BMW 3 Series GT prices revealed

Intended to offer more practicality than the BMW 3 Series, the BMW Gran Turismo (or ‘GT’) is larger than the 3 Series saloon but smaller than the BMW 5 Series. This means that the GT offers a 520-litre boot – 25 litres more than the saloon – that expands to 1,600 litres with the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats folded flat.

There’s also a clever two-piece parcel shelf, while all models come with an electronically opening tailgate. A hands-free opening tailgate is an option, and operates by your foot being waved underneath the rear bumper. It’s also more comfortable inside as there’s more room, with higher seating for better views and substantially more rear legroom than the saloon.

A choice of diesel and petrol engines will be available. Prices will start at £28,830 for the 320i Gran Turismo SE with a 181bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. There will also be a more powerful 328i and a 302bhp six-cylinder 335i. Two diesels will be offered, with the 318d SE, powered by a 181bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, priced from £29,910. The 320d GT SE will start from £31,310.

A third diesel, the 325d, will arrive after the initial launch, but before the end of 2013, as will an all-wheel-drive model, the petrol 320i xDrive. The rest of the range will be rear-wheel drive, with a six-speed manual gearbox or optional eight-speed automatic.

The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is on sale in the UK from June 15. To view the full BMW range, see the CarBuyer BMW reviews page.