Wednesday, May 01, 2013
Latest BMW 3 Series range will offer record amount of choice
The BMW 3 Series will offer UK buyers a record level of choice by the time the range is complete, with more body styles than ever before, a greater diversity of trim packages and the availability of four-wheel drive for the first time.
The third of five body styles - or six if the X3 SUV is included - is about to arrive in the UK in about a month. The Gran Turismo, a stretched-wheelbase model which combines some of the looks of a coupe with the practicality of a hatchback and a bit of the raised seating position of an SUV, joins the saloon and touring (estate) which are already on sale. A coupe and a convertible will follow in due course.
The first 3 Series from 1975 was only ever sold as a saloon. The second-generation model expanded the choice to three by adding a touring and a convertible, while the third, fourth and fifth variants also included a coupe.
Initially, the first 3 Series GT will be available with three petrol engines (320i, 328i and 335i) and two turbodiesels (318d and 320d) and up to four trim packages, with prices starting at £28,835 - £1,300 more than the equivalent touring.
A 325d, xDrive all-wheel drive for the 320i and the option of M Sport trim will be added soon after launch, and further xDrive models will be offered in 2014, following the precedent set by the saloon and touring. BMW says the harsh winters of 2010 and 2011 have created a small but important market for all-wheel drive among customers who do not want an SUV.
The 3 Series range accounts for slightly more than a third of BMW's global sales, with the UK the fourth-biggest market after America, China and Germany.
BMW expects to sell around 4,000 GTs in Britain in a full year and 23,000 in the lifetime of the car. In the same period the UK will absorb 145,000 3 Series saloons and 47,000 touring (estate) models.
Germany will be the leading market for the GT, but BMW is also counting on it doing well outside Europe in markets where there is little appetite for estate cars. With a 110 mm longer wheelbase than the touring and a 59mm higher seating position, it provides significantly more rear legroom as well as more front headroom and a larger boot, factors which should ensure it gets a good reception in China.
DATED: 01.05.13
FEED: HA
