BMW 320d Gran Turismo: Designed for long distance driving

The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, longer and taller than the 3 Series sedan, provides elegant long-distance comfort. Photos by Aida Sevilla-Mendoza

Launched in Manila last October, the BMW 320d Gran Turismