|
|
2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo
Innovative vehicle concept comes to the 3 Series Line-up The all-new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo adds an innovative new concept to the BMW 3 Series line-up. The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is, first and foremost, a driver's car which combines the dynamics that have earned the new 3 Series a spot on "Car and Driver's" 10Best list for 22nd consecutive years, with luxury seating for four and generous and flexible luggage capacity. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo will arrive in the US, as both a 328i and a 335i, in the summer of 2013 as a 2014 model. Typical BMW proportions, four doors with frameless windows, coupe-like profile, sloping roofline and large tailgate define the distinctive exterior
character of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. An active rear spoiler the first on a BMW adds to the aesthetic appeal and reduces lift at highway
speeds. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is 7.9 inches (200mm) longer than the 3 Series Sports wagon, offers a 4.3 inch (110mm) longer
wheelbase and stands 3.2 inches (81mm) taller. The clever use of proportions, surfaces and lines ensures that the 3 Series Gran Turismo is immediately recognizable as a BMW 3 Series. Generous interior dimensions allow passengers in every seat of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo to enjoy a feeling of space and freedom of movement.
The front and rear passengers all benefit from a seating position that is 2.3 inches (59 mm) higher than the sedans, which provides outstanding
visibility and makes entry and exit significantly more comfortable. The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo also offers extra headroom. The increase in space
will be especially appreciated by rear seat passengers, where a full 2.8 inches (70mm) of additional legroom over the Sedan and Sports Wagon is
there to be enjoyed. The cocooning nature of the interior, complemented by its design forms, color scheme and materials, creates first class
ambience which allows passengers to enjoy short trips and long journeys alike in relaxed comfort. The luggage compartment also reflects the car's increased dimensions, its 18.3 cu.ft. (520 liters) of trunk space (based on European measure)
outstripping that of the BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon by a full cubic foot (25 liters). The large load aperture and high-opening tailgate make access
easier. Practical features such as the 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat with folding head restraints and tilt-adjustable backrests, and the two-piece
parcel shelf underscore the functionality of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. The large load area can be utilized in many different ways, allowing
intelligent space management. Practical features such as tie-down points, multifunction hooks and an underfloor storage compartment make it even
more convenient to use, while the LED strips that illuminate the cargo area emphasize the premium quality of the 3 Series Gran Turismo. The first impression delivered by the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo invariably centers on the striking combination of dynamic and aesthetic appeal. Attractive proportions, four doors with frameless windows, the coupe-style, gently falling roofline and large tailgate define the distinctive character it has chiseled for itself within the BMW 3 Series ranks. Powerful lines and taut surfaces sketch out an athletic body which lends the car an actively forward-surging purpose, as well as suggesting a high degree of functionality. Indeed, the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo sets new standards inside as well as out. A sense of roominess, a high seating position, generous levels of space and thoughtfully designed seal its status as unique in the premium mid-size segment. At 189.9 inches (4,824 mm) long, 58.6 inches (1,489 mm) tall, 72.0 inches (1,828 mm) wide and with a 115.0 inch (2,920-mm) wheelbase, the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is notably larger than the Sedan and Sports Wagon variants of the 3 Series range. However, the designers' clever use of proportions, surfaces and lines ensures that the Gran Turismo appears to cut a similarly low-slung and dynamic figure as its siblings. Its dimensions allow it to lay on impressive levels of space for passengers and their luggage, as a result of which, it passes the "long-distance comfort" test with flying colors. At 18.3 cu.ft. (520 liters) by European measure, its trunk capacity is up by about one cubic foot on the BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon, while an extra 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rear legroom place it between the BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series, i.e. firmly in luxury class territory.
Front view: powerful dynamics. The eye-catching front end of the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo makes no secret of its BMW 3 Series family ties, but also brings its own individual flavor into the mix. The broad, powerful BMW kidney grille and modified front apron underline the car's sporting character, while striking twin headlights with corona rings when xenon headlights are specified and LED accent lights form a visual unit with the slightly forward-slanting kidneys and reinforce the sense of both width and presence. The silhouette of the headlights is larger than on the Sedan. Large air intakes below the headlights emphasize the sporting character of the car, as do the aerodynamically motivated apertures for the Air Curtains. The hood, meanwhile, has smoother contours than the Sedan and Sports Wagon. The most prominent design cue remains the kidney grille, which draws the visual focus of the front end further towards the road and gives the car a lower-slung and sportier feel. Another identifying feature of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo are the "blades" set into the outer air intakes of the front apron.
