BMW 3-series GT India review, test drive

Typical of a BMW though, the driving position is faultless and there's no complaints with the fit and finish either. At the rear, the higher seating position, the bigger windows and the massive panoramic sunroof combine to give you a bright cabin and a sense of space that a 3-series saloon can't hope to match. The seat itself is very comfortable with good thigh support, headroom and plenty of knee room, courtesy the extended wheelbase.

 

 

The rear of the car has also been lengthened, so boot space has gone up to 500 litres and the huge tailgate (that has an electric closing function) facilitates the easy loading of luggage. The 3-series GT will also come with a space saver spare wheel so, on the practicality front, it scores really well.

Thanks to its 181bhp, 1995cc, four-cylinder turbo-diesel, there's a spring in the 3 GT's step. This is despite the extra 145kg this engine has to lug around over the 320d saloon - yes the 3 GT tips the scales at 1575kg versus the 3-series' 1430kg. Part of this sprightliness is because the eight-speed automatic allows the engine to spin in its sweet spot most of the time and part of it is because the engine feels its strongest from a low 1750rpm.