BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo 335i (A) Review
26 Aug 2013|27,162 views
Despite not getting off to a good start with the BMW 5 Series GT, it has been clear that the brand is willing to forge ahead to find the perfect sized car that fits its consumers. Three years later after the launch of the 5 Series GT - the car that practically made us scratch our heads - a second example of a sedan bearing the GT moniker arrives.
Marketed as a more independent model, the spanking new BMW 3 Series GT is a variation (third variant, actually, following the sedan and touring models) of the Bavarian marque's 3 Series model.
Along with bespoke bumpers and bold lines, the 3GT looks menacing
What's the idea behind it, then? Well, it's simply to marry the good and sporty looks of the 3 Series Sedan with the practicality and spaciousness of the Touring (not available in Singapore).
Exterior
The 3GT is easily recognisable as a 3 Series variant from the front, thanks to the recognisable headlamps that extend out to the kidney grille. Thus, you'd be forgiven for thinking that it's just another 3er with bespoke bumpers.
However, there are some functional and unique, if not obvious, touches as you walk around the car. By the sides, the car sports vents (that look like the number 7) on the front fenders that serve for aerodynamic purposes.
Marketed as a more independent model, the spanking new BMW 3 Series GT is a variation (third variant, actually, following the sedan and touring models) of the Bavarian marque's 3 Series model.
What's the idea behind it, then? Well, it's simply to marry the good and sporty looks of the 3 Series Sedan with the practicality and spaciousness of the Touring (not available in Singapore).
Exterior
The 3GT is easily recognisable as a 3 Series variant from the front, thanks to the recognisable headlamps that extend out to the kidney grille. Thus, you'd be forgiven for thinking that it's just another 3er with bespoke bumpers.
However, there are some functional and unique, if not obvious, touches as you walk around the car. By the sides, the car sports vents (that look like the number 7) on the front fenders that serve for aerodynamic purposes.
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Round the back, the Bavarian marque first electrically adjustable rear spoiler serves the same purpose, too, deploying at 110km/h to keep the car glued to the ground and retracting automatically once it slows back down to 70km/h.
Unlike the 5GT, the 3GT is no horror story. It cuts an attractive figure when viewed in the metal, with clean bold lines you'd expect from a coupe but an addition of a slightly big butt. The rear may not be to everyone's taste buds but BMW has done a far better job of getting the 3GT's proportions right compared to its bigger brethren.
Settled at 4,824mm x 1,828mm x 1,508mm (L x W x H), the car you see here has also grown discreetly in every direction. Compared to the 3 Series Sedan, it is 200mm longer, 17mm wider and stands at some 79mm taller. Thus, it's not as low slung and sporty as the sedan, which also happens to be the BMW's best selling model.
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Interior
You get a lot of space in the 3GT. It's ridiculous because if you're quite familiar with the back benches of some of BMW's biggest machines (say the X5 or 7 Series?), you'll be stunned with the vast space on this car.
Space is the royal order for the day for rear occupants
With three adults at the back and another three Callaway golf bags in the boot, this new 3er is the car for families - families that need more space than even the 5 Series Sedan can offer. Not to say that the 5er doesn't offer cavernous room, but for a car bearing the '3' moniker to have such a harmonious cabin, it says a lot.
Credit for the car's roominess goes to the increase in its wheelbase of 110mm, providing rear occupants an additional 70mm of legroom over the sedan variant. But where the 3GT outrivals most is the boot space.
You get a lot of space in the 3GT. It's ridiculous because if you're quite familiar with the back benches of some of BMW's biggest machines (say the X5 or 7 Series?), you'll be stunned with the vast space on this car.
With three adults at the back and another three Callaway golf bags in the boot, this new 3er is the car for families - families that need more space than even the 5 Series Sedan can offer. Not to say that the 5er doesn't offer cavernous room, but for a car bearing the '3' moniker to have such a harmonious cabin, it says a lot.
