BMW has recently facelifted the 3 Series Gran Turismo so we took it for a spin to see what's new
Overall Score 82/100
BMW's adventure with the so-called Gran Turismo models (no real connection to GT coupés) started in late 2009 with the introduction of the 5 Series GT as a more spacious alternative to the 5 Series Touring. Despite the fact that it has struggled to find buyers or maybe simply because of it, BMW launched a slightly smaller version in 2013 – the 3 Series Gran Turismo.
According to BMW, the new model was supposed to combine the elegance of a coupé with the spaciousness of a luxury sedan and the boot capacity of a station wagon. The fact that it managed to convince more customers than the 5 Series GT is not surprising: it offers almost the same interior space for a significantly lower price.
Three years after its debut, the 3 Series GT has already received a facelift that polishes it around the edges. It still won't win any beauty contests, but once you discover the vast space hidden inside the bulky bodywork you'll be more forgiving with its hunchback appearance.
The highlights of the refreshed model are a subtly revised exterior, a refined interior with new features, as well as more powerful and efficient engines. We had a go in the 320d Gran Turismo, the model that makes up most sales in Europe.
IN BRIEF
RECOMMENDED FOR:
Families, Managers, Seniors
CREATED FOR:
Highways, Urban Driving
HATS OFF FOR:
Comfort, Ergonomics, Luggage Space, Modularity, Passenger Space
BANG FOR THE BUCK:
Meh
DRIVE
Powertrain 9/10
It's not hard to see why most European customers will choose this 2.0-liter turbodiesel rated at 190 PS (187 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. It's punchy and frugal, even though it has to pull a car that weighs almost 1.7 tonnes. Keep it within the torque band (1,750-2,500 rpm), and you won't hear much from it either.
The standard six-speed manual gearbox is good, but what you really want is the smooth 8-speed Steptronic automatic that better suits the relaxed nature of this car. Not to mention that the auto makes the 320d GT quicker too: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 7.7 seconds, while top speed is 226 km/h (140 mph).
Handling 8/10
Since this is a 3 Series-based, rear-wheel drive car, it has quick, sharp steering and precise handling characteristics. However, its bigger body, slightly taller ride height, and softer suspension cause increased body roll in corners. It's a reasonable trade-off for the enhanced comfort it offers, but if you spec the optional adaptive dampers and select the Sport mode the GT gets pretty close to the 3 Series Sedan dynamically.
Safety 9/10
The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo's crashworthiness has not been assessed by the Euro NCAP, the NHTSA or the IIHS. But since it utilizes the same platform as the 3 Series Sedan and Touring, it should offer similar five-star protection in the event of a crash. Besides airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control, standard safety features include rain sensors, tire pressure indicator, and run-flat tires.
BMW should fit parking sensors as standard too because rear visibility is poor due to the steeply raked window and massive pillars. The lack of a wiper makes things worse when it's raining.
INTERIOR
Comfort 9/10
The 110-mm longer wheelbase and softer suspension setup compared to the Sedan and Touring models give the 3 Series GT a more comfortable ride. But for a truly plush ride quality, the optional adaptive dampers are a must-have (albeit a €1,100 option). All seats are comfy, and our well-equipped test car featured power adjustments for almost everything.
The driving position is slightly higher than in the Sedan but still good, offering better forward visibility and that feeling of safety typically conveyed by SUVs.
Quality 8/10
This car targets customers who need a spacious cabin but don't want to give up the premium badge. Fortunately, the 3 Series Gran Turismo does not disappoint in this respect. Our loaded-up model was beautifully configured, combining soft leather upholstery with fine wood and metal trim. It's the sort of car that gives you the feeling it's built like a tank: nothing rattles, the suspension sucks up bumps gracefully and silently, and everything feels well screwed together.
Practicality 9/10
The main reason someone would buy a 3 Series GT is space: there's loads of it, particularly in the back. Legroom for rear passengers is comparable to a 7 Series thanks to the long wheelbase, with headroom generous as well due to the higher roofline. However, the optional panoramic roof affects headroom a little bit.
There are many storage compartments, and the rear seats can be easily folded via levers in the trunk compartment. By the way, the boot is massive: 520 liters up to the parcel shelf and 1,600 liters with the rear seats folded flat. That's bigger than the 3 Series Touring's boot, but the wagon's taller floor makes it easier to load bulky items.
Infotainment 8/10
Like wine, the iDrive-based infotainment system is getting better with time. It works so well and intuitively you don't honestly feel the need to touch the display sitting on top of the dashboard. Not that you could, as for now the only BMW model that offers a touch function is the 7 Series.
For the first time on a 3 Series, though, BMW offers the Professional navigation system from the brand's flagship as an option on the Gran Turismo. The interface is more intuitive to use and offers wireless charging compatibility.
BUDGET
Efficiency 8/10
As I mentioned before, the 8-speed automatic transmission improves both the 320d GT's performance and fuel efficiency. Claimed average fuel consumption is 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 mpg US), and CO2 emissions are rated at 113 g/km, but you'd have a hard time reaching those in real life. We couldn't convince the onboard computer to show less than 7 l/100 km (33.6 mpg US), but that's more than reasonable for a 1.7-tonne car driven under test conditions.
Equipment 7/10
The press car I drove featured optional extras worth €18,000, so there wasn't anything essential and non-essential missing from the spec sheet. Unfortunately, the standard car is not quite as good as it can be, but that's what optional extras are for.
In my view, critical boxes one must tick on the options list when ordering a 3 Series GT are the Steptronic 8-speed auto, adaptive dampers, the Professional navigation system, and the leather upholstery. Trouble is when you spec all the necessary options you end up with a car costing as much as a 5 Series.
Acquisition 7/10
The 3 Series GT is more expensive than the Sedan and Touring, starting at €38,300 in Germany for the entry-level 318d. A standard 320d GT with the Steptronic 8-speed auto is priced from €43,200, but when you start adding up the features needed to make this car live up to its Gran Turismo name, you're looking at an extra €5,000, at the very least. You just have to be clever and choose only the essential stuff.
If you asked me, I would take the cheaper and sharper 3 Series Touring over the Gran Turismo any day of the week.