BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo CKD officially launched
BMW Group Malaysia has just introduced locally-assembled versions of the 3 Series Gran Turismo, becoming the fourteenth BMW variant to be produced on Malaysian shores. It joins BMW’s rapidly growing range of CKD vehicles in Malaysia that now includes the 3 Series Sedan, 5 Series, X1, X3, and MINI Countryman.
Launch line-up will see the continuation of the existing 328i GT, which will be offered exclusively in Sport Line trim, and it will be joined by a new 320d GT variant that will be finished in Luxury Line trim only. This model mix represents a brave gamble on BMW’s part in not only investing its resources on a niche model, but also to offer the option of a diesel engine, which sees growing but limited demand amongst buyers in the luxury segment.
The two variants on offer come with familiar engines, both being 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder powerplants mated with ZF’s 8-speed automatic transmission as standard. The 320d GT’s N47 turbodiesel has rated outputs of 184hp and 380Nm, enabling it to accelerate from rest to 100kph in 7.9 seconds before topping off at 226kph. Fuel consumption, as you would expect from a diesel model, is impressively frugal at 4.9 l/100km with CO2 emissions at 129 g/km.
Petrol power, meanwhile, is supplied by the N20 twin-scroll turbo engine pushing out a rated 245hp and 350Nm. Pedal to metal, the 3 GT’s flagship variant does the century sprint in 6.1 seconds and has an electronically controlled top speed of 250kph. Fuel consumption and CO2 numbers are naturally higher than its diesel counterpart, being rated at 6.4 l/100km and 149 g/km respectively on the combined cycle.
Like all BMW vehicles, both variants of the 3 Series GT are well-stocked in-terms of connectivity-related facilities, being equipped with internet connectivity, parking sensors, satellite navigation, iDrive controller, BMW TeleServices, Bluetooth interface with extended Office functions, and BMW Apps featuring Aupeo! Personal Internet Radio or Bluetooth Audio. The 328i GT comes with the much-welcomed additional benefit of smart keyless entry and reverse camera.
The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is available in Alpine White, Black Sapphire and Mineral Grey with Melbourne Red, Glacier Silver and Midnight Blue exclusively introduced to the new locally-made 328i GT, which also gets Leather Dakota Black with Red highlighted leather upholstery Dakota Coral Red with Black highlighted leather interior if ordered with Alpine White exterior colour. On the other hand, 320d Gran Turismo is offered exclusively with Imperial Blue with Leather Dakota Black Luxury.
The retail prices (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI)* for the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo are:
BMW 328i Gran Turismo – RM 329,800.00
BMW 320d Gran Turismo – RM 298,800.00
Pictures: Official BMW release.
