2013 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo bows in Geneva

BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo live in Geneva 05.3.2013

Slots between the sedan and wagon

BMW's never-ending quest to fill every single niche continues as the company has taken the wraps off the 3-Series Gran Turismo.

Designed to appeal to people who want something practical but not too practical, the 3-Series GT is the automotive equivalent of a riddle wrapped up in an enigma.

Criticism aside, the 3-Series GT follows in the footsteps of its larger brother and adopts a familiar hatchback design. Styling features carryover from the 3-Series sedan, but the GT is distinguished by the aforementioned hatch which includes an active rear spoiler that deploys at 110 km/h (68 mph) and retracts at speeds below 70 km/h (43 mph).

Despite the styling similarities, the 3-Series GT is actually larger than the 3-Series Touring as it measures 200mm longer, 81mm taller and rides on a wheelbase that has been extended by 110mm. This results in a more accommodating cabin as there's an additional 70mm of rear seat legroom as well as 1600 liters (56.5 cubic feet) of luggage capacity when the rear seats are folded down.

A variety of different engines will be available including:

• A 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel with 143 HP (105 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque


• A 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel with 184 HP (135 kW) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque


• A 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder with 184 HP (135 kW) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque


• A 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder with 245 HP (180 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque


• A 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six cylinder with 306 HP (225 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque