In the space of three years, the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo has established itself successfully around the world in the premium mid-size class. As a standalone character within the BMW 3-Series family, it brings together the sporting attributes of the 3-Series Sedan with the elegant dynamics of a coupe and the functionality and versatility of the 3-Series Touring. It is a recipe that has enabled it to win over new customers for the BMW brand not only in Europe, but also in the important markets of the USA and China. The distinctive character of the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo gains extra strength with the arrival of the new model, the development engineers having focused their attentions on enhancing its sporting potency and level of quality, in particular. The successful underlying concept, however, has remained untouched.
The BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo appeals squarely to the tastes of customers keen to match a sporty experience with the elegance of a large coupe. This is complemented by the everyday practicality and comfort of a four-door car offering high levels of comfort over long distances and ample space for the necessary luggage. Ease of entry, a slightly raised seating position with outstanding all-round visibility and a generous feeling of space play an equally critical role in the decision to buy as the car's sophisticated appearance. The BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo offers more space in the rear compartment, in particular. Here, customers will be greeted by three full-size seats and - thanks to a longer wheelbase - the legroom of a luxury sedan. And then there is the boot behind the large, electrically-operated tailgate (fitted as standard), whose capacity and variability even outstrip those of the BMW 3-Series Touring.
These features strengthen the already distinctive character of the Gran Turismo within the BMW 3-Series model range. So it is hardly surprising that the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo appeals to a broad spread of customers worldwide. The major markets for the model are China, Germany and the USA. In Germany almost one in six BMW 3-Series cars sold is a Gran Turismo. And the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo is recording high new-customer acquisition rates in the process. Almost every other customer in Germany and around two in every three people buying a BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo in the USA are new to the brand. In China that figure is more than 90 per cent. In purely statistical terms, China is the most important market for the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo; around one in five of the 130,000 3-Series Gran Turismo cars sold so far have been handed over to customers there.
Four doors with frameless windows, the couple-style, gently sloping roofline and a large tailgate shape this distinctive member of the BMW 3-Series lineup. Updates to the front and rear of the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo shine an even brighter spotlight on its character. For example, newly designed headlights and rear lights, plus a new rear apron, all help to sharpen the sporting appearance of the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo. Modified air intakes on Sport Line and Luxury Line cars add fresh accents.
In time-honoured BMW style, totally newly designed twin circular headlights define the focused front end of the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo. Standard specification for the new model includes LED headlights for dipped and high beam. The dark surround of the headlight tubes, which are levelled off at the bottom and framed by daytime driving light rings, gives the internal workings of the headlights a clear, cool and technically alluring appearance. The front foglamps also come in LED form for the first time in the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo and are fitted as standard.
Adaptive LED headlights are now available as an option for the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo. These are levelled off slightly at the top by "eyebrows" formed by the LED turn signal repeaters, bringing extra brio to the car's character. The familiar twin circular light graphics are afforded an even more precise, even more modern interpretation here. The visible LED technology is intricately presented in the headlight tubes. For example, the outer rings are no longer symmetrical, but instead extend in towards the centre of the car. Together with the light graphics, the links from the headlights to the kidney grille give the front end a broader and therefore sportier visual impact. Also part of the full-LED headlights package is the camera-based high-beam assistant BMW Selective Beam.
The outer air intakes of the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo's sporty, threesection front end have been revised and updated for the new model. In Sport Line and Luxury Line cars, these intakes feature a horizontal bar which generates a straight line across the lower section of the front end. Together with the blades above them, this accentuates the Gran Turismo's wide stance on the road. On Luxury Line cars, both the bar and the blades come in chrome, while Sport Line models prefer the bar in aluminium and the blades in high-gloss black.
The rear of the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo makes a compelling proposition with its standalone design. The full-LED rear lights provide a fresh interpretation of the L-shape light graphics characteristic of BMW models. The rear lights are no longer split into individual light strips, but now feature a dynamic sweep towards their outer edge which gives them an even more prominent "cast from a single mould" appearance. All of which adds extra emphasis to the compact impression created by the rear end. The bars of LEDs tapering towards the centre of the rear reference the headlight graphics at the front. Added to which, the reflector elements in the rear apron are now positioned higher up and reinforce the powerful styling of the rear end. A trim strip further down - finished in chrome on Luxury Line models and high-gloss black on Sport Line cars - lowers the visual centre of gravity.
