BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo
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Full 2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Review

What's New for 2014

The 2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is an all-new model.

Introduction

Let's say you really like the 3 Series sedan but, gosh, it's just not practical enough for your active lifestyle. You want other BMW options. OK, how about an X1? "Too small," you say. An X3 or 3 Series wagon? "Don't like wagons. And all my friends have X3s. Don't like joining herds." OK, how about an X5 or 5 Series Gran Turismo? "Too expensive," you say. Now, in years past, your hypothetical vehicle quest could have ended here. But cry not onto your plate of schnitzel, as BMW now has another option for you: the all-new 2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo.

The 3 Series Gran Turismo follows the format of its bigger brother, the 5 Series Gran Turismo. In this case, that means the 3 GT is a longer 3 Series with a hatchback body style. The extra length opens up more rear-seat legroom and space, while the hatchback (it's a traditional one-piece hatch, by the way, rather than a complex two-piece design like on the 5 Series GT) makes it easy to load bulky cargo items. The mainstay 3 Series engines are offered, all-wheel drive comes standard, and you get the same collection of features and impressive design as you get with the 3 sedan.

Basically, it's a 3 Series, but one that's quite family- and/or outdoorsy-person friendly. And that alone is pretty appealing. But it does come with some fine-print side effects. The GT's sloping, coupelike roof line cuts down on rear-seat headroom and total cargo capacity, and the car's larger size and heavier weight means it doesn't drive as sharply as a regular 3 Series sedan. And we'll say this: While BMW does many things well, styling hatchbacks to be beautiful isn't one of them.