Spied - BMW 3 Series GT spotted testing in India

22/09/2013 - 22:18 ,  ,   Shrawan Raja

The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo (or 3 Series GT) has been spotted for the first time in India, somewhere in Pune.

The BMW 3 Series GT is a combination of the sedan's dynamic genes with the practicality of the Touring (estate) variant. Launched at the Geneva Auto Show in March this year, the 3 Series GT follows the footsteps of its elder brother, the 5 Series GT. It is BMW's third variant off this platform, and was launched in the European market in Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line variants, along with the optional M Sport kit.

The 3 Series GT could be launched at the 2014 Auto Expo in February next year.

Compared to the 3 Series, BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is 200 millimeters longer. Its wheelbase is 110 millimeters longer, while the height is 81 millimeters taller.

The 3 Series GT is a fusion of the 3 Series sedan's dynamism with the space of the 3 Series Touring (Estate).

In the cabin, front and rear passengers are accommodated in a seating position that is raised by 59 millimeters. Rear seat passengers have a 70 millimeters knee room improvement.

The 3 Series GT had its world premiere in Geneva, followed by a presentation at the NY Auto Show.

The car's 520 litre boot capacity outstrips that of the BMW 3 Series Touring by 25 litres. Some of the other features include a 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat bench, two-piece parcel tray and tilt-adjustable backrests.

Dimensionally it is longer the Touring, and offers an elevated seating posture for front and rear passengers. In boot volume, it outstrips the wagon by 25 liters.

The engine options announced for Europe are as follows -

  • 2.0-lite four-cylinder diesel with 143hp and 320Nm
  • 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel with 184hp and 380Nm
  • 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol with 184hp and 270Nm
  • 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol with 245hp and 350Nm
  • 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder with 306hp and 400Nm

The optional 'M Sport' package endows the car with sporty visual touches.

The 3 Series GT could be released in India at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo. We aren't sure if this product would be positioned for gaining brand equity or volumes, though the latter feels a bit of a long shot.

[Images from Autotracker]

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