The rear of the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo retains its predecessor's active aerodynamic system, including a spoiler which extends automatically at higher speeds to generate the necessary downforce. At lower speeds, the spoiler slides back almost imperceptibly into the car's silhouette. The range-topping petrol engine powering the BMW 340i Gran Turismo comes with an exhaust system featuring individual tailpipes on the left and right, each measuring 80 millimetres in diameter. All engine variants from the 320i and 320d upwards now have twin tailpipes on the left-hand side of the rear end, each 70 millimetres in diameter. The exhaust tailpipe on the 318d has a diameter of 75 millimetres.
At 4,824 millimetres in length (+ 190 mm), 1,508 millimetres in height (+ 79 mm) and 1,828 millimetres in width (+ 17 mm), the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo is significantly larger than the BMW 3-Series Sedan and Touring. The same is true of its wheelbase, which measures 2,920 millimetres (+ 110 mm). These dimensions are unchanged on the new model, which means the car's handsome proportions - fusing dynamic and aesthetic appeal to eye-catching effect - also remain intact.
Interior and equipment
A host of details inside the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo have enjoyed a visible and noticeable upgrade thanks to the introduction of new materials. Plus, customers also enjoy even greater scope when it comes to configuring their car just as they want it, as a large number of options can now be freely combined.
Chrome applications and high-gloss elements take perceived quality to another new level
One of the features that has been revised for the new model is the Centre Information Display. A flatter design and narrower frame profile give it a slimmer and, as a result, more elegant, higher-quality look. Also among the many updated interior details is the surround for the air vents, which now takes the form of an electroplated strip. Electroplated elements can likewise be found in the centre console. For example, the cupholder with roller cover (introduced in 2015) has an electroplated border in the new model, making this functional area more striking to the eye. Elsewhere, the centre stack containing the controls for the radio and air conditioning now features highgloss black trim, imbuing it with extra presence. And the radio and air conditioning controls are framed by chrome applications. These features bring additional exclusivity and perceived quality to the central element between the Centre Information Display and centre tunnel. Added to which, the buttons in the doors for the windows and mirror adjustment also have electroplated edging.
New selection of colours and materials
The range of colours and materials available for the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo, not to mention the selection of possible wheel rims, has been expanded and refined. And there are also more options when it comes to the interior. The array of wood trim strips available now also includes Fineline Light and Ash Grain with a metal inlay. New contrast stitching for the Saddle Brown, Veneto Beige and Black variants of the Dakota leather upholstery underlines the character of the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo in the finest details.
Two new colour shades deepen the car's exterior allure, Arctic Grey and Jatoba metallic bringing the number of paint finishes available for the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo to 11. As well as one non-metallic and four metallic tones, cars with the M Sport package can be specified exclusively with the metallic shade Estoril Blue.
The BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo is fitted as standard with 17-inch light-alloy wheels and 225/55 R17 tyres. 18- and 19-inch wheels are also available with different equipment lines or as separate options. The range has grown to include three new rims - the star-spoke 658, double-spoke 673 and multispoke 674. Another two rims (the double-spoke 466 and turbine-style 415) previously exclusive to particular lines can now be ordered for every BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo.
Model variants for further individualisation
The BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo comes with an extensive list of equipment already as standard, including automatic climate control, keyless engine ignition, Servotronic, six airbags, LED headlights for dipped and high beam, LED front foglamps, a high-resolution colour screen with iDrive Controller, a front armrest, a rain sensor, a Bluetooth hands-free facility for phone calls - including a USB port and Bluetooth audio streaming - and a leather multifunction steering wheel. Sport Line and Luxury Line cars add further individual character to the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo. And the M Sport model offers additional options designed to increase still more the car's presence on the road and the driving pleasure available at the wheel.
Luxury Line: Cars specified with this equipment line can be identified by their line-specific chrome design elements in the front / rear aprons and air intakes. The window frame and exhaust tailpipe embellishers are also in chrome, while the B-pillar has high-gloss black trim. Inside, the aluminium door sill plates, sports leather steering wheel, exclusive colours for the ambient lighting and chrome edging for the air vents all catch the eye. New contrast stitching is included for the leather upholstery, while Black High Gloss, Fineline Light and Ash Grain with a metal inlay have been added to the selection of interior trim strips. Two-zone automatic climate control comes as standard.