Credit for the car's roominess goes to the increase in its wheelbase of 110mm, providing rear occupants an additional 70mm of legroom over the sedan variant. But where the 3GT outrivals most is the boot space.
With 520 litres of luggage capacity, this new 3er is on par with the bigger 5 Series, naturally outstripping the 3 Series Sedan by a landslide of 40 litres. Knock the rear seats down and it'll reveal 1,600 litres of stowage.
At the helm, there's a strong sense of familiarity to the 3GT. The controls and displays are almost identical to the sedan and all the instruments are clear and within easy reach. The benches are firm yet comfy, offering a compromise between sufficient support during hard cornering and delivering comfort over long hauls.
The boot will fit three golf bags with ease, thanks to the generous but proportionate dimensions of the 3GT
At the helm, there's a strong sense of familiarity to the 3GT. The controls and displays are almost identical to the sedan and all the instruments are clear and within easy reach. The benches are firm yet comfy, offering a compromise between sufficient support during hard cornering and delivering comfort over long hauls.
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Drivetrain
For an enlarged 3 Series that weighs over 1.6 tonnes, the top-of-the-line 3 Series GT acquits itself commendably well. Seamlessly mated with the silky eight-speed automatic gearbox, the 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder powerplant is sweetly responsive and rapid. The throttle play works in such a meaty manner you could easily forgive the extra heft at the back.
The 3GT will reach a top speed of 250km/h
Sending 306 German horses and 400Nm of torque to the rear wheels, the 3GT is a delight on open road. In 'pedal to the metal' mode, the car will demolish the century sprint in a respectable 5.4 seconds - a split second faster than the lighter 335i Sedan.
More impressive is how the car behaves round corners. It sweeps and tackles from bends to bends with an astounding composure that belies its heft.
Available on our test car is BMW's Driving Experience Control, which allows drivers to select the between driving modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport or Sport+. In Eco Pro mode, gear changes and throttle mapping are adjusted to make every drop of petrol last as long as possible.
For an enlarged 3 Series that weighs over 1.6 tonnes, the top-of-the-line 3 Series GT acquits itself commendably well. Seamlessly mated with the silky eight-speed automatic gearbox, the 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder powerplant is sweetly responsive and rapid. The throttle play works in such a meaty manner you could easily forgive the extra heft at the back.
Sending 306 German horses and 400Nm of torque to the rear wheels, the 3GT is a delight on open road. In 'pedal to the metal' mode, the car will demolish the century sprint in a respectable 5.4 seconds - a split second faster than the lighter 335i Sedan.
More impressive is how the car behaves round corners. It sweeps and tackles from bends to bends with an astounding composure that belies its heft.
Available on our test car is BMW's Driving Experience Control, which allows drivers to select the between driving modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport or Sport+. In Eco Pro mode, gear changes and throttle mapping are adjusted to make every drop of petrol last as long as possible.
Firming it to Sport mode, however, brings about a more sensitive throttle. Even the steering sharpens and muscles up a tad. It's also in this mode when the overall suppleness is lost and the roll is usefully checked, which is a good thing especially if you're in the mood for some hard driving.
The 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder powerplant in the 3GT is a sweet recipe that will keep drivers entertained
The only set back we experienced with the 3GT was the lack of pliancy over ridges and bigger bumps, which occasionally provoked unseemly thumps that were not present in the sedan variant.
Conclusion
While many will argue that the biggest barrier for this car is the looks, we beg to differ. The 3 Series GT is one dynamic device that will win over buyers who are looking for something distinct and practical at the same time.
The only set back we experienced with the 3GT was the lack of pliancy over ridges and bigger bumps, which occasionally provoked unseemly thumps that were not present in the sedan variant.
Conclusion
While many will argue that the biggest barrier for this car is the looks, we beg to differ. The 3 Series GT is one dynamic device that will win over buyers who are looking for something distinct and practical at the same time.
Despite not getting off to a good start with the BMW 5 Series GT, it has been clear that the brand is willing to forge ahead to find the perfect sized car that fits its consumers. Three years later after the launch of the 5 Series GT - the car that practically made us scratch our heads - a second example of a sedan bearing the GT moniker arrives.
Marketed as a more independent model, the spanking new BMW 3 Series GT is a variation (third variant, actually, following the sedan and touring models) of the Bavarian marque's 3 Series model.
What's the idea behind it, then? Well, it's simply to marry the good and sporty looks of the 3 Series Sedan with the practicality and spaciousness of the Touring (not available in Singapore).
Exterior
The 3GT is easily recognisable as a 3 Series variant from the front, thanks to the recognisable headlamps that extend out to the kidney grille. Thus, you'd be forgiven for thinking that it's just another 3er with bespoke bumpers.
However, there are some functional and unique, if not obvious, touches as you walk around the car. By the sides, the car sports vents (that look like the number 7) on the front fenders that serve for aerodynamic purposes.
Marketed as a more independent model, the spanking new BMW 3 Series GT is a variation (third variant, actually, following the sedan and touring models) of the Bavarian marque's 3 Series model.
What's the idea behind it, then? Well, it's simply to marry the good and sporty looks of the 3 Series Sedan with the practicality and spaciousness of the Touring (not available in Singapore).
Exterior
The 3GT is easily recognisable as a 3 Series variant from the front, thanks to the recognisable headlamps that extend out to the kidney grille. Thus, you'd be forgiven for thinking that it's just another 3er with bespoke bumpers.
However, there are some functional and unique, if not obvious, touches as you walk around the car. By the sides, the car sports vents (that look like the number 7) on the front fenders that serve for aerodynamic purposes.
Round the back, the Bavarian marque first electrically adjustable rear spoiler serves the same purpose, too, deploying at 110km/h to keep the car glued to the ground and retracting automatically once it slows back down to 70km/h.
Unlike the 5GT, the 3GT is no horror story. It cuts an attractive figure when viewed in the metal, with clean bold lines you'd expect from a coupe but an addition of a slightly big butt. The rear may not be to everyone's taste buds but BMW has done a far better job of getting the 3GT's proportions right compared to its bigger brethren.
Settled at 4,824mm x 1,828mm x 1,508mm (L x W x H), the car you see here has also grown discreetly in every direction. Compared to the 3 Series Sedan, it is 200mm longer, 17mm wider and stands at some 79mm taller. Thus, it's not as low slung and sporty as the sedan, which also happens to be the BMW's best selling model.
Unlike the 5GT, the 3GT is no horror story. It cuts an attractive figure when viewed in the metal, with clean bold lines you'd expect from a coupe but an addition of a slightly big butt. The rear may not be to everyone's taste buds but BMW has done a far better job of getting the 3GT's proportions right compared to its bigger brethren.
Settled at 4,824mm x 1,828mm x 1,508mm (L x W x H), the car you see here has also grown discreetly in every direction. Compared to the 3 Series Sedan, it is 200mm longer, 17mm wider and stands at some 79mm taller. Thus, it's not as low slung and sporty as the sedan, which also happens to be the BMW's best selling model.
Interior
You get a lot of space in the 3GT. It's ridiculous because if you're quite familiar with the back benches of some of BMW's biggest machines (say the X5 or 7 Series?), you'll be stunned with the vast space on this car.
With three adults at the back and another three Callaway golf bags in the boot, this new 3er is the car for families - families that need more space than even the 5 Series Sedan can offer. Not to say that the 5er doesn't offer cavernous room, but for a car bearing the '3' moniker to have such a harmonious cabin, it says a lot.
Credit for the car's roominess goes to the increase in its wheelbase of 110mm, providing rear occupants an additional 70mm of legroom over the sedan variant. But where the 3GT outrivals most is the boot space.
You get a lot of space in the 3GT. It's ridiculous because if you're quite familiar with the back benches of some of BMW's biggest machines (say the X5 or 7 Series?), you'll be stunned with the vast space on this car.
With three adults at the back and another three Callaway golf bags in the boot, this new 3er is the car for families - families that need more space than even the 5 Series Sedan can offer. Not to say that the 5er doesn't offer cavernous room, but for a car bearing the '3' moniker to have such a harmonious cabin, it says a lot.
Credit for the car's roominess goes to the increase in its wheelbase of 110mm, providing rear occupants an additional 70mm of legroom over the sedan variant. But where the 3GT outrivals most is the boot space.
With 520 litres of luggage capacity, this new 3er is on par with the bigger 5 Series, naturally outstripping the 3 Series Sedan by a landslide of 40 litres. Knock the rear seats down and it'll reveal 1,600 litres of stowage.
At the helm, there's a strong sense of familiarity to the 3GT. The controls and displays are almost identical to the sedan and all the instruments are clear and within easy reach. The benches are firm yet comfy, offering a compromise between sufficient support during hard cornering and delivering comfort over long hauls.
At the helm, there's a strong sense of familiarity to the 3GT. The controls and displays are almost identical to the sedan and all the instruments are clear and within easy reach. The benches are firm yet comfy, offering a compromise between sufficient support during hard cornering and delivering comfort over long hauls.
Drivetrain
For an enlarged 3 Series that weighs over 1.6 tonnes, the top-of-the-line 3 Series GT acquits itself commendably well. Seamlessly mated with the silky eight-speed automatic gearbox, the 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder powerplant is sweetly responsive and rapid. The throttle play works in such a meaty manner you could easily forgive the extra heft at the back.
Sending 306 German horses and 400Nm of torque to the rear wheels, the 3GT is a delight on open road. In 'pedal to the metal' mode, the car will demolish the century sprint in a respectable 5.4 seconds - a split second faster than the lighter 335i Sedan.
More impressive is how the car behaves round corners. It sweeps and tackles from bends to bends with an astounding composure that belies its heft.
Available on our test car is BMW's Driving Experience Control, which allows drivers to select the between driving modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport or Sport+. In Eco Pro mode, gear changes and throttle mapping are adjusted to make every drop of petrol last as long as possible.
For an enlarged 3 Series that weighs over 1.6 tonnes, the top-of-the-line 3 Series GT acquits itself commendably well. Seamlessly mated with the silky eight-speed automatic gearbox, the 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder powerplant is sweetly responsive and rapid. The throttle play works in such a meaty manner you could easily forgive the extra heft at the back.
Sending 306 German horses and 400Nm of torque to the rear wheels, the 3GT is a delight on open road. In 'pedal to the metal' mode, the car will demolish the century sprint in a respectable 5.4 seconds - a split second faster than the lighter 335i Sedan.
More impressive is how the car behaves round corners. It sweeps and tackles from bends to bends with an astounding composure that belies its heft.
Available on our test car is BMW's Driving Experience Control, which allows drivers to select the between driving modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport or Sport+. In Eco Pro mode, gear changes and throttle mapping are adjusted to make every drop of petrol last as long as possible.
Firming it to Sport mode, however, brings about a more sensitive throttle. Even the steering sharpens and muscles up a tad. It's also in this mode when the overall suppleness is lost and the roll is usefully checked, which is a good thing especially if you're in the mood for some hard driving.
The only set back we experienced with the 3GT was the lack of pliancy over ridges and bigger bumps, which occasionally provoked unseemly thumps that were not present in the sedan variant.
Conclusion
While many will argue that the biggest barrier for this car is the looks, we beg to differ. The 3 Series GT is one dynamic device that will win over buyers who are looking for something distinct and practical at the same time.
The only set back we experienced with the 3GT was the lack of pliancy over ridges and bigger bumps, which occasionally provoked unseemly thumps that were not present in the sedan variant.
Conclusion
While many will argue that the biggest barrier for this car is the looks, we beg to differ. The 3 Series GT is one dynamic device that will win over buyers who are looking for something distinct and practical at the same time.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo 335i (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13km/L
Horsepower
225kW (302 bhp)
Torque
400 Nm
Acceleration
5.4sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo
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