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 1 through 10 of 24.00

• 

  2017 BMW 340i GT - Great allrounder with a few flaws - 2017 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By Josh - May 5 - 8:06 am

  After having owned a 2017 BMW 340i GT for quite some time, I will say confidentially that this car will be a pleasure to drive for any car enthusiast who is looking to get both a sporty drive and practicality. I would give the overall drive experience a 10/10 with no doubt, however that being said there were a few things I noticed that I didn't like so much. Firstly, the ride can get quite harsh on rougher country roads, potholes are a killer too, so for road tripping anywhere in the outbacks I probably wouldn't take my 340i ever again. The car also sits relatively low so most large rocks or rubble on the road this car won't be able to clear and you'll smack your front bumper. High curbs also watch out when parking as it looks like you're going to clear it but end up scratching the underside of your car. Fuel economy was surprisingly good for an inline 6 engine, city driving and winter cold starts will tend to drink up a lot of fuel though. Also, as much as this car is xDrive I wouldn't really go as far with saying that it's the ultimate winter machine. It'll get through some light snow but when it begins to get thick I wouldn't want to take this 340i anywhere but home. The frameless windows also become a nightmare i the winter as they tend to freeze a lot and I either can't open my door at all or when the door opens the window sounds like it's about to shatter trying to lower that half an inch. Finally, my last complaint would probably be the basic interior. You don't get many features, and unless you get the 2018 there is no touch screen either which makes apple carplay feel weird to navigate through with a dial. The interior also does rattle slightly on bumpy roads but it's not anything too serious. And my last complaint would be the fact that there's no compartment storage at all, the center console is way too small to fit anything even a large phone, and the only front storage you get is your doors, glove box, and cup holders. I tend to keep my car neat and tidy so it got really annoying having my stuff lying around everywhere. Aside from what I pointed out, if you can get over these small things, I don't see why anyone wouldn't like this car. It does have a quite odd shape that trips people out, but maybe that's not a bad thing as it adds uniqueness to your vehicle. If you want an adventure mobile, and live anywhere with harsh winters, I'd probably recommend something else like the X series or the Audi Q series. But if winter driving is the least of your worries, I'd say short list this car for sure.

• 

  Im loving this car - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By greggbrent - March 21 - 8:56 am

  Im coming from a 328i Convertible which was fun but no so much in winter (live in NJ). It looked great but not too practical. Hard to get an adult in back seat and no trunk space. Was a drag driving on these terrible roads in and around NYC. The car was a VERY rough ride. So went for something completely different with Gran Turismo 335xi, loaded up and what a difference! Much smoother ride (missed the old steering though) and like slightly higher seat position. The back seat is like a mini stretch and adults fit VERY comfortably. Tech on it is great and its FAST. Not sure why some think its so fugly. Most everyone who has seen it has LOVED the look. Not perfect but LOVING IT

• 

  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!)

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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).

• 

  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.