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BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 2013
Engines: Diesel, Gasoline
BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo LCI (F34) photo gallery

Three years after the introduction of the 3-Series Gran Turismo at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the fastback version of the premium-compact BMW received a facelift.

Usually, when a range is refreshed, all of its body styles receive the same treatment. BMW didn't do that for its well-known model and chose to update the 3-Series in 2015 and the GT version in 2016. But the sales figures were under expectations.

For the front area, the 3-Series GT received a new pair of headlights with LED for both low and high-beam. The round tubes o the lamps were encircled by daytime driving lights. Adaptive LED headlights were offered as an option. For the M Sport Package, the 3-Series GT was offered with a different front apron with large air intake, rear bumper with diffuser insert, and side sills. In the back, the taillights were redesigned and full-LEDs.

Inside, there were new materials, with higher quality. The Center Information Display received a flatter design and a narrow profile grille. On the center stack, the controls for the radio and air conditioning featured high-gloss black trim, and the radio and air conditioning controls were framed by chrome applications.

Under the hood, there was a new version available for the 325d Gran Turismo. New gasoline engines from the BMW EfficientDynamics family were introduced. The 2016 3-Series GT was available with rear- or all-wheel-drive for all the gasoline versions, while for the diesel versions, it was available for the 320d and 330d, and standard for the 335d.

full description and technical specifications
BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo (F34) photo gallery

Based on the same platform as the 3 Series, the 3 GT came to fill the gap between the practicality of a station wagon and the look of a sedan, resulting in a five-door liftgate that tried to convince customers with its coupe shape but featuring a practical cabin.

Creating a new shape for the traditional BMW buyers was a bold move. The German automaker thought that this liftgate vehicle would attract customers who liked the styling of a coupe but needed four doors. Audi successfully applied this solution with the A5/A7 Sportback, but the 3 Series was on uncharted territory and tried to convince customers, if not with the shape, then with the technical platform that was shared with the rest of the sixth generation of the 3 Series. Moreover, the car was available with several options that were unavailable for the 3 Series sedan, the F30.

The car’s front showed a similar styling to the rest of the 3 Series, featuring swept-back headlights that flanked the broad kidney grille at the front. Underneath it, the automaker offered a choice of two bumpers, one regular with triangular side scoops and an M-version with taller ones and a wide lower grille. The main difference was noticed on the vehicle’s profile. Unlike the 3 Series Sedan, the GT featured a longer greenhouse with a sloped-down tailgate behind the rear seats. In addition, the automaker added a third set of side windows behind the rear doors. Finally, at the back, the carmaker added an unusual option: a retractable wing mounted onto the metallic part of the tailgate.

Inside, BMW installed taller seats than in the 3 Series that offered better visibility for the front occupants. This was possible thanks to the taller greenhouse of the vehicle. The dashboard looked very similar to the one from the regular 3 Series, with an instrument cluster that fronted the driver and was filled by two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer. On the center stack, BMW installed a screen for the infotainment system. Behind, BMW installed a bench seat where three adults could fit comfortably. The car manufacturer offered the car with an option for a panoramic retractable glass roof that brought more light into the cabin. The 3 Series GT boasted a large trunk at the back where two large-sized gulf clubs.

Under the hood, the 3 Series GT was available with a wide engine choice ranging between 184 PS (181 hp) and 313 PS (308 hp) paired with either a six-speed manual or an automatic. Power went to the rear wheels or in all corners, depending on the engine version and options. The 3 Series GT was available with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox, depending on the market and options.

REVIEW: BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo   full description and technical specifications