Overview & Reviews

For years, shoppers interested in a compact, entry-level luxury car have gravitated toward the BMW 3 Series. This popular BMW (http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/) model comes in a variety of body styles and has a well-deserved reputation for premium interior furnishings, outstanding build quality and a memorable driving experience that splits the difference between everyday comfort and sporty handling. The most recent addition to the family is the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo (or 3 Series GT). Essentially a tall, four-door hatchback, the 3 Series Gran Turismo is significantly longer than the 3 Series wagon. With the most legroom and cargo space of any car in the 3 Series lineup, the BMW 3 Series GT is a good option for luxury car buyers needing real utility.

Beyond its extra space, the 3 Series Gran Turismo offers standard all-wheel drive, along with a higher seating position that gives you a better view of the road. This emphasis on practicality does have a few side effects, though: The Gran Turismo is a bigger, heavier car than a regular 3 Series sedan or wagon, and as such, it lacks the light, energetic feel typically associated with BMW's small cars. In addition, the GT's coupe-style roof line limits headroom for rear passengers, so you shouldn't plan on stuffing too many 6-footers in the backseat. On the whole, though, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo hatchback walks a tidy line between a small crossover SUV and a traditional wagon, and it's definitely worth checking out if these attributes are on your wish list.

Current BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo
The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is a tall, entry-level luxury four-door hatchback that was introduced for 2014. It seats five and it's more than 7 inches longer than the standard BMW 3 Series wagon, a difference that adds up to more rear legroom and cargo capacity. Two trim levels are available: 328i xDrive and 335i xDrive. The 328i GT comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful 335i has a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated at 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is all-wheel drive.

The 328i xDrive Gran Turismo hatchback comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, a power-operated rear hatch, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, the iDrive electronics interface with a 6.5-inch display, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a USB/iPod interface. The more powerful 335i xDrive GT adds 18-inch wheels and adaptive xenon headlights. Major options for both the 328i and 335i include leather upholstery; keyless ignition/entry; a navigation system with a larger display screen, Bluetooth audio capability and smartphone app integration; heated seats and steering wheel; an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system; and a handling package with adaptive shock absorbers. Among the optional safety features are rearview and top-down parking cameras, lane departure and frontal-collision warning systems, and an automated parallel-parking system.

Inside, the BMW 3 Series GT is as classy and comfortable as any other 3 Series model. The look and feel of the cabin is characterized by high-quality materials on most surfaces and a simple, functional layout. Although the standard 6.5-inch display screen is adequate, the larger, optional screen is a worthwhile upgrade for shoppers desiring a premium electronics interface. This version of the iDrive system includes a touchpad (on top of the main controller) that can be used to hand write inputs using your finger. Overall, iDrive is pretty easy to use and notable for its quick processing times, though some tasks require a few more twirls and clicks than we'd like. Of course, the 3 Series Gran Turismo's real specialty lies in the back half of the interior. With its impressive backseat legroom and 56.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, it's a viable option for camping and vacationing.

On the highway, the GT offers such a smooth, comfortable ride that you probably won't mind that it doesn't handle as adroitly as other 3 Series models. Either of the engines will meet your needs. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the BMW 328i xDrive Gran Turismo provides quick, refined performance. However, the more powerful six-cylinder engine in the 335i is so impressive that you'll probably have a hard time passing it up, especially given the small difference in fuel economy between the two.

Used BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Models
The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo hatchback was all new for 2014, but shoppers interested in buying a used BMW should check out the standard BMW 3 Series, which comes in convertible, coupe, sedan and wagon body styles.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 24.00

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  BMW 3 Series with tons of useful space - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By Jack Oakley - May 9 - 2:26 pm

  My previous 4 cars have been BMW 3 Series. All certified preowned with under 40K miles. All were lease returns. I enjoy driving the 3 series, but I wanted more trunk space and a larger back seat. I drive between 35k and 45k miles per year. Daily commute is 142 miles. My last 3 series had reached 150K miles, the time I start looking for a replacement. A friend purchased a 328 Grand Truismo - I was immediately impressed by the space. 3 adults fit very comfortably in the back seat and the cargo area is big, hatch makes loading very easy. I have owned the GT for one month. Very comfortable, its based on the 3 series BMW makes for the China Market - I was told, wealthy individuals in China prefer to have a driver, so BMW needed to make the 3 series longer and wider to provide a larger back seat. This setup works perfectly in the GT. I am 61", perfectly comfortable in the driver seat. The longer wheelbase lends itself to a smoother ride. I really enjoy driving this car, I have the SPORT edition: Blacked out trim, black leather interior, red stitching, brushed aluminum replaces wood on the interior, gray-smoke 18" wheels, sport wheel with paddle shifters. Great highway ride, above average power, 32MPG HWY. Only complaint - larger blind spot. GT has a lower resale than 3 series sedan. So first owner takes the initial loss - Vehicle was $53,800 in 2014 - My purchase with 36K miles and certified preowned from BMW was $29,150. If you like the 3 series, but want more useful cargo space and a larger back seat then take a look at the GT.

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  Still Loving My car after two Years - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By jmnteddy - March 24 - 7:52 pm

  This is the first BMW Ive owned and hope it wont be my last. I drove Toyotas for the last 27 years and traded in a Highlander for this car, wish I had done it sooner. So glad to be back in a sedan and it meets all of my criteria: good looks,smooth ride, plenty of room for passengers and cargo,sunroof,AWD, great MPG and just plain fun to drive. I love how it hugs the road and was glad to see the other positive reviews regarding this vehicle. If you read the blogs so many people put down the looks of this vehicle but I think it looks great. Im hoping this car will be as reliable as all of the Toyotas that Ive owned over the years. Im really enjoying and loving this car! My only fear is after the warranty the costs for future repairs and maintenance but others have assured me I dont have to do business with a dealer just find a good mechanic that works on foreign cars.

