Even BMW purists find it difficult to fathom BMW’s persistence with this GT-cum-hatchback-cum-touring-station-wagon idea when the 5-Series was, let’s be honest, such a stylistic failure. What does the 3-Series GT have to offer?
Nevertheless, BMW have given the Gran Turismo idea another go, this time in accordance with the new, less bulky, 3-Series body style. And BMW believes the GT does have a place in the 3-Series range and it can perform a unique role by fusing the dynamic attributes of the 3-Series sedan with the practicality of the 3-Series estate while still boasting a distinctive presence on the road.
As far as distinction goes, the eye-catching BMW 3-Series GT has a powerful front end and frameless side windows. An extended rear spoiler is the first of its type on any BMW and alludes to the rare uniqueness of the 3-Series GT’s boot-lid. Another unique identifying feature of the BMW 3-Series GT are the ‘blades’ set into the outer air intakes of the front apron, for that little bit of extra panache. These help with air flow through the front wheels arches too.
To create a more rounded offering the 3-Series GT’s back bench is roomier than that of the 5-Series GT, and crucially for a practical offering, it’s loading aperture and flat loading area for the boot eclipses even that of the 3-Series estate. From a seating point of view, in the 3-Series GT you sit higher up than in the regular sedan and that puts panoramic visibility on par with BMW’s X1 and X3. The wheel base is longer and virtually that of a BMW X5 and the rear-seat layout accommodates three people and is equally as accommodating as that of the luxury 7-Series. It really can be commended for its roominess in the back.
Despite the 3-Series GT’s up-sized nature, the use of proportions, surfaces and lines ensures it cuts a smaller figure than might necessarily be the case. Its dimensions allow it to offer impressive levels of practicality. At 520 litres (and 1 600 litres with the seats folded flat), the 3-Series GT has a boot capacity up by 25 litres than the BMW 3-Series estate.
The facts are indisputable but are these three-in-one BMW sentiments tempting enough to not compromise the final outcome like it does in the 5-Series GT? BMW says it won’t be, despite the 3-Series GT carrying a 145 kg weight penalty over the standard sedan, courtesy of that unique boot hatch and fancy spoiler, which contributes to an elevated centre of gravity.
The cockpit fits the same template as the 3-Series sedan and ensures a driver-focused layout with optimum, ergonomic, access. Clear instruments with a black-panel display and a freestanding iDrive monitor provide typical 3-Series functional elegance and interior options include full colour Head-Up Display (HUD) and BMW’s Connected Drive. Seated behind the wheel there is nothing to suggest you’re in anything else than a 3-Series sedan, but the seating position in the visibility out the glass house is noticeably better.
Under the bonnet, a range of award-winning four and six cylinder petrol engines and four cylinder diesel engines are available as they are in the 3-Series sedan range. The 320d with its versatile 2.0-litre diesel probably fits the all-basses-covered attitude of the 3-Series GT best. BMW think it will be the best seller. Its torquey talents, refinedness and quietness need no extra introduction to any BMW-phile. The 320d will reward deft-footedness with astonishing fuel consumption of 4.9 L/100 km (claimed and combined cycle) and still bustle to 100 km/h in less than 8.0 seconds.
The 320d is actually as beefy in the torque department as the much-loved, top of the range, TwinPower 3.0-litre straight-six 335i with 225 kW (380 Nm in the diesel vs. 400 Nm in the petrol) with the diesel consuming less fuel in the process of course and feeling just as adept at hauling the car and its extra 145 kg around. The 335i no doubt takes the cake in a sporting sense and gives the 3-Series GT a more rarefied gait on the open road, with its power bias at the top of the rev range. It sounds the best too.
The BMW 328i with its four-cylinder petrol is the best compromise between these two engines. 180 kW and 350 Nm is available in a responsive, accelerative, high torque and high rpm package. 0 to 100 km/h comes in a mere 6.1 seconds and average fuel consumption is just 6.4 L/100 km when fitted with the eight speed automatic gearbox. Below that is the cheapest entry point into a 3-Series GT with the 320i, the four-cylinder producing 135 kW and 270 Nm of torque and an understated thirst for at a combined figure of just 6.6 L/100 km. We spent a lot of time in the 320i, on the launch, and it does perform more than adequately once you get your toe in it.
In terms of driving quality, the 3-Series GT is probably 10% less dynamic than a regular sedan but it’s still pretty well sorted when you show it a twisty mountain pass. You also cannot dispute its practical improvement over a sedan. This vast range of functional qualities allows the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo to tick all the right boxes for the demanding BMW customer.
One must admit that the new 3-Series Gran Turismo does make a compelling case for itself as both an elegant business carriage and a dynamic, comfortable, grand tourer for the family. If you can get past the odd-ball looks that is. For us we’d forego the added practicality and stick with the pleasing aesthetics of a regular 3-Series Sedan. After all, we are proudly South African and the sedan is built in Rosslyn.
BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo starting pricing including VAT but excluding CO2 tax
| 320i | R410 500 |
| 320d | R439 000 |
| 328i | R488 500 |
| 335i (8 speed sports automatic only) | R595 000 |