Side view: elegance with a coupe-style roofline. The link between the front and rear of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is particularly seamless. Hallmark BMW proportions and a coupe-style roofline
sloping down towards the rear stretch the car's silhouette, while powerfully taut surfaces and rising lines lend the flanks their inherent dynamic verve.
The smooth transition of the roofline into the rear creates extra interior space while showcasing the car's enviable functionality. The BMW The dominant theme of the car's flanks is the double swage line, made up of two character lines running alongside each other, which is central to the appearance of the latest BMW 3 Series. Viewed in tandem with the pronounced door sill line it strengthens the body's dynamic wedge shape. The high-set side window graphic, which rises slightly at the Hofmeister kink, lends aesthetic emphasis to the clear forward orientation of the exterior design. New aerodynamic aids appear on the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo in the form of the Air Breathers. Located just aft of the front wheels, they are designed to reduce drag around the wheel arches. The Air Breathers team up with the Air Curtains to underline the sporting character of the car's design and provide tangible evidence of the innovative aerodynamic solutions devised by BMW as part of its BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy.
Rear view: a powerful tail end with compelling functionality. The rear of the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is highlighted by horizontal surfaces and lines emphasizing muscular width and unshakable
roadholding. The wraparound section below the spoiler has an extremely flat appearance and visually lowers the stance of the rear. The interplay
between light and shadowed surfaces generates a dynamism even when the car is stationary.
Interior: surprising spaciousness, generous freedom of movement. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo adds 7.9 inches (200 mm) to the length of the BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon and has a 4.3 inch (110-mm) longer
wheelbase. The new model also stands 3.2 inch (81 mm) taller. These generous dimensions create a luxurious feeling of space for the passengers and
ensure unbeatable freedom of movement in every seat. The front and rear passengers all benefit from a seating position raised by 2.3 inches (59
mm), which allows an outstanding view out and makes entry and exit significantly easier. The Gran Turismo also raises headroom another notch. Rear passengers enjoy a particularly impressive increase in space. Indeed, the Gran Turismo offers a full 2.8 inches (70 mm) of extra legroom in the
rear, providing a freedom of movement normally only found in luxury-class cars. Thanks to the car's longer wheelbase and a reduced overlap with
the rear wheel arches as a result the full breadth of the rear seat bench can be used without restriction and three adults can be seated in comfort.
This feeling of space is complemented by the design forms, color scheme and materials employed in the interior. The flowing lines of the door panels
link the front and rear compartments into a single stylistic unit, while the interplay of the flat roofline and frameless windows with the cocooning
character of the interior creates a spacious first class ambience in the rear compartment, and thus the ideal environment for relaxed touring. An array of storage compartments and other practical details helps lay on a suitably sumptuous level of long-distance comfort. A pair of cup holders
are integrated into the center console, but can be swapped for an oddments tray if desired. And large door pockets front and rear can accommodate
up to one liter drink bottles (750ml in the rear). The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo can be adapted to meet changing requirements. To this end, the rear
seat backrests are fitted with folding head restraints and can be split 40:20:40 as standard, allowing the load area to be increased in stages from
18.4 cu.ft. up to 56.5 cu.ft. (5201,600 liters). Folding down only the central segment creates a large through-loading aperture that enables four
people to bring several pairs of skis or snowboards on board with them. Folding down all the backrests, meanwhile, creates a slightly rising, almost level and flush-fitting load compartment floor. The perceived value and functionality of the generously sized load area in the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo impress in equal measure. The gaping 44.0 x 24.3 inches (1,120 x 618 mm) load aperture and high-opening electric tailgate make it easier to load bulky items. Another practical feature is the cargo function for the rear seat backrests. The tilt angle of the backrests can be adjusted through 15 stages and 19 degrees and even brought into a vertical position if required. This allows the space available in the load compartment to be adapted to changing requirements, a process aided by the smooth panel surfaces of the load area's side walls. Another example of the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo's practical qualities is the two-piece parcel shelf. The larger segment opens with the tailgate, facilitating access to the load area. The second segment remains on its railing, allowing smaller items to be left in place even when the tailgate is opened. When not in use the sections can be easily removed and stored away neatly under the load compartment floor. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is fitted with a standard electrically-operated tailgate, but the options list also includes the Smart Opener (part of the Comfort Access option), which allows the boot lid to be opened hands-free with a movement of the foot under the rear bumper. Four tie-downs points in the load compartment floor and a multifunction hook in the left-hand side panel are on hand for securing loads, while a
multifunction storage tray under the load compartment floor and a deep compartment in the left-hand side panel swallow up all kinds of small items.