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  Hits and some misses - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By smoothwhite - September 3 - 1:10 pm

  I live intown in a big city with 2 little kids. Was looking for a small sedan after I dumped the 2008 X5, since the wife just got a Subaru Outback. Was leaning towards getting a 3 Series when I came across the GT. Little known fact: The GT was a best seller chassis for the upscale china market for people who wanted to be chauffeured around. This need gives the GT 3-4 inches longer wheelbase than the standard sedan. Hence, the backseat is the size of a 5 series. Absolutely huge. Great for a family. Only issues I have had: 1-Sunroof broke after 3 weeks. Software fix. 2-Backup sensor broke-Replaced 3-Steering wheel off center Other than those (I leased so I dont care!)

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  Best of both worlds - 2016 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By Blaze Nielsen - July 26 - 8:10 am

  Previous car was a 328 Xi. The Gran Tourismo gives you LOTS more room front and especially rear seats for long legged passengers. Handling is comfy in standard "old folks" mode easy on your butt, however with the sport package option, press a button and steering, transmission and suspension kick in to provide that old familiar handling performance I knew with the previous BMW. For people who like to throw a bunch of stuff in the back of their car, this is perfect. This is a car I plan on keeping for a long time.

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  Value missing - 2016 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By Roger Levy - July 22 - 4:20 pm

  Ive owned 3, 5, and 7 series BMWs which now includes the 328i xDrive GT. All exhibit good workmanship, tight construction and nice drive characteristics. Unfortunately I have two issues with this new BMW: (1) too many of the safety features now standard on other autos are extra cost options on the BMW, and (2) electronics are now being used to replace many features that are better provided through more conventional means. Regarding safety features - for example blind spot warning and lane monitoring are often standard features on many Hondas, Toyotas, and other autos, however they are extra cost options on this BMW. Although not safety related, heated front seats which are also now standard on other autos are extra cost items. Regarding the electronics - While the central electronics has been improved, the radio controls and many of the other electronics are still way too confusing and some seem unnecessary.

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  Totally love this car! - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By tawmus - March 10 - 10:28 am

  I was looking to go from my 2007 X3 (which I loved) to something with a bit more refinement. I also dont want a car that is very common. The 3-series is very common place in SoCal but the are very few GTs (of any type). I just purchased a 2014 dealer loaner (loaded) for a sweet price and thats why I gave this review a 5 for value. Ive had the car for less than a week and have had numerous folks commenting on the beauty of this ride. Shout out to Penske BMW of Ontario, CA!! Amazing team.

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  Very happy - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By CAS - November 11 - 7:38 pm

  I purchased a certified pre-owned 2014 328GT with the sport package, climate and nav. I am impressed with the cars versatility, performance, appearance, comfort and gas mileage. I am averaging 25.5 mpg city and 37.2 highway. I am not a fan of the iDrive system (programming a radio station takes 5 minutes and/or reference to the owners manual, in the age of smartphones why is this so difficult?) however and the run-flat tires transmit considerable noise on rough roads. I originally had wind noise but the dealer was able to adjust the close point of the sunroof and this had not been a problem since, even with frequent opening/closing. A couple of things I wish this car had include 1) a more accessible location for the rear hatch button 2) remote start 3) wider side bolsters on the seat backs (front only).

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  Sports car for families - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By livesmile - February 28 - 7:02 pm

  It may be difficult to think of a better *sports* car that can carry four people in comfort. This is as much a sports car as typical driving situations allows nowadays. In my view, to enjoy any more sportiness you need to go to the tracks, so it is a moot point for me to demand additional driving dynamics when I cant use them 95% of the time. The 335i GT is perfect blend of power, handling, and comfort. It looks great from most angles except may be a couple of side ones. The iDrive system is flawless. The only thing that could improve it in my view would be gesture recognition, which BMW is already working on. The sport mode is awesome and makes me forget that it is a GT and not a 3sedan.

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  Meets a Lot of Needs - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By carolinabmer - October 21 - 2:05 am

  I had a demanding set of criteria for this car. Im mid-50s, single, no kids at home. I enjoyed having multiple cars for my different moods and purposes - a 740iL for traveling, a Subaru Forester for bad weather and hauling, and two C6 Corvettes for pure, unadulterated fun. I also wanted to get better fuel economy than my old vehicles (harder than you might think as my V-8 vehicles all got 26 - 30 MPG Hwy, Subaru rarely >20). I wanted to get as much of these into one car as possible. Mission accomplished in the 335i Xdrive Gran Tourissimo.

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  Great Functional Car - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By iserum - May 23 - 4:15 pm

  It is a functional Car, replaced a X3 with this vehicle, this is by no means or close to a 3 series drive, 3 series owner will be disappointed with this car, in my opinion BMW should have not named it in 3 series, we got this cars for leg room in back and good storage in trunk and to keep the car feel of drive, it is better than SUV with low CG, hence low chance of roll over as compared to SUV, this is our 6 or 7th BMW so most of the cabin amenities or lack of it we are familiar with, the car does not drive like 3 series at all, it is softer ride even with M sports package. i rate it higher for its practicality for my family.