Photo: Catalin Garmacea
The 3 Series Gran Turismo is not exactly the best seller for BMW from the 3 Series range or the entire line-up as a matter of fact. That applies to the car no matter of the market we’re talking about, be it the US, EU or even China.
However, the car was designed for a particular group/niche/demographic in the first place, it was never supposed to be the best seller some want it to be. Either way, BMW apparently decided to try and make it more attractive, at least in the US. Therefore, some changes will happen for the 2016 model year versions.
In short, both versions available in the US will get a lot more standard equipment. The anti-theft alarm system, 18” 397-style wheels, Sport Line package, Harman/Kardon surround system (only on the 335i models), Comfort Access Keyless Entry (only on 335i models) and lumbar support (only on 335i models) will now be available as standard.
With the Sport Line package becoming standard, the exterior of all 3 Series GT cars will get high-gloss black finishers surrounding the air-intakes with aluminum-style decorative elements, high-gloss black kidney grilles, high-gloss black B-pillars, high-gloss black elements on rear bumpers and tailpipe trims in black chrome.
As for the interior, you’ll be getting sport seats, Anthracite headliner, instrument cluster with specific dial printing and chrono-scaling, sport leather steering wheel with red stitching (N/A with Saddle Brown or Venetian Beige) and key fob with clasp in red for free.
Of course, some customers will prefer the Luxury Package instead of the Sport Line and for them, BMW offers it for $0. Unfortunately, the prices have gone up and by quite a considerable margin. The new 328i xDrive Gran Turismo model will start at $43,995 while the 335i xDrive GT will start at $50,195, $995 destination and handling included.
In short, both versions available in the US will get a lot more standard equipment. The anti-theft alarm system, 18” 397-style wheels, Sport Line package, Harman/Kardon surround system (only on the 335i models), Comfort Access Keyless Entry (only on 335i models) and lumbar support (only on 335i models) will now be available as standard.
With the Sport Line package becoming standard, the exterior of all 3 Series GT cars will get high-gloss black finishers surrounding the air-intakes with aluminum-style decorative elements, high-gloss black kidney grilles, high-gloss black B-pillars, high-gloss black elements on rear bumpers and tailpipe trims in black chrome.
As for the interior, you’ll be getting sport seats, Anthracite headliner, instrument cluster with specific dial printing and chrono-scaling, sport leather steering wheel with red stitching (N/A with Saddle Brown or Venetian Beige) and key fob with clasp in red for free.
Of course, some customers will prefer the Luxury Package instead of the Sport Line and for them, BMW offers it for $0. Unfortunately, the prices have gone up and by quite a considerable margin. The new 328i xDrive Gran Turismo model will start at $43,995 while the 335i xDrive GT will start at $50,195, $995 destination and handling included.
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