Also located here is a 12-volt power socket to plug in a cooler or charge electrically-powered devices. The storage package, which is standard in the
US, ups the comfort rating another notch when it comes to transporting both people and loads. In addition to an array of interior features, it also
comprises handy extras for the load compartment. These include a remote release function for the rear seat backrests, a gas pressure spring for the
load compartment floor, a sliding retaining net on the right-hand side panel, an additional strap for holding loads in place and a variable attachment system using two rails integrated into the load compartment floor. The cockpit of the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo fits the same template as the new 3 Series Sedan and new 3 Series Sports Wagon. In customary fashion, the driver-focused layout ensures optimum access to all driving functions. Crystal clear circular instruments with a black-panel display and a freestanding iDrive monitor in contemporary flatscreen design underline the sense of functional elegance. The iDrive Controller within easy reach on the center console and the optionally fore-and-aft sliding/folding armrest between the front seats underscore the cabin's usability and comfort.
Three equipment lines, each with their own individual character and M Sport. High-quality material combinations coupled with class-leading levels of workmanship reinforce the premium ambience on board the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. A large number of color and upholstery variants offer scope for a multitude of combinations. Customers can also choose from three additional equipment plus M Sport, all of which add individual touches to the car's looks inside and out. Indeed, even the ignition key shares the color-coding of the equipment line specified.
BMW 328i Gran Turismo: 4-cylinder gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo technology sets the benchmark for dynamics and efficiency. The state-of-the-art, lively 2.0-litre engine marks a return to the 3 Series roots it was with lightweight, high-performance 4-cylinder engines in a similar vein that the BMW 3 Series made its debut back in 1975. The significant upgrade in power and efficiency is chiefly down to the use of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which combines High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, Double-Vanos variable camshaft timing and Valvetronic variable valve timing along with twin-scroll turbocharging. On the new-generation 4-cylinder engine, this world-exclusive technology package from BMW again provides a very efficient way to extract more power from the engine, rather than taking the route of a much larger displacement and, in the process, adding to the weight and therefore to fuel consumption. This explains why the more dynamic performance and driving enjoyment does not come at the expense of higher fuel consumption and emissions. The new BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder's displacement of 1,997 cc delivers maximum power of 180 kW/ 240 hp at 5,000 rpm while, thanks to
twin-scroll turbocharging, the maximum torque of 255 lb-ft is developed at just 1,250 rpm and remains constant up to 4,800 rpm. These statistics
translate to commensurately dynamic performance. The engine responds instantly when the driver demands more throttle, and the vigorous and
almost linear power delivery from only slightly above idle, which continues all the way into the higher rpm range, is duly impressive. This new engine is the most powerful in a new generation of 4-cylinder engines designed in accordance with the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, which aims to combine increased driving enjoyment with reduced fuel consumption and emissions. In technical terms, this new 4-cylinder engine is modeled on the current multi-award-winning 6-cylinder inline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (N55), which is the benchmark in its class for dynamic power delivery and impressive efficiency. This world-exclusive technology combines High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, Double-Vanos variable camshaft timing and Valvetronic variable valve timing with twin-scroll turbocharging. These features give the new BMW 328i the sort of power which with a naturally aspirated engine would require more cylinders and larger
displacement. At the same time, with its all-aluminum crankcase, this engine is lighter and more compact than a 6-cylinder engine of equivalent
power. This has obvious benefits for driving dynamics: the reduced load on the front axle gives this BMW sports sedan greater agility and further improved steering and cornering characteristics. The new 4-cylinder engines also feature twin-scroll turbocharging. This means that the exhaust stream from cylinders 1 and 4, and the exhaust
stream from cylinders 2 and 3, follow separate spiral-shaped paths to the turbine wheel. This reduces exhaust back-pressure at low engine rpm,
allowing the energy of the exhaust gas pulses to be utilized as efficiently as possible. The result is instant throttle response and fast-revving performance which BMW drivers can instantly translate into driving pleasure. The combination of a high power output and a simultaneous reduction in emissions is achieved by Valvetronic variable valve timing and Double-Vanos variable camshaft timing. The latest generation of the Valvetronic system features a faster-acting, optimized stepper motor with integrated sensor. Seamlessly variable control of intake valve lift dispenses with the need for a throttle butterfly. Instead, the air mass is controlled inside the engine, resulting in faster response. At the same time, pumping losses have been reduced to a minimum. The excellent efficiency is also down to the High Precision Direct Injection system. Centrally positioned between the valves, solenoid injectors
