Although BMW has established itself as a manufacturer of luxurious and practical vehicles, the German brand’s Gran Turismo models haven’t exactly been popular. Now BMW is offering an update to the GT version of the 3-series and, hopefully, fans of the popular automaker won’t be disappointed.
Although the proportions of the long-wheelbase hatchback are the same (and slightly reminiscent of Honda’s Accord Crosstour), the new update comes with several significant mechanical alterations.
The most important changes are the two new engine options, including a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder (known as B46) and a 3.0-liter turbocharged incline-six (B58). Both of the new Gran Turismo engines are a part of the brand’s new modular engine design.
BMW’s updated engines do offer a bit more power to the hatchback, with the four-cylinder producing 248 hp, up from 240, and the six-cylinder now offers 320 horses, which is up from 300. To designate the updates, the four-cylinder 328i Gran Turismo will become the 330i, and the six-cylinder 335i Gran Turismo will be known as the 340i. Drivers can expect an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard.
The 2017 Gran Turismo will feature additional aesthetic changes like standard matte-chrome exterior trim and LED headlights, but the overall look is relatively unchanged.
Although pricing has yet to be announced, the entry-level four-cylinder is expected to be around $44,000, and the six-cylinder is expected to hover around the $50,000 mark.
