BMW details 3 Series GT pricing

BMW’S rejigged 3 Series Gran Turismo line-up will roll into Australian showrooms in the final quarter of this year, bringing updates introduced recently on the 3 Series sedan and wagon ranges.

The entry-level petrol-powered 320i has been dropped, leaving just two variants – the diesel 320d GT priced from $70,400 plus on-road costs and the 330i turbo petrol from $77,900.

The 320d price is unchanged, but the 330i is $1100 dearer than the 328i it effectively replaces as part of the refresh.

The 320d GT price reflects a $6600 premium over the equivalent 320d sedan, while the 330i is $8000 more expensive in GT guise.

The 320d uses a carry-over version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 140kW and 400Nm and is good for a 7.7-second 0-100km/h dash. It consumes 4.5 litres of fuel per 100km on the combined cycle and emits 118g/km of CO2.

Under the bonnet of the 330i is a new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol unit that pumps out 5kW more power than the outgoing 328i for a total output of 185kW and 350Nm.

The zero-to-100km/h dash is completed in 6.1s, while fuel economy has improved 0.3L/100km to 6.2L/100km. CO2 emissions are 141g/km, a reduction of 11g/km.

Following the mid-life facelift – or Life Cycle Impulse in BMW-speak – of the 3 Series range in February this year, the polarising GT gains some of the styling tweaks from its sedan/wagon siblings, including a new bumper design with revised air intakes and “cleaner lines”, as well as new LED foglights.

At the rear, the GT has a tweaked apron with updated reflectors sitting above the twin exhaust tailpipes. The L-shaped LED tail-lights have also been sharpened.

Two new 19-inch alloy wheel designs have been added, along with a new pair of metallic paint colours – Jatoba and Arctic Grey – bringing the total hue count to 12.

Inside, the GT gains a new user interface for the Navigation System Professional, incorporating the latest version of BMW’s iDrive connectivity system.

It also features high-gloss black surrounds in the centre stack, as well as ambient lighting and chrome accents.

Both variants have an automatic tailgate concealing 520 litres of cargo space, rising to 1600 litres when the 40/20/40 split-fold rear seats are lowered.

Standard on both GT variants is the Adaptive M suspension system that lowers the ride height by 10mm and works with the double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle to provide “exceptional control with a comfortable ride”, according to BMW.

In 320d guise, standard gear on the GT includes the Sport Line bodykit, an eight-speed automatic transmission, LED headlights and foglights, 18-inch wheels, a head-up display, anti-dazzle exterior mirrors, lane-change warning, reversing camera, surround-view monitor, DAB+ digital radio, extended smartphone connectivity, Driving Assistant, ConnectedDrive Lifestyle and Real Time Traffic Interface and Sensatec man-made leather upholstery.

Additional standard features on the 330i include a panoramic glass sunroof, Dakota leather upholstery, driver and front passenger electric lumbar support, Navigation System Professional, Comfort Access with hands-free tailgate opening, a nine-speaker audio system and a step up to 19-inch alloys.

As expected, the 3 Series GT has a long options list, including an Innovations Package that is $2870 with the 320d and $3500 with the 330i and a Comfort Package for $2270 on the 320d and $1730 with the 330i.

The M Sport Package is a $5400 option on the 320d and adds $2000 to the price of the 330i.

The 3 Series GT has been in runout in recent months, with sales dipping by 17.2 per cent to 140 units in the first seven months of the year compared with the same period last year.

It is one of the slowest selling offerings in the premium mid-size segment according to official VFACTS figures, and is well off the pace of the more traditional 3 Series sedan/wagon (2786) and the 4 Series Gran Coupe (574).

2016 BMW 3 Series GT pricing*

320d GT (a)	$70,400
330i GT (a)	$77,900

*Excludes on-road costs