precisely control the supply of fuel. The fuel is injected very close to the spark plug, with a maximum injection pressure of 200 bar (2900 psi),
resulting in clean and homogeneous combustion. The cooling effect of the directly injected fuel also results in a higher compression ratio than on port injection engines, bringing further efficiency improvements. The exceptional performance of the new engine is also due to various innovative features of the core engine. For example, twin balancer shafts
positioned at different heights result in optimized vibration absorption, while a centrifugal pendulum absorber integrated in the dual-mass flywheel
brings a noticeable reduction in irregular running at low engine rpm. The driver can therefore make full use of the strong low-end torque without
sacrificing smoothness. These factors all help to explain why the new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine achieves refinement, noise and vibration of a kind that was previously confined to BMW 6-cylinder engines. Fans of large 6-cylinder engines have a treat in store too. The inline 6-cylinder engine (N55) in the BMW 335i Gran Turismo will impress
performance-minded drivers with its effortless power, exceptionally fast-revving temperament and outstanding refinement. The N55 has been setting
standards from the start, as the pioneer of a new generation of engines in which BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with High Precision Direct Injection and Valvetronic variable valve timing plus a twin scroll turbo made its debut.
Innovative 8-speed automatic transmission: efficient power transmission and optimal ratios. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is equipped with a high-performance 8-speed automatic transmission. The additional ratios allow this state-of-the-art transmission to combine unprecedented standards of comfortable shifting, sporty performance and efficiency. With all this going for it, the automatic transmission is fully in keeping with the overall sporty temperament of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan. In terms of size and weight, this 8-speed unit is comparable with the 6-speed automatic transmission used in the past. A range of innovative technical features and exceptionally high internal efficiency allow this higher-performance unit, too, to combine powerful acceleration, strong mid-range sprinting and further reduced fuel consumption. For performance-minded drivers this transmission also has lots to offer, particularly since the driver can choose to play a more active role by changing gear manually, thereby releasing even more of this sporty sedan's potential. With its optimized control technology, the 8-speed transmission boasts extremely fast shift and reaction times and direct downshift capability. The electronic transmission controller can also alter the shift characteristics as required, to cater either for a sportier or for a more relaxed, fuel-saving driving style. Despite a larger overall spread, eight ratios mean that the spacing between them is smaller, so that the optimal ratio is available in virtually all situations. The close ratios deliver turbine-like power combined with smooth and fuel-efficient low-rpm operation. Altogether, then, as well as providing dynamic acceleration and smooth shifting, the new 8-speed automatic also allows drivers to maintain a very economical driving style. This all helps to explain why, when fitted with the 8-speed automatic transmission, the new BMW 3 Series even lower fuel consumption than models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission. A sports version of the new 8-speed automatic transmission is available for cars equipped with the Sport Line and M Sport. This unit offers even
sportier shift characteristics (e.g. faster shift times), and the option of changing gear manually using the paddle shifts on the steering wheel.
Alternatively, it is also possible to use the electronic Quickshift selector lever on the center console. The Normal and Sport modes are chosen using
the Driving Dynamics Control switch. This allows the sports automatic to deliver both dynamic driving enjoyment and top-level comfort. Driving dynamics have always been one of the stand-out qualities of the BMW 3 Series range. Playing a key role is carefully honed suspension
technology that features a large number of light-alloy components and perfectly complements the winning formula of a longitudinally mounted engine,
rear-wheel drive, finely-balanced axle load distribution (50:50) and a torsionally stiff lightweight body. With the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo the
engineers have succeeded in achieving both outstanding handling properties and a high degree of agility and precision. The overall character of the
suspension has been shifted slightly towards directional stability and long-distance comfort. All of which points to the new BMW 3 Series Gran
Turismo's focus on enhanced long-distance comfort combined with distinctly sporting dynamics. The front suspension of the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is familiar from the 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon. The wheel suspension combines
maximum stiffness with minimum weight, while aluminum torque struts, wishbones and swivel bearings make for a significant reduction in unsprung
masses. In addition, the double-joint axle has been set up to optimum effect, thanks to the absence of torque steer. Another beneficiary of this is
the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo's electromechanical steering system, which is low in weight and helps reduce fuel consumption. The rear suspension of the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo makes an important contribution to the new model's driving dynamics and ride comfort.