Sport Line model: The front and rear aprons and air intakes feature design elements in high-gloss black, the window border has a matt black finish, and the exterior mirrors can be painted black or in the body colour (as the customer wishes). Exhaust tailpipe embellishers in black chrome underline the sporting ambitions of this model. Stand-out features of the interior include the aluminium door sill plates, the sports leather steering wheel, exclusive colours for the ambient lighting and air vent surrounds in chrome. Light-alloy wheels (18 or 19 inches) in Sport design can also be specified. The leather upholstery has new contrast stitching, while Fineline Light and Ash Grain with a metal inlay join the selection of interior trim strips. Two-zone automatic climate control is again standard.
M Sport model: The M Sport package brings an extra dose of sportiness to the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo. In addition to the aerodynamic package (front apron with large air intake, rear bumper with diffusor insert, side skirts) and BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim, the optional, exclusive exterior paint shade Estoril Blue metallic gives the car an undeniably sporty appearance. The 18- or 19-inch light-alloy wheels in hallmark M design with mixed-size tyres also play their part here. Inside the car, meanwhile, items such as the M door sill finishers, an M leather steering wheel and M footrest define the sporty yet also elegant ambience. And the driver and front passenger settle into sports seats offered exclusively in Hexagon Anthracite cloth/Alcantara with royal blue contrast stitching. Black Dakota leather trim with royal blue contrast stitching is now also available and suits the aura radiated by the M Sport model. M Sport suspension (lowered by 10 millimetres) is among the technical extras customers can order.
Large boot allows variable use
The generously proportioned boot can hold 520 litres of gear. The large load opening, measuring 1,120 millimetres in width × 618 millimetres in height, and the wide-opening tailgate (electrically operated as standard) make it easier to load up bulky items. A particularly practical feature is the cargo function of the rear seat backrests, whose tilt angle can be adjusted through 15 stages and 19 degrees and which can also be folded down 40:20:40. This expands the load capacity to as much as 1,600 litres.
Engine and powertrain
The new generation of engines featuring in the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo stand out by virtue of their sporting ability, agility and excellent efficiency. The line-up comprises three brand new petrol units ranging from 135 kW/184 hp up to 240 kW/326 hp and five diesel engines delivering between 110 kW/150 hp and 230 kW/313 hp (fuel consumption combined: 7.7- 4.3 l/100 km [36.7- 65.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 175- 112 g/km). All the petrol models and two of the diesels (the BMW 320d Gran Turismo and BMW 330d Gran Turismo) are available with the option of BMW xDrive, while the BMW 335d Gran Turismo comes with the all-wheeldrive system as standard.
Performance has been upped, yet considerable gains have been made in terms of efficiency, too; the figures range from a 4.5 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for the BMW 318d Gran Turismo to 13.8 per cent for the BMW 320d Gran Turismo. Further improved manual and automatic transmissions, the Auto Start Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand operation of ancillary units and the ECO PRO mode likewise do their bit to ensure the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo delivers all the sporting and dynamic qualities for which the brand is renowned, but still manages to return lower fuel consumption and emissions than anything else in its class.
Newly developed engine family
Both the four and six-cylinder petrol units and the four-cylinder diesels hail from the newly developed modular BMW EfficientDynamics engine family, and feature the very latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology blending huge power with exceptional efficiency. These new petrol engines will now be available in the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo. The diesel unit in the BMW 325d Gran Turismo is also a new addition to the line-up, while the remaining four-cylinder diesels have all been available since the introduction of the new engine generation in summer 2015.
All members of the engine family share a standardised design principle, with a displacement per cylinder of 500 cubic centimetres, an in-line cylinder arrangement and an extremely lightweight, thermodynamically optimised allaluminium construction. The crankcase is remarkably rigid due to its closeddeck design, which means that the cylinder water jacket is closed at the top.
Meanwhile, thermally joined, high-strength cylinder walls with a twin-wire, arcsprayed coating save weight and reduce internal friction. The very short warm-up phase for all engines furthermore results in a significant fuel saving.
All the four-cylinder power units have balancer shafts for exceedingly refined performance throughout the rev range. The modular nature of this engine family is also reflected in the standardised interfaces for the engine mounts and the connections to the cooling circuit, the intake and exhaust systems, as well as the heating and air conditioning systems.
