2018 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo
The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo exists where the sedan, the crossover, and the station wagon meets.
Overview
The GT rides on a modified 3 Series platform and stretches 189 inches long, 58.6 inches tall and 72 inches wide, dimensions that make it 7.9 inches longer and 3.2 inches taller than a standard 3 Series sedan. The extra space benefits the four occupants aboard as the seats are 2.3 inches higher than in the 3-Series and rear legroom has been increased by 2.8 inches.
The added space enables the GT to offer 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, making it slightly roomier than the 3 Series Sport Wagon. Up to 56.8 cubic feet of trunk space can be obtained by folding down the 40/20/40 split reach bench seat, and an electronic tailgate works with LED lighting that illuminates the cargo area and four tie-down hooks to make carrying bulky items a breeze.
When viewed from the front, the 3 Series GT wears a conservative design that borrows numerous styling cues from the 3 Series sedan but frame-less windows and a more muscular overall look give the hatchback an identity of its own. Around back, the GT features a sloping roof line that gives it a sporty silhouette almost reminiscent of the classic Saab 900 hatchback.
Insider, the driver-oriented dashboard is nearly identical to the one found in the 3 Series. It features a 6.5-inch color display for the latest generation of BMW's ConnectedDrive infotainment system, as well as Bluetooth and USB connectivity. ConnectedDrive enables the passengers to get directions with real-time traffic information, surf the internet on the go, change the climate control settings or pick a different radio station by either using the touch screen, the iDrive knob mounted next to the gear selector or the voice control system. The dash-mounted screen also displays album covers and the images transmitted by the rear view camera.
Under the hood
The entry-level 330i GT uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine turbocharged to make 248 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque from 1,450 to 4,800 rpm.
BMW's 3.0-liter straight-six powers the 340i. It makes 320 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 330 pound-feet of torque from 1,380 to 5,000 rpm.
You're looking at the wrong car if you want driver-friendly dynamism. The GT is only offered with an eight-speed automatic and BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. Still, the four-cylinder-powered model posts a zero-to-60-mph time of 5.9 seconds. The six-cylinder model performs the same task in 4.7 seconds.
Standard and Optional Features
The 330i comes standard with SensaTec upholstery, a start/stop system, a multi-function steering wheel, 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped by run-flat tires, a tire pressure monitoring system, a power tailgate, an alarm, a universal garage door opener, sport seats, dynamic cruise control, ambient lighting, LED headlights and fog lights, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The 340i adds, in addition to the bigger engine, a sport steering wheel upholstered in Nappa leather, keyless entry, SiriusXM satellite radio with a one-year subscription, and a surround sound system.
The list of standalone options includes metallic paint, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, 19-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive M suspension, heated front and rear seats, blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, and navigation.
Buyers can also choose from several option packages named Convenience, M Sport, Premium, and Executive, respectively.
Occupant safety
All 3 Series GT models come standard with dual front, front-side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems and a tire pressure monitoring system. Optional safety features include a Lane Departure Warning system, BMW's Active Blind Spot Detection and a Forward Collision Warning system.
Key competitors
The one-of-a-kind BMW 3 Series GT doesn't have any direct competition but customers can compare it to the 3 Series Sport Wagon. It is slightly smaller than the GT inside but it can be ordered with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel, a mill that will not be offered on the five-door hatchback. The X3 is another option for customers seeking space.
- Propulsion: Gas 2.0L I4
- Power: 248hp
@
5200rpm - Torque: 258ftâ‹…lb
@
1450-4800rpm - Mileage: 26 MPG ( 23 city, 33 hwy)
- Transmission: 8-speed Automatic
- Seating: 5 seats
in
2 rows - Passenger Volume: TBDcu ft
- Length: 190in
- Wheelbase: 115in
- Height: 59.4in
- Weight: 5015lbs
- Cargo Volume: 24.6cu ft
- Front Leg Room: 42in
- Front Head Room: 41.3in
- Front Hip Room: TBDin
- Rear Leg Room: 39.2in
- Rear Head Room: 38.3in
- Rear Hip Room: TBDin
- Drag Coefficient: 48.5/51.5
- Drag Coefficient: TBD