Its space-saving five-link design features precisely calculated elastokinematics, which makes for long spring travel as well as precise wheel location in
all situations. Moreover, the rear axle ensures excellent noise and vibration damping. The upshot is that the new Gran Turismo impresses with
time-honored BMW 3 Series driving and handling characteristics and goes a noticeable extra yard in terms of directional stability and long-distance touring comfort. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo relies for its stopping power on lightweight floating-caliper brakes with large inner-vented discs, and the front
brake calipers are made from aluminum. As well as the low unsprung masses, this high-performance system also makes its mark with outstanding heat
tolerance, superior wet braking performance, easy operation and excellent feel. A brake pad wear indicator and a brake drying function are standard
on all models. The driver enjoys the safety net of various state-of-the-art electronic aids integrated into the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system.
This incorporates the following functions: the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC),
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC), along with the Start-Off Assistant and an electronic limited slip function for the rear differential, which can be activated using the "DSC Off" button. The 0.4 inch (10-mm) lower M Sport suspension is included as part of M Sport as well as the Sport Line. It works with a firmer spring/damper set-up and stiffer anti-roll bars, and brings with it 18 or 19-inch light-alloy wheels. Alternatively, customers may like to specify lowered adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers, which adjusts the damper mapping to the road surface and driving situation. The driver can also use the Driving Experience Control switch to vary the basic suspension tuning between more comfortable or sportier settings according to individual preference. Variable Sports Steering with Servotronic is available as an option, providing different steering gear ratios depending on the angle of the steering
wheel. It means that less steering effort is required for parking and turning maneuvers. Also, handling is sharpened, for example when instantaneous evasive action is required. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo also offers drivers the ability to vary the overall character of the vehicle to suit the driving situation or their
personal preferences. As well as sportier or more comfortable drive settings, they can also opt for extra fuel efficiency. The different modes are
selected via the Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode, which is standard on all models. Using a button on the center console, the
driver can choose between ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes. Each of these predefined set-ups activates different settings for the
relevant powertrain and suspension components. A button allows the driver to change the DSC settings or switch them off altogether. Alongside its high functionality and sporty dynamics, outstanding fuel economy is another contributing factor in the driving pleasure afforded by the
new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. This is down to the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, the results of which are incorporated in virtually
every area of the new model. In addition to petrol and diesel engines with optimized fuel economy, its highly efficient transmissions, intelligent
lightweight design, optimized aerodynamics and further efficiency-promoting measures ensure the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is a winner not
only in terms of its impressive performance, but also its enviable fuel consumption and emissions figures. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo features BMW's Auto Start-Stop function. Another standard feature is Brake Energy Regeneration, which
ensures that as far as possible power for the vehicle's electrical system is generated during braking and coasting. ECO PRO mode plays a
particularly effective role in helping the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo driver to maintain an efficient and economical driving style. As well as tweaking
the accelerator's responses and engine management system, ECO PRO mode also reaps the rewards of intelligent energy and climate management.
The system gives the driver tips and ideas tailored to the driving situation at hand on how to reduce fuel consumption even further through
adjustments to his or her responses at the wheel. The ECO PRO Route function joins forces with the navigation system to monitor the driver's
personal driving style, the traffic situation and the profile of the road ahead in order to propose the most fuel-saving route. Average fuel consumption
can be cut by up to 20 percent in ECO PRO mode, with a corresponding boost to the car's range on a tank of fuel. Evidence of the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo's aerodynamic fine-tuning in a state-of-the-art wind tunnel comes courtesy of a drag coefficient
(Cd) of 0.29. The lower air resistance not only contributes to a drop in fuel consumption, it also has benefits in terms of noise reduction. The design
of the car's underside is a major factor in minimizing lift forces. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo has an aerodynamically optimized underbody with
extended smooth-surfaced panels at the sides, under the engine compartment shield and at the front part of the exhaust tunnel, resulting in unprecedented standards of sealing. The now familiar Air Curtains in the front apron of many BMW cars are designed to reduce turbulence and therefore drag around the front wheels.
