2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo debuts in Geneva

Following this morning's leak, the new 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo boasts enlarged dimensions, a configurable cargo area, and a questionably styled rear end.

Overall, the hatchback measures wheelbase of 115.0 inches is 4.4 inches greater than that of either current body style. Along with the taller ride height, the seating position of the 3-Series Gran Turismo is also higher: 2.3 inches, to be exact.

The load area also reflects the car's increased dimensions, its 520 litres of boot capacity even outstripping that of the 3-Series Touring by 25 litres. Owners can also expand storage capacity by adjusting folding the 40:20:40-split seat to produce up to 56.5 cubic feet of space.

Key styling highlights include a prominent grille connect still with those headlights, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, LED accent lights and a sloping roofline that tapers all the way down to the rear end.

The latest addition to the 3 Series family can be ordered in an entry-level version, with the Sport Line, Luxury Line or Modern Line equipment packages, or with the optional M Sport package, which will already be available from July 2013.

Like the 3-Series Sedan it shares part of its name with, the 3-Series Gran Turismo with three petrol and two diesel engines power the GT off the start line. The car will be offered in the US in both 240-horsepower 328i and 300-horsepower 335i forms. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox as standard while both gearboxes link up with the fuel-saving Auto Start-Stop function.

Source: BMW