BMW unveiled the new 2014 Gran Turismo at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. The model will be available in a range of standard trim lines, including the Sport Line, Luxury Line, Modern Line, and M Sport. The BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo can be expected in South Africa later in 2013.

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo offers four engines

The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo will come with a choice of three petrol engines and one diesel engine. The petrol units include a 135kW 2.0-litre engine for the 320i, a 180kW 2.0-litre for the 328i and a 225kW 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine. The diesel option is a 2.0-litre unit that develops 135kW and 308Nm of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and an 8-speed automatic transmission will be available as an option.

3 Series GT boasts sporty styling

The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo features four doors with frameless windows and a gently falling roofline with a large tailgate. The front end is detailed with a powerful BMW kidney grille and modified front apron with large air intakes below the headlights underlining the car’s sporting character. The model also sports striking twin headlights with corona rings.

When specified, Xenon headlights and LED accent lights form a visual unit with slightly forward slanting kidneys that reinforce the sense of both width and presence. The Gran Turismo is 4284mm long, and is 200mm longer than the 3-Series Touring and has a 110mm longer wheelbase. The rendered coupe-style roofline slopes down the rear stretch creating extra interior space.

The Gran Turismo is the brands first-ever model to sport an active rear spoiler. All models of the Grand Turismo are available with a range of 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels, unique to each trim line. For stopping power, the Gran Turismo relies on lightweight floating caliper brakes with large inner-vented discs, and front brake calipers made from aluminium.

Interior Styling Features

The five-seat Gran Turismo is boosted by a 59mm higher seating position and 70mm more rear legroom. A 40/20/40 split/folding rear seat comes as standard and a 520-litre boot capacity offers ample storage space.

Other features include latest-generation multi-colour Head-Up Display, which displays the speed/speed limit along with navigation instructions and warning messages, using Blind Spot and Lane Departure Warning systems.

The driver focused layout ensures optimum access to all driving functions on the crystal clear circular instrument cluster with a black-panel display and a freestanding iDrive monitor. The flat screen design gives a sense of functional elegance. Optional folding armrests between the front seats guarantee the cabin’s usability and comfort. Customers can also choose from three additional equipment lines plus M Sport, which all adds to the car’s overall look.

BMW 3 Series GT Safety Features

Safety features include advanced light technology such as anti dazzle High Beam Assistant, optional Adaptive Xenon Headlights, Active Cruise Control and Go function.

In addition to the rear view camera and Park Distance Control is the Surround View function with side and top view and BMW Assist eCall with enhanced Automatic Collision Notification with automatic vehicle location.

Expect to see the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo in South Africa in the middle of 2013.