2014 BMW 328i GT
Once upon a time BMW offered only three sizes of sedan and a couple of coupes. Now the 3-series alone comprises a sedan, wagon, two- and four-door coupes and a convertible (now dubbed 4-series). And there are the price- and size-comparable X3 and X4 crossovers, as well. So where does the new 328i Gran Turismo fit and why choose it over the others?
Statistically, Americans rate hatchbacks less prestigious than sedans. Yet of these 3-series variants, the majority have that type of rear aperture. The GT is not the most svelte of the line, with a bulbous, exaggerated glass area reminiscent of older BMWs and greater sensitivity to color, trim and wheel size than other models, but it certainly looks like a prestige car.
The GT’s party trick is a huge, comfy back seat and a copious cargo hold made quite enormous by folding the seats. For skiers, it is a dream—unless you open the hatch with snow on it, in which case the white stuff unceremoniously dumps into the cargo area or onto the heads of the rear-seat occupants.
All the 3- and 4-series cockpits are pleasant, with great driving positions, more room than the Lexus IS or Cadillac ATS. iDrive has become the default standard for intuitive, fast-acting infotainment interfaces.
BMW has certainly sacrificed steering feel in the transition to electric assist, but the 328 GT drives well. Its Adaptive M variable-rate dampers make travel over rutted roads better than almost any vehicle in memory, and when shifted in one of its sportier modes, it carves like a Shun knife.
BMW is still unmatched in its segment in the powertrain department. The GT’s 240 horses are more Clydesdale than Quarter Horse and the gobs of lowend torque churned out by the N20 motor make it feel effortlessly rapid, even over mountain passes.
The GT weighs about 300 pounds more than the 328xi sedan, and 150 more than the wagon. Of course it is significantly lighter than the X3/4 crossovers and has almost as much room for cargo and passengers.
So is the GT the right BMW for you? If style is important, the various flavors of 4-series are a better— and more expensive—choice. The GT, Touring wagon and X3 can all be bought or leased for similar amounts of money, but if you like room without giving up performance, handling and ride, the GT may indeed be just right.
EPA ratings: 22/33; 26mpg combined
Price as tested: $52,575
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