BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo

The 3-Series Gran Tourismo might look very dramatic on the outside, however, the interiors of this very same car look a bit conventional and not-so-special. The complete cabin has been shared with that of the previous generation 3 Series, which makes it a spacious but boring place to be in.

The driver’s cockpit, as well as the dashboard layout in the 3-Series Gran Tourismo, is the same as that on the 3-Series sedan. The very simply styled instrument console and a staid looking three-spoke steering wheel do not ignite any kind of flair. The center console, like on the 3 Series sedan, is focused towards the driver, which comes with a free-standing infotainment system at the top and AC vents and buttons for climate control below it.

This complete layout of the dashboard doesn’t match the style statement of the 3-Series Gran Tourismo. However, it is highly practical and looks premium though, due to the good choice of materials and impeccable build quality.

With its coupe-like design and stance, the 3-Series Gran Tourismo adorns an added dash over the regular 3-Series sedan and makes a rather distinctive fashion statement.

As expected, the frontal fascia of the 3-Series Gran Tourismo is a complete lift-off from the sedan version, with the double kidney grille and full LED headlamps placed adjacent to the former.

The actual differentiation of the 3-Series Gran Tourismo with the 3 Series sedan is evident when you view both the vehicles from the sides. Compared to the 3 Series sedan, the 3-Series Gran Tourismo comes with a coupe like sloping roofline beyond the B-pillar. Apart from this, the 3-Series Gran Tourismo also comes with frameless doors, which make it even more special. Thanks to the stretched wheelbase, the 3-Series Gran Tourismo actually has a more poised stance over its sedan counterpart.

Just like at the front, the tail lamps at the rear too have been shared with the 3-Series sedan. However, due to the sloping roofline, the boot design here looks a bit stubbier compared to the sedan. Though, the notchback style lift-up pattern for the boot makes the loading and unloading of luggage bit more convenient.

As the name suggests, the 3-Series Gran Tourismo focuses on covering long miles with the utmost comfort as the topmost priority. The overall suspension has three different drive modes on offer – Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, which has a perfect balance between suppleness and stiff, making it an agile handler and comfortable cruiser at the same time.

Without any doubt, the 3-Series Gran Tourismo is powered by the same set of engines which power its sedan counterpart as well.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine employed for the 3-Series Gran Tourismo is available in two states of tune – in the 320i version, this engine generates 184 PS of power and 290 Nm of torque, while in the 330i version, it belts out 252 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque. The 3-Series Gran Tourismo is also offered with a bigger 3.0-litre V6 engine, which pumps out 326 PS of power and 450 Nm of torque.

In addition to the powertrain and suspension bits, the 3-Series Gran Tourismo and its sedan counterpart also share the same set of safety features. This grand tourer is equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, cornering brake control, dynamic traction control and hill start assist.

With the 3-Series Gran Tourismo, BMW has tried to mix up the practicality and daily usability of the 3 Series sedan with the exclusivity and style of a coupe. The 3-Series Gran Tourismo vehicle is mightily impressive with its distinctive styling and the perfect balance of performance and driving dynamics. Wish BMW had made the interiors as special and unique as the vehicle looks on the outside.