BMW 3 Series GT arrives in Malaysia
We are not sure if BMW’s 5 Series Gran Turismo qualified as a success, but we are guessing that the hacks at Munich are probably pretty happy with the response they got and concluded it would be worth their while to implement that formula on the 3 Series as well, resulting in the 3 Series Gran Turismo that was launched in Malaysia just today.
Available in only one variant, the 328i GT comes standard with BMW’s Sport Line trim which is distinguished by its high-gloss black exterior trim surfaces, most notably on the nine vertical slates that make up each of its double kidney grilles, and 18″ light double-spoke alloy wheels. The interior either sports Dakota Black leather upholstery with red highlights, or if one chooses the exclusive Alpine White colour, the leather upholstery colour becomes Dakota Coral Red contrasted with black highlights.
The 3 GT’s body shell measures 20cm longer and 7.9cm taller than the standard F30 3 Series Sedan. Although not best known for its packaging prowess, BMW was successfully made full use of the extra space afforded by the bigger body to liberate an additional 40 litres of luggage space and provide more spacious accommodation for the rear passengers, who have the options of reclining the rear seat backs over an adjustment range spanning 19 degrees.
On its tailgate, the 3 GT boasts the first ever use of an active spoiler on a BMW. The spoiler automatically deploys at 110kph to generate extra downforce at high speeds. It retracts once the speed drops below 70kph in order to, in BMW’s words, ‘provide visual lightness’.
Like the 328i Sedan, the 328i GT is powered by the award-winning 2.0-litre N20 twin-scroll turbo engine sending 245hp and 350Nm to the rear wheels via a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. We have tested this highly capable and effective engine-transmission combo extensively in the 328i and 528i sedans, and it impressed us on both occasions.
In the 328i GT, claimed performance figures state 6.1 seconds from rest to 100kph en route to an electronically limited top speed of 250kph. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.4 l/100km in the combined cycle and carbon dioxide emissions at 149 g/km. The 328i GT’s Drive Experience Control system features four pre-programmed modes, namely Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. Eco Pro mode ties in with the built-in sat nav system allowing it to recommend the most fuel saving route and most efficient vehicle setup and driving style. BMW claims fuel savings of up to 20% are possible with the use of this feature.
Available at BMW dealerships nationwide from 8 June 2013 onwards, the 328i GT comes with a choice of six colours. In addition to Alpine White mentioned above, other colour options available are Black Sapphire, Melbourne Red, Glacier Silver, Midnight Blue, and Mineral Grey. Retail price (OTR without insurance, with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI)) for the 328i GT is RM348,800 in Peninsula Malaysia and RM351,804.80 in East Malaysia.
