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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
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 luggage 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.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is available in two main trim levels: 328i xDrive and 335i xDrive.
The 328i xDrive Gran Turismo hatchback comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, a power liftgate, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, driver memory functions, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a trip computer, Bluetooth phone connectivity, the iDrive electronics interface with a 6.5-inch display, and a premium sound system with a CD player, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
