BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

BMW refreshed the sixth generation of the 3 Series in 2016, and it didn’t miss the opportunity to make the GT version look better than before, besides upgrading other interior details and technical underpinnings.

Despite not being the sharpest tool in the shed, the 2016 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo tried to compensate with what it had to offer to its customers. It was longer and provided more legroom for those seated in the back. It also had a larger trunk space than the station wagon. In addition, it was available with a panoramic glass roof as an option, a feature that wasn’t offered to its sedan sibling. In short, it blended some advantages but with some sacrifices for the exterior look. That last problem was addressed by BMW when it refreshed the entire lineup, and its design team did their best. From the technical point of view, it boasted a higher ground clearance, which led to easier ingress and egress for many customers.

The facelifted version of the 3 Series GT came with redesigned headlights featuring angular-shaped daytime running lights. In addition, customers could opt for adaptive LEDs for the high and low beams, which dramatically improved the night driving experience. In addition, BMW also offered a camera-based high-beam assistant, which automatically switched from high to low beams and vice versa, depending on the road and traffic conditions. The broad kidney grille spread between the headlights and sported a chromed trim that surrounded it. BMW also redesigned the lower side of the bumper, adorning the apron with boomerang-shaped chromed details for the side scoops. As with the non-facelifted version, the car could be fitted with an M Sport package, which made it look more aggressive.

From its profile, the 3 Series Grand Touring was a mix between a coupe and a crossover but with a lower ground clearance. The automaker installed fake vents behind the front wheel arches and continued their shape on the sculptured doors. A long creased line crossed the bodywork from the front fenders to the taillights, emphasizing the vehicle’s overall length. However, the most controversial part of the vehicle was its greenhouse. While it featured frameless windows for all doors, which resembled a coupe, the tall cabin and rear end were not as much appreciated by customers as the carmaker’s design team had hoped. But still, the redesigned version came with more chromed details that made the F34, which was the version’s factory coding, look slightly better than before.

Inside, the high-mounted seats, cumulated with the higher ground clearance of the car, helped the occupants get a commanding look on the road. Atop the center stack, in a free-floating position, BMW installed a new iDrive infotainment system featuring a touchscreen. In addition, customers could control it via the specific rotary dial placed on the center console between the front occupants. Base grades came with cloth upholstery and comfort seats, while the M Sport package added high-bolstered bucket seats covered in Dakota leather. In the back, the split-folding (40/20/40) bench seat was standard and could increase the trunk space from 520 liters (18.4 cu-ft) to 1,600 liters (56.8 cu-ft). Moreover, thanks to the longer wheelbase than its sedan brother and its raised seating position, customers could enjoy 70 mm (2.7 inches) more legroom.

Under the hood, the automaker added new or improved engines ranging between 190 PS (187 hp) and 306 PS (301 hp) for the gasoline versions. At the same time, the turbodiesel powerplants started from 143 PS (141 hp) and reached 313 PS (308 hp). All versions were paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power was sent to the rear or in all corners via the xDrive active all-wheel drive system.

Based on the same platform as the 3 Series, the 3 GT came to fill the gap between the practicality of a station wagon and the look of a sedan, resulting in a five-door liftgate that tried to convince customers with its coupe shape but featuring a practical cabin.

Creating a new shape for the traditional BMW buyers was a bold move. The German automaker thought that this liftgate vehicle would attract customers who liked the styling of a coupe but needed four doors. Audi successfully applied this solution with the A5/A7 Sportback, but the 3 Series was on uncharted territory and tried to convince customers, if not with the shape, then with the technical platform that was shared with the rest of the sixth generation of the 3 Series. Moreover, the car was available with several options that were unavailable for the 3 Series sedan, the F30.

The car’s front showed a similar styling to the rest of the 3 Series, featuring swept-back headlights that flanked the broad kidney grille at the front. Underneath it, the automaker offered a choice of two bumpers, one regular with triangular side scoops and an M-version with taller ones and a wide lower grille. The main difference was noticed on the vehicle’s profile. Unlike the 3 Series Sedan, the GT featured a longer greenhouse with a sloped-down tailgate behind the rear seats. In addition, the automaker added a third set of side windows behind the rear doors. Finally, at the back, the carmaker added an unusual option: a retractable wing mounted onto the metallic part of the tailgate.

Inside, BMW installed taller seats than in the 3 Series that offered better visibility for the front occupants. This was possible thanks to the taller greenhouse of the vehicle. The dashboard looked very similar to the one from the regular 3 Series, with an instrument cluster that fronted the driver and was filled by two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer. On the center stack, BMW installed a screen for the infotainment system. Behind, BMW installed a bench seat where three adults could fit comfortably. The car manufacturer offered the car with an option for a panoramic retractable glass roof that brought more light into the cabin. The 3 Series GT boasted a large trunk at the back where two large-sized gulf clubs.

Under the hood, the 3 Series GT was available with a wide engine choice ranging between 184 PS (181 hp) and 313 PS (308 hp) paired with either a six-speed manual or an automatic. Power went to the rear wheels or in all corners, depending on the engine version and options. The 3 Series GT was available with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox, depending on the market and options.