BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Review

BMW's 3 Series Sedan was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Despite receiving Good ratings for most of the impact test, the 3 Series got a Marginal rating for the more severe small overlap test.

Over in Europe, we see the 3 Series receive a five-star safety rating from the Euro NCAP. Even in the harsher side pole impact, the vehicle offers “Adequate” protection.

Since this is already a niche model with limited sales, you’ll find a reduced engine range. While in the US the F34 3-Series GT skips the diesel engine (328d), Europe sees even more powerplants missing. Examples from the list of absents includes the entry-level 316i and 316d. For the moment, the six-cylinder diesels (330d and 335d) are also missing from the GT.

And if we are to talk about the ride, we have to get into the suspension details first. You can choose between four suspension setups: standard, adaptive, M Sport and M Sport adaptive. The last two bring a 0.4 inches 10 mm ride height reduction, but this shouldn’t worry you, since the GT treatment raises the chassis in the first place.

With the adaptive hardware set in “Comfort” the ride is compliant, with the vehicle managing to filter those monsters under your bed. Still, there are multiple factors that limit the comfort, so we weren’t impressed with the offer.

Let's zoom in on the frameless windows, which do seem to affect the soundproofing at greater speeds. Then there’s the actual seating comfort. They should’ve made the cushioning softer - whereas this was OK in the normal car, the new-found purpose of the thing would’ve required an upgrade.

Where the 3 Series Gran Turismo does impress though, is in terms of gadgets. This inherits the suite of features that can make a fully loaded 3er a complete car.

From the Head-Up Display and the self-parking features, through the Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go, to the 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio and the BMW Connected web apps, this basically has something for every need or want.