The aerodynamically designed wheel arches, and the air deflectors in front of them, likewise help to whittle down fuel consumption. A totally new
feature on the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, however, are the Air Breathers air ducts rearwards of the front wheel arches, which reach back as far
as the outlet apertures in the side of the body and double up as a new visible design element. The Air Breathers divert part of the airflow into the
wheel arches, thereby reducing air resistance. They work particularly effectively in combination with the Air Curtains. The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is the brand's first car to be fitted with an active rear spoiler, which extends automatically once the car reaches 110 km/h (68 mph) to ensure it retains the traditional BMW dynamic capability at higher speeds. Once extended, the spoiler reduces lift on the rear axle by more than 35 percent, allowing the Gran Turismo to replicate the aerodynamic qualities of the BMW 3 Series Sedan. If the car's speed slows below 70 km/h (43 mph), the spoiler automatically retracts, melting back into the car's trailing edge almost invisibly. If required, the rear spoiler can be extended and retracted manually. BMW ConnectedDrive: class-leading safety, convenience and infotainment For many years now, BMW ConnectedDrive has been synonymous with innovation and forward-looking concepts in the field of automotive
connectivity. The plethora of standard and optional driver assistance systems and mobility services on offer ensures that the new BMW Highlights in the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo include the latest-generation multicolor Head-Up Display, which projects key information onto the
windscreen in sharp resolution to appear directly in the driver's field of view. Not only is the current speed displayed, but the speed limit is also
flashed up for the driver's benefit, along with navigation instructions and various warning messages. Among available the convenience and safety-enhancing assistance systems are Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure Warning including Collision
Warning with braking function. These systems employ radar sensors and camera monitoring to alert drivers to potential collision risks when changing
lanes or if they veer out of the lane unintentionally, and also issue a warning when driving too close to the vehicle ahead. Safety when driving in the dark is given a further boost by the optional High-Beam Assistant, which automatically switches the high beam on and off
as the situation requires. If the optional Adaptive Xenon headlights are specified, anti-dazzle High-Beam Assistant, allowing the high beam to be left switched on even when there is oncoming traffic can also be specified. In addition to the rear view camera and Park Distance Control, customers are also able to opt for the Surround View function with Side View and Top
View, which provides a bird's-eye view of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo and the area around it, enabling the driver to carry out precise maneuvers
in tight spaces. If the car is moving at under 20 km/h (12 mph), the Side View function can additionally be activated to allow the driver to keep an
eye on cross traffic. Convenience is further enhanced by the BMW Parking Assistant system, which is able to maneuver the car into parking spaces
parallel to the direction of travel. All the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brake pedal while the BMW Parking Assistant takes care of the steering. ACC Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and Speed Limit Info including No Passing Info display further adds to the functionality of the
convenience and safety options. Not only does ACC Stop & Go make it possible to cruise along highways and country roads with the greatest of ease
while maintaining the desired distance to vehicles ahead, it also regulates the speed in heavy traffic, even braking to a stop if necessary before
pulling away again automatically. This has the effect of making life easier for the driver in slow-moving traffic and congestion as well. In the event of an accident in the new BMW 3 Series, the enhanced Automatic Collision Notification system from BMW ConnectedDrive allows the emergency services to receive detailed information on the type of collision and the likelihood trauma level injuries before arriving at the scene of the accident. That allows first responders to prepare the appropriate medical care in advance for those involved in the crash. The precise location of the car and vehicle type are specified, and all the data gathered by sensors in the car is forwarded. The information provides indications as to the nature and severity of the collision, while the deployment of the car's restraint systems gives the emergency services an idea of the number of injured people and allows frontal, rear, side or multiple collisions to be identified and differentiated. This is possible thanks to an advanced algorithm developed in partnership with the William Lehmann Trauma Center in Miami, Florida that used transmitted vehicle data to estimate the likelihood of severe injuries as a result of a crash. As well as automatic activation, the system also allows the driver or front passenger to trigger the Emergency Call manually and to be connected with the BMW call center without delay.
|
Home < BMW < BMW Cars < 2015-2013
|