi A5 Sportback is the main reason why BMW developed the 3 Series Gran Turismo in the first place. Based on the A5 Coupe, the Sportback features the two-door's front section, but a four-door coupe body with a tailgate instead of the more traditional trunk lid. Inside, it is actually based on the A4 sedan, sporting three seats in the rear compartment and significantly more legroom than its coupe sibling. Naturally, the trunk is also larger and provides easier access to large objects. Much like the Bimmer, it is sold with an array of gasoline and diesel engines. The gas range include the 1.8 TFSI with 144 or 177 horsepower, the 2.0 TFSI with 230 horses, and the 3.0 TFSI with 272 horsepower. On the diesel front we have the 2.0 TDI with 136, 150, 163 or 190 ponies, and the 3.0 TDI with 218 or 245 horsepower. The only issue with the A5 Sportback is that it is not sold globally and it can't be purchased in the U.S. In Germany it retails from €33,150, which converts to around $37,035 at current exchange rates.

Find out more about the Audi A5 Sportback here.

Conclusion

BMW's Gran Turismo range is somewhat controversial, mainly because it adds a lot of confusion to the company's nameplates. For instance, the 6 Series GT is the four-door version of the two-door 7 Series, while the 4 Series GT is the four-door version of the two-door 3 Series. Pretty confusing right? Well, at least the 3 Series GT keeps things simpler and can be described a slightly longer, roomier, and more the utilitarian version of the standard sedan. While the GT isn't exactly pretty to my eyes, beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder and some appreciate the sporty looks of the 3 Series combined with the crossoverish stance that comes with the Gran Turismo badge. But, while the GT stands out thanks to its added legroom and cargo space, its expensive sticker -- a $10,000 premium over the base 3 Series in the U.S. -- is a major drawback even for customers looking for a premium means of transportation.