BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo (Part 2)

The GT is meant for long distance cruising, so the suspension is softly sprung compared to a sedan. We drove the car in Madrid, where it glided over their version of bad roads, although ride is still stiff compared to, say, a C-Class. The increased length has meant you will encounter a bit of roll on the front wheel when you try to drive it hard, as you should a 3 series. The electro-mechanical steering, which demands power only when needed, is still a joy to use and only limited by the car’s extra-long body and slightly higher centre of gravity.

The one thing this BMW hasn’t carried over from the 5 GT is the expensive twin-hatch mechanism. The 3 GT gets a single hatch – just like in the Octavia 

Featured here is the top-of-the-line 335i, which has a 3.0-litre straight six featuring BMW’s twin-Power turbo technology. Power is available on tap and in whatever amount the driver demands.

This is mated to an eight-speed automatic with optional paddle shifts, and together they make quick work of all the miles you can throw at the GT.

Thanks to the slightly softer suspension, long-distance driving is reasonably comfortable, and if you decide to be driven, you even get to stretch your legs without having to leave the back seat.

By now, you realise that useable space in the 3 GT isn’t hard to find. The rear seats are best for two, although it won’t be too cramped for three. And there’s room for everyone’s luggage.

The one thing this BMW hasn’t carried over from the 5 GT is the expensive twin-hatch mechanism. The 3 GT gets a single hatch – just like in the Octavia – which gives you plenty

of loading capacity in case you want to carry some serious luggage. Of course, there is no need to store a spare wheel here – thinks BMW – because the car comes with run-flats, so BMW has used the space at the bottom to conveniently store the two-piece parcel trays in case you have to remove them to make full use of the 520-litre boot.

The 3 GT is available in three petrol and two diesel engine options. So apart from the 335i, there are the four-cylinder, 2.0-litre 320i and 328i options.

Internationally, the 3 GT is available in three petrol and two diesel engine options. So apart from the 335i, there are the four-cylinder, 2.0-litre 320i and 328i options. We are more likely to get the latter, with 241bhp, 350Nm at a later date.

In diesel, the 3 GT gets a 2.0-litre unit in two power specs – 318d (140bhp/320Nm) and 320d (181bhp/380Nm). Again, the latter has been confirmed for India at the just concluded Auto Expo. All engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard; India gets the 8-speedautomatic as standard.

Interior - BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo

Prices, on-road, will be almost 20-25 per cent over the respective sedan version, which means they’ll start at around $81,005.8 (on-road) for the 320d, and go as high as $97,206.9 for the top-spec 335i when it comes here. That’s 5 series territory, which sounds bizarre.

The 3 series Touring (estate version) isn’t sold in India, but is hugely popular in Europe. The sedan is a universal success, and the GT will now do a new take on providing touring practicality while trying to match the sedan’s sportier stance with a coupe-style design. It's being pegged at someone who wants a 3 series but also wants something more practical, not just when it comes to driving but also when being driven around.

There is little doubt the GT is a more practical number than the sedan – the only downside is that it doesn’t offer the adrenaline rush that you get while piloting a sedan through fast corners. If that’s a compromise you’re willing to make, the 3 GT is what you need.