BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Official Pictures Released

The German manufacturer just released a bunch of high-quality photos of its BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. The ‘tall liftback’ shape causes quite a controversy in the industry and car enthusiasts alike: lots of people argue that this is just a new category invented by marketing specialists, without a real market demand.

The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo looks at least interesting, and for certain customers, this is more than enough reason to buy it. It needs to be added that the other hand, the 5 Series Gran Turismo, with a similar ‘tall liftback’ shape, wasn’t exactly successful, and other manufacturers are also struggling to sell their similar models.

Anyway, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo will be introduced to the public soon, and this is a clear sign that the Munich-based brand still has faith in this recipe. BMW argues that this body type is a mix of the sportiness of the Sedan and the versatility of the Touring: it remains to be seen whether customers like it or not.

Actually the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is a 7.9 inches longer than the Touring version. The increase in length comes partly from a slightly larger (4.3 inches) wheelbase. Also the body of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is taller by 3.2 inches. Not that potential customers care a lot about this, but the boot capacity of 520 liters is larger by 25 liters compared to the 3 Series Touring.

Apart from the unique body shape, the front and the end of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is also slightly different. All four doors come with coupe-style, frameless windows, which look really special indeed.

The engine choices of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo differ depending on the region. North American customers will be able to choose from a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four (240 hp) and a 3.0-liter straight six (300 hp). Both engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo will arrive in the U.S. at the end of 2013.