All the petrol engines employ a turbocharger integrated in the exhaust manifold. This means the exhaust gases only have a very short distance to travel to the turbocharger system, paving the way for extremely fast throttle response. The switch from direct to indirect charge air cooling means even sharper responsiveness, as the compact design with a far smaller volume and reduced pressure loss within the intercooler enable boost pressure to build up faster.
The SYNTAK (Synergy Thermoacoustic Capsule) technology in the fourcylinder petrol engines brings about a further reduction in fuel consumption. This innovative new encapsulation technique allows the engine to cool down more slowly, maintain a much higher temperature for up to 36 hours and endure fewer cold starts as a result. SYNTAK has the additional benefit of enhancing comfort by reducing engine noise and enabling the heating system to reach its target temperature more quickly. The close-coupled catalytic converter and electrically operated boost pressure control valve (the wastegate) serve to lower the petrol engines' emissions still further.
All the members of the new BMW EfficientDynamics engine family are equipped with the latest generation of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. For the petrol engines, this comprises TwinScroll turbocharging, High Precision Direct Injection and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing, plus the benefits of Valvetronic fully variable valve timing.
When it comes to the diesels, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology is based around a single turbocharger for the BMW 318d Gran Turismo, 320d Gran Turismo and 330d Gran Turismo, while the BMW 325d Gran Turismo and 335d Gran Turismo have twin-turbo units. All feature variable turbine geometry and latest-generation common-rail direct injection, whose maximum injection pressures of up to 2,000 bar are particularly effective in reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Six-speed manual and eight-speed Steptronic transmissions
The BMW 320i Gran Turismo, 318d Gran Turismo and 320d Gran Turismo are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard - in both classical rear-wheel drive and optional BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive forms. The crispshifting transmission comes with a dual-mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum absorbers. This counteracts uneven running even in high-torque engine variants, enabling the driver to shift up smoothly at low rev speeds (without an unpleasant humming noise) and therefore opening the door to a further reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The six-speed manual transmission also features engagement speed control, meaning that the engine revs are automatically adjusted to the engagement speed for the next gear when changing up or down. The result is added smoothness.
The customer can also specify the abovementioned models with the revised eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission as an option, while the remaining engine variants in the range are fitted with Steptronic as standard. This means the choice of models equipped as standard with the Steptronic transmission has been expanded to include the BMW 330i Gran Turismo/BMW 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, BMW 340i Gran Turismo/BMW 340i xDrive Gran Turismo and BMW 325d Gran Turismo. The Steptronic transmission's improved efficiency, wider gear ratio spread and reduced torque converter slip during gear shifts cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by three per cent, while more effective compensation of imbalances results in greater ride comfort and smoother shifting, too.
The new eight-speed Steptronic transmission also caters for drivers who enjoy putting their car's dynamic performance abilities to the test. Sport+ mode now allows the driver to push the engine all the way up to the rev limiter and to perform multiple downshifts, for instance from eighth gear straight to fourth. And for those seeking an even greater sense of driving pleasure, the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission - featuring steering wheel paddle shifters - can also be specified.
Dynamic BMW xDrive all-wheel drive available as an option for five models
As an alternative to the classical rear-wheel-drive set-up, the 320i, 330i, 340i, 320d and 330d variants of the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo can optionally be specified with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The BMW 335d Gran Turismo, meanwhile, is equipped with this technology as standard. BMW xDrive combines the customary advantages of all-wheel drive, such as optimum power transmission to the road, supreme handling safety and maximum traction (in wintry driving conditions, for example) with the agile and precise driving qualities customers expect from BMW cars. BMW xDrive reduces understeer and oversteer effectively when cornering. And it also enhances handling dynamics when turning into or powering out of corners - even tight hairpins.
The diesel engine variants for the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
The BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo is available with a choice of three fourcylinder and two six-cylinder diesel units. Most of the engines (see below for performance details) have already been offered since summer 2015 - with the exception of the BMW 325d Gran Turismo, which will be introduced with the launch of the new model.
BMW 318d Gran Turismo: The 110 kW/150 hp four-cylinder diesel with manual gearbox has combined fuel consumption of 4.7-4.5 l/100 km [60.1- 62.8 mpg imp] (CO2 emissions combined: 123-117 g/km). With the eightspeed Steptronic transmission fitted, the figures are 4.5-4.3 l/100 km [62.8- 65.7 mpg imp] and CO2 emissions of 119-112 g/km.
BMW 320d Gran Turismo/BMW 320d xDrive Gran Turismo: The output of the BMW 320d has been upped to 140 kW/190 hp and it develops peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). Fuel consumption is 4.8-4.6 l/100 km [58.9-61.4 mpg imp] (Steptronic: 4.6-4.3 l/100 km [61.4- 65.7 mpg imp]), which means CO2 emissions of 127-120 g/km (Steptronic: 120-113 g/km). In models with BMW xDrive, fuel consumption is 5.1-4.8 l/100 km [55.4-58.9 mpg imp] (CO2: 133-126 g/km); where Steptronic is fitted, the figures are 4.8- 4.5 l/100 km [58.9-62.8 mpg imp] (CO2 126-119 g /km).
BMW 325d Gran Turismo: This new four-cylinder diesel unit with a displacement of two litres and multi-stage turbocharging with two turbochargers develops 165 kW/224 hp, has peak torque of 450 Nm (332 lbft) and combines with the Steptronic transmission as standard (fuel consumption combined: 5.0-4.7 l/100 km [56.5-60.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 131-124 g/km)
BMW 330d Gran Turismo/BMW 330d xDrive Gran Turismo: These three-litre six-cylinder diesel variants with 190 kW/258 hp are available exclusively with the automatic transmission and have been part of the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo range since summer 2014. Torque rises to 560 Nm / 413 lb-ft (fuel consumption combined: 5.3-5.1 l/100 km [53.3-55.4 mpg imp], BMW xDrive 5.6-5.4 l/100 km [50.4-52.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions: 139- 136 g/km, BMW xDrive 146-142 g/km).
BMW 335d xDrive Gran Turismo: The range-topping diesel model is powered by the TwinTurbo six-cylinder in-line engine with three-litre displacement. It produces 230 kW/313 hp and peak torque of 630 Nm (464 lb-ft). BMW xDrive and the eight-speed Steptronic are standard. Combined fuel consumption is 5.7-5.6 l/100 km [49.6-50.4 mpg imp] (CO2 emissions: 151-148 g/km).
The new petrol engines: higher output, lower consumption
BMW 320i Gran Turismo/BMW 320i xDrive Gran Turismo: The new two-litre four-cylinder in-line engine featured here has an output of 135 kW/184 hp and links up with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard (fuel consumption combined: 6.4-6.1 l/100 km [44.1-46.3 mpg imp], with BMW xDrive 7.1- 6.7 l/100 km [39.8-42.2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 146-139 g/km, with BMW xDrive 161-154 g/km). The eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission can be specified as an option (fuel consumption combined: 6.1- 5.8 l/100 km [46.3-48.7 mpg imp], with BMW xDrive 6.6-6.3 l/100 km [42.8- 44.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 139-132 g/km, with BMW xDrive 151-144 g/km). Maximum output is on tap between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 290 Nm/214 lb-ft (with Steptronic and in xDrive form: 270 Nm/199 lb-ft) can be summoned from just 1,350 rpm. The BMW 320i Gran Turismo accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.0-8.4 seconds, depending on the drive configuration. Fuel economy is up by between 8 and 11 per cent.
BMW 330i Gran Turismo/BMW 330i xDrive Gran Turismo: The two-litre fourcylinder in-line unit here develops 185 kW/252 hp between 5,200 and 6,500 rpm and delivers peak torque of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) from 1,450 rpm. Equipped with the eight-speed Steptronic as standard, the rear-wheel-drive version sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.1 seconds (BMW xDrive: 6.2 seconds), and top speed is 250 km/h/155 mph (fuel consumption combined: 6.2-5.9 l/100 km [45.6-47.9 mpg imp], xDrive 6.7-6.3 l/100 km [42.2-44.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 141-134 g/km, BMW xDrive 152-145 g/km). This represents a drop in CO2 emissions of up to 10 per cent for the BMW 330i Gran Turismo compared to the outgoing model.
BMW 340i Gran Turismo/BMW 340i xDrive Gran Turismo: The new allaluminium straight-six engine at work here generates 240 kW/326 hp between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm. It also impresses with 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque that is available from just 1,380 rpm. Fitted with the eight-speed Steptronic as standard, the BMW 340i Gran Turismo races from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.1 seconds, and in 5.0 seconds with BMW xDrive. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h/155 mph (fuel consumption combined: 7.3-7.0 l/100 km [38.7-40.4 mpg imp], BMW xDrive 7.7-7.4 l/100 km [36.7-38.2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 166-159 g/km, BMW xDrive 175-168 g/km). The BMW 340i Gran Turismo therefore blends maximised power and exemplary efficiency; despite the increase in output, fuel consumption has been lowered by up to 11 per cent.
