Following in the footsteps of its big brother the 5 Series GT, the 3 Series GT launched last month in Malta has added a third body style option to a car range that until now has only comprised a saloon and an estate, or Touring model.
If you get a tape measure out you’ll find that the new GT is 200mm longer, longer even than the 3 Series Touring, despite looking more like a sort of inflated hatchback.
The car is only 75mm shorter than a 5 Series. Most of that length is hidden in the wheelbase with a 110mm increase, but there’s no hiding the extra 90mm that has slotted into the rear overhang.
Along with an 81mm overall height increase, it gives the GT a visual balance weighted heavily towards the rear. It’s a matter of taste, but usually a trait of prestige cars.
If you’re wondering why it is so big, your questions are answered as soon as you slide into one of the rear seats. There’s loads of legroom there; 75 mm more than the Touring offers and again, more like what you find in a 5 Series.
You can’t tuck your toes under the back of the front seats owing to the electric gubbins that occupy that space instead. But there’s still more than enough space for anyone not recorded in the ‘tallest’ section of the Guinness Book of World Records.
Extra space behind the B-pillar is really what the GT is all about. Along with the extra passenger space, it brings 25 additional litres to the boot next to the Touring, which rises to 100 litres more when the two cars are compared with their rear 40:20:40 split seats folded down.
There is nothing radical about the engine line-up, which is familiar to anyone reasonably well acquainted with the BMW brand. Customers can choose from a selection of five powerful, refined and economical engines. This covers an output range from 105 kW/143 hp to 225kW/306hp from the launch of the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. This model will be offering 2.0-litre diesel engines powering the BMW 320d Gran Turismo and BMW 318d Gran Turismo. There will also be some petrol engines available.
Extra space behind the B-pillar is really what the GT is all about
Still thinking of the car’s natural GT character the optional eight-speed automatic gearbox is a winner for long-leggedness and relaxed cruising. Its shifts are very fast by default, but at the same time they are smooth and forgiving, meaning that whatever engine is under the bonnet the car pushes forward with a certain relentless quality that’s only amplified by the more powerful engines.
The ride should be good in a car like this and fortunately it’s mostly good news.
The faster you go, the better the basic ride quality becomes. While at slower speeds, sharp bumps send a slightly harsh impact through the cabin, but at speed, things are much more composed.
There’s an initial bit of body roll in any of the user-selectable driving modes before the GT settles into a stable cornering attitude.
To be honest, the driving modes change the driving experience very little. Pro mode does noticeably scale back the airconditioning and throttle response. It also gives a readout of how many additional miles its fuel-saving mantras are giving you. Neat.
So why would you buy it? If a regular 3 Series doesn’t quite cut it, a 5 Series is too ordinary and an X3 lacks the right executive image, the 3 Series GT offers a blend of all three to provide a top-drawer solution as a mid-size executive shuttle. Rear passengers will thank you for it, too.
For a limited time only, Muscat Motors are offering an exclusive Joy package. Up until the end of the month they are offering the chance to take advantage of the premium package, where 50 per cent on some of the options can be saved.
Facts at a glance
Top speed
140mph.
0-62 miles
7.9 seconds.
Fuel economy
57.6mpg.
C02
129mpg.
Engine
2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel.
Transmission
Eight-speed automatic gearbox driving the rear wheels.
Performance
Top speed 140mph, 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds (auto).
Power
181bhp and 280lb.ft.