BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo

On the inside of the 3-Series Gran Tourismo, things are not as dramatic as that on the outside. The overall interior cabin is a complete lift-off from the 3-Series, which might not appeal to many people, considering the fact that 3-Series Gran Tourismo is a lifestyle product.

The driver’s cockpit in the 3-Series Gran Turismo is the same as that on the 3-Series sedan, which means you do get a boring looking instrument console and a simply styled three-spoke steering wheel. However, the driver-focused wide center console, which comes with a free-standing infotainment system and AC vents and buttons for climate control below it, looks quite posh. Also, the choice of materials and top-notch build quality makes the overall interior proper premium in feel.

What this interior cabin gets over the 3-Series sedan is the enhanced practicality in terms of improved space in the car. The 3-Series Gran Turismo gets a two-part stowable back shelf, which results in better boot space, while the increased wheelbase translates to better legroom and knee room at the rear.

Compared to the sedan version of the 3-Series, the 3-Series Gran Turismo is even more stunning to look at.

The front fascia of the 3-Series Gran Turismo has been completely lifted off from the 3-Series sedan. The twin-kidney grille is flanked with very sleek looking full LED headlamps with twin corona rings within them.

It is on the sides where the visual drama appears in its full form. The design till the B-pillar retains the same poise like that of the 3-Series. Post that, the sloping and stretched roofline, as well as frameless doors, give it an altogether different and quite unique stance. The stretched wheelbase, as well as large glasses, makes it look much bigger than its sedan counterpart.

At the rear, the tail lamps have been lifted off from the 3-Series sedan, however, the 3-Series Gran Turismo gets a stubby boot design. The 3-Series Gran Turismo, though, gets a unique tailgate design, which opens all the way till the uppermost portion like that on an SUV.

The 3-Series Gran Turismo is all about munching miles with suppleness and agility at the same time. The overall suspension, with three different modes – Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, is maintained at a very fine balance between soft and stiff, making it quite comfortable for long distances. In addition to it, the spoiler placed on the boot opens up automatically beyond 110 kmph in order to keep it planted at towering speeds.

BMW has retained the engine options from the 3-Series sedan on the 3-Series Gran Turismo, all of which are available with both front wheel drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is present there in two states of tune while the 320i generates 184 PS of power and 290 Nm of torque, the more powerful 330i pumps out 252 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the bigger 3.0-litre V6 engine belts out 326 PS of power and 450 Nm of torque.

Apart from the powertrain and basic platform, the 3-Series Gran Turismo also shares the list of safety features with the 3-Series sedan. The 3-Series Gran Tourismo comes equipped with features such as six airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, cornering brake control, dynamic traction control and hill start assist.

While BMW did make a practical entry-level sedan in the form of 3-Series, it went one step ahead and made the same platform more unique and practical at the same time with the 3-Series Gran Turismo. This GT vehicle impresses you with its sporty yet elegant styling, which is clearly one of its kind. At the same time, the proven mechanicals and driving dynamics shared with the 3-Series make it a great driver’s delight.