Here the news appeared, and there came the spy-shots!
Just last week we had affirmed the news of BMW launching 3 Series GT in India by the end of this year. While quite earlier than our expectations, we now landed on the first spy-shot of same.
3 Series GT is a ‘Gran Tourismo’ version of the entry level 3 Series. With the launch of this vehicle here, BMW is going to take on the starting segment of luxury vehicles to an all new level. Earlier the niche players weren’t so aggressive in our market, but as the economy downturn poised our favours of purchasing power to an extent, since then the competition got meatier than expected at the top slot. A lot of products being made available in this pricing range, the mass oriented players also doesn’t tend to be leaving back this cashing opportunity.
Recently, the Audi deployed a bare-basic Q3 called as “Q3 Sport” in its line. Now the Ingolstadt based carmaker had planned of joining the entry level A3 sedan in the Indian list too, excluding the hatchbacks for present. Meanwhile, the GLA of Mercedes Benz is also tentatively waiting to join the list.
Hopefully, the 3 Series GT follows the footsteps of elder brother 5 Series. It is BMW’s third variant off this platform, and is launched in Europe in Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line variants, along with the optional M Sport kit.
Comparatively, the GT is longer by 200mm, extended at wheelbase by 110mm, taller by 81mm, than the standard 3 Series version.
As a result of enhancement, the rear passenger room also gets beefier with more of leg and knee room. A chunky boot space for all the weekend driving needs, and thoughtfully the more of utility are the key components reflecting its designing quotient.
Following are the engine specifications that are being sold in Europe:
- 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
Unveiling in India can be expected during the upcoming event of 2014 Delhi Auto Expo.
Images: Autotracker