In 2013, BMW released the first iteration of the 3-Series Gran Turismo. Crossovers are on fire in the US, so it should come as no surprise that automakers are tapping into this formula with many of their cars. This crossover-esque, slightly larger brother to the normal 3-Series offered customers a little bit extra in the realm of practicality, but kept the smaller form-factor of the 3 Series. It also offered its customers a product with BMW quality and performance. It has been a while since the Gran Turismo came out, so BMW has given the Gran Turismo a nice facelift to keep it looking stylish.
Most notable are the visual enhancements that separate the new Gran Turismo from the old one. The headlights have received a large update in that they are now fitted standard with LED high and low beams as well as LED fog lights, which BMW says gives the car, “a visually broader stance on the road.” Of course, the rear lights are also all LED now to help ensure that the people driving behind you will know that you are, in fact, stopping.
The interior has also seen a refresh. With a new set of both metal and wood interior trims, the refreshed Gran Turismo should continue to “take perceived quality to another new level,” so says BMW. As with before, the Gran Turismo continues to offer loads of interior space and an elevated driving position to give drivers the feel of a crossover with the economy of a 3-Series.
Last among the major changes for the Gran Turismo is the wide range of new engine options available to the car. Now featuring eight, that’s right, eight different engines, the 3-Series Gran Turismo has an engine for just about any job. Perhaps most interesting is the fact that five of these engines are diesel. Among these are a mix of four- and six-cylinder diesel and gas engines ranging from 150 horsepower to upwards of 326 horsepower, offering a range of fuel economy anywhere from 36 to 65 MPG. It should be said that not all of these will be available in the US.
BMW has not said when the new 3-Series Gran Turismo will hit US dealers, but sometime next year would be reasonable. Until then, check out what Roman and our professional racing driver Paul think about the 2016 BMW 340i:
