The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is the third variant in the 3 Series range. It offers the practicality of the Touring models while having fairly good driving dynamics in line with the saloon. The styling on this particular 3 Series is an acquired taste - some will love it while others won't so much.

For motorists who want the practicality of a hatchback but the design more akin to a saloon then this may be the BMW 3 Series for you. It is 200mm longer, 81mm taller and has a wheelbase that is 110mm longer than the Touring model making it much more spacious.

Rivals for the 3 Series GT include the Citroen DS5 and the Audi A5 Sportback. Does the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo make the grade?

Performance

We drove the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo 320d in SE trim level. It is powered by the 182bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine and has 380Nm of torque. It will complete the benchmark sprint in eight seconds (or 7.9 with the optional automatic gearbox) - and it has a maximum speed of 143mph (or 140mph with the auto gearbox).

Make sure to plan overtaking manoeuvres as you will have to drop a gear or two to when passing slower traffic on single lane carriageways. The 320d version feels adequate but could do with a bit more grunt.

Other powertrains include the 318d and 325d 2.0-litre diesels with 141bhp and 215bhp respectively. The 3.0-litre 330d and range-topping 335d complete the GT’s diesel engine line-up and deliver 255bhp and 308bhp respectively.

Petrol engines for the 3 Series GT include the 2.0-litre 320i and 328i units with 181bhp and 241bhp respectively. There’s also the 3.0-litre 335i engine with 302bhp.

The GT’s 3.0-litre engines are, while less efficient, feel much more satisfying than the 320d and the 335i in particular offers very strong pulling power.

Ride and Handling

When cornering enthusiastically there is a little bodyroll but it is well contained for a car of this size.

The steering is direct and is well weighted, particularly when you switch from the default Comfort setting to the Sport or Sport+ settings. When cornering enthusiastically there is a little bodyroll but it is well contained for a car of this size. Switch to motorway driving and you will find the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo to be right at home. Road and tyre noise is minimal, although the large wing mirrors get buffeted quite a bit by the wind. The Gran Turismo doesn’t feel as sharp or composed to drive as its saloon or Touring counterparts but it still offers a decent amount of grip.

Interior and Equipment

The 3 Series Gran Turismo is marketed by BMW as part of the Progressive Activity Series, alongside the 5 Series Gran Turismo.

Kit included on the standard SE version includes 18-inch alloy wheels, 6.5-inch colour screen with iDrive and climate control. BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo practicality levels are really good. The hatchback configuration makes the car really accessible. It has a load space of 520 litres with the seats in place and this expands to a maximum 1,600 litres with them folded. Considering that the 3 Series estate has a load space of 495/1,500 litres - that makes the 3 Series Gran Turismo an attractive proposition for buyers looking for good accessibility. The GT has a large load aperture and a high-opening tailgate making loading and unloading awkward items like prams or sports gear child's play. An electric tailgate is standard-fit, but optionally available is the Smart Opener which allows the boot lid to be opened hands-free with a movement of the foot under the rear bumper. Jump inside the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo and you'll see that front and rear-seat passengers benefit from a seating position raised by 59mm (compared with the saloon and estate), while rear seat passengers benefit from a full 70mm of extra legroom. Long journeys are a breeze thanks to the extremely comfortable seats while the side and lumbar supports are good too. The cabin is driver focused while the plastics and materials are all of a high build quality.

Cost

The starting price of the 3 Series GT is more than its saloon and estate counterparts by around five and four thousand pounds respectively.

The version of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo we drove - the 320d - has an official combined fuel economy of 57.6mpg and it emits 129g/km of CO2 emissions. For a premium family car these are impressive figures which slot the BMW into band D for Vehicle Excise Duty. The 318d specifications perform even better in this regard, returning a combined 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions of just 119g/km. This drops the 3 Series GT down to band C for VED. The most efficient petrol engine in the 3 Series GT line-up is the 320i, which returns 42.8mpg combined and emits 153g/km. Prices for the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo range between just under £30,000 and around £44,000, with the 320d SE specification starting at about £32k. The starting price of the 3 Series GT is more than its saloon and estate counterparts by around five and four thousand pounds respectively. So consider how much you need the extra practicality the GT offers if you’re thinking of buying it.

Our Verdict

The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is a different proposition from the norm. It’s not quite as good to drive as a BMW 3 Series Saloon or Touring, and it’s also more expensive, but it offers more practicality and a distinct appearance. The 3 Series GT is also better to drive than either the Audi A5 or the Citroen DS5. The 3 Series GT’s styling won’t please everyone, but it offers something intriguing to those looking to buy a premium family car that doesn’t look like a traditional estate. Those wanting a practical and comfortable car but with a fun element will be happy with this BMW’s mixture.