Earlier this year BMW has unveiled the 3 Series GT, the five-door Gran Turismo based on the 3 Series Touring platform that comes to conquer a new niche market.
This third body variant of the current 3 Series model family unites the sporty-dynamic genes of the Sedan with the practicality and versatility of the Touring, along with enhanced space and ride comfort. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is also 200 millimeters longer than the BMW 3 Series Touring and comes with a 110-millimeter longer wheelbase and stands 81 millimeters taller. Front and rear passengers all benefit from a seating position raised by 59 millimeters.
(Photo Comparison: BMW 3 Series GT vs Audi A5 Sportback)
While the 3GT was immediately compared to the Audi A5 Sportback, German media says that the real competitor to the compact Gran Turismo is yet to come. In 2016, the Ingolstadt-based automaker Audi will release a new version of the A4 which is based on the long wheelbase of the popular model.
The new Audi A4 will apparently be sold under the Vario badge name and will inherit the same TDI and TFSI engine options as the other models.