Driving dynamics and assistance systems
The BMW 3-Series has represented the benchmark for driving dynamics in the sporty mid-size segment for many model generations now. The third member of the family, the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo, is designed in exactly the same mould, so it inherits the core strengths of the model range and combines them with the above-average spaciousness typically found aboard a large sedan designed for long-distance driving.
Sporty suspension offering high levels of comfort
The suspension on the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo (double-joint spring strut front axle with anti-roll bar, five-link rear axle) boasts the hallmark driving qualities and handling prowess of the BMW 3-Series, while also enhancing driving stability and long-distance comfort to noticeable effect.
This is true of both the standard suspension and the M Sport suspension or adaptive suspension options. The latter offers electronically controlled dampers and allows individual adjustment of the car's dynamic responses at the touch of a button. The suspension is lowered by ten millimetres on rearwheel- drive variants. Drivers can use the Driving Experience Control switch to choose between a more comfort-biased setting and a distinctly sportier drive.
Driving assistance systems and high-resolution Head-Up Display
Assistance systems such as the Parking Assistant, which makes parking parallel and perpendicular to the road easier, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function including radar-based Collision Warning and cameras to monitor the area around the car can be selected as options for the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo.
A full-colour, high-resolution Head-Up Display is still available as an option for the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo. All relevant information, such as speed, navigation instructions, speed limits and overtaking restrictions, is projected onto the windscreen so that it appears in an optimum position in the driver's field of view. The safety information from the optional Driving Assistant package (Collision Warning with City Braking function, Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, Attentiveness Assistant and Lane Departure Warning) and information relating to telephone and media use are also shown in the Head-Up Display.
Active rear spoiler for hallmark BMW driving dynamics
The BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo was the brand's first model to be fitted with an active rear spoiler, and it retains this feature following the model change. The spoiler automatically extends when the car's speed reaches 110 km/h (approx. 68 mph) to ensure the 3-Series Gran Turismo continues to deliver signature BMW driving dynamics at higher speeds. In its extended state, the spoiler reduces rear axle lift by more than 60 per cent, enabling the Gran Turismo to match the aerodynamic qualities of the BMW 3-Series Sedan. Once the car's speed drops below 70 km/h (approx. 44 mph), the spoiler automatically retracts again and merges into the tail end, almost completely out of sight. If necessary, the rear spoiler can also be extended and retracted manually using a button in the control panel of the driver's door.
BMW ConnectedDrive and operating systems
Keeping vehicle operation simple is becoming more and more of a challenge. With this in mind, BMW has implemented new solutions in the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo to assist the driver by making routine tasks easier.
Operation of a great many vehicle functions is more intuitive
The arrival of the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo also marks the debut in the mid-size class of the latest version of the optional Navigation system Professional. This development allows vehicle functions to be operated even more intuitively.
In a clear departure from previous versions, the top menu features a "tile" display of the six main categories. The next operating step within the menu structure has a preview form, creating an attractive and intuitive user experience.
Inductive telephone battery charging and WiFi hotspot
Bluetooth mobile phone integration is standard on the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo. There is also the option of an inductive tray for charging suitably specified smartphones wirelessly. To replenish its battery, the phone is placed into the charging tray inside the centre armrest. And when leaving the vehicle, the driver receives a reminder if they have left their phone in the tray. The charging tray also provides a wireless connection to the external aerial, thereby improving mobile reception - especially in areas with a weak signal. This equipment item additionally comprises a WiFi hotspot (to establish a high-speed internet connection for up to eight mobile devices) and a second USB port in the centre console. Both ports have a 2 amp rating, so are also suitable for charging larger devices such as tablets.
Preparation for Apple Car Play is a new option offering optimised integration of an Apple iPhone into the car. It will be introduced during the second half of 2016.
BMW ConnectedDrive Services
Using the SIM card built into the vehicle, the optional BMW ConnectedDrive Services enable the customer to enjoy optimum connectivity and the benefits of services such as the Concierge Service, Online Entertainment with direct access to millions of music tracks, and RTTI (Real Time Traffic Information).
