Spacious 2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo to Debut in Geneva

PEABODY, Mass., February 20, 2013 — This spring, BMW will be launching a new Sports Wagon variant of its best-selling 3 Series, but it won't be the nameplate's newest addition for long. By this summer, luxury buyers will be able to pick up an all-new 2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, which will feature a versatile tailgate like the Sports Wagon while boasting even more passenger and cargo space.

Slated for debut at the Geneva Auto Show next month, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo gains 7.9 inches in length, 3.2 inches in height and 4.3 inches in its wheelbase compared to the Sports Wagon, resulting in an extra cubic foot of cargo space and 2.8 more inches of rear legroom. Meanwhile, access to all that space is made easier with a 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat, LED lighting strips in the cargo area and an optional hands-free tailgate that can be automatically opened with the swing of a foot under the rear bumper.

"The new 3 Series Sports Wagon will feel very similar to the 3 Series Sedan in the seating area, but the Gran Turismo will have a little bit more of a crossover feel with its elevated seating positions and intuitive cargo features," said Marshal Cabot, general manager of BMW of Peabody, a Massachusetts BMW dealer. "That said, the Gran Turismo will showcase the same powerful drivetrains as its sedan brethren, as well as a sleek, coupe-style roofline and the first-ever active rear spoiler on a BMW, so it won't be lacking in sporty styling or responsive driving dynamics."

Available as a 328i or 335i model, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo will offer drivers an engaging mix of power and efficiency. The 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine in the 328i will produce 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, and while EPA ratings have not yet been released, the same powerplant returns 34 mpg on the highway in the equivalent 3 Series Sedan model. For those that require an extra dose of performance, the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder in the 335i will churn out 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.

When they go on sale in the coming months, the Sports Wagon and Gran Turismo will join a BMW 3 Series lineup that already includes Sedan, Coupe, Convertible and ActiveHybrid variants. By early 2014, BMW customers across the country will be able to more easily grasp the abundance of trims and options in vehicles like the 3 Series, thanks to the luxury automaker's new initiative to bring Apple-like "geniuses" into dealerships. Touting an iPad, each tech-savvy BMW Genius will inform visitors about the intricacies of different models in a low-pressure environment, turning customers over to a salesperson only if they explicitly express interest in a purchase.

"BMW is constantly bringing new models, trims and technologies to market, which can sometimes be overwhelming to buyers if they receive the details in a scattered manner," added Cabot. "The new BMW Geniuses will provide streamlined information that directly addresses the customer's knowledge level. Not only will that make us more efficient as a dealership, but it will ensure that buyers are really taking home their ideal BMW model."

About BMW of Peabody:
Located minutes from downtown Boston on Route 114, BMW of Peabody takes pride in offering some of the world's finest vehicles, backing up every new and used BMW sale with their expert, customer-focused sales and service staff. Recognized as a leading Greater Boston BMW dealer, BMW of Peabody is a five-time winner of the prestigious Center of Excellence Award and offers two BMW service centers to fit the schedules of its busy customers. See their full BMW inventory online at www.bmwpeabody.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bmwofpeabody, visit their showroom at 221 Andover Street in Peabody or call them at 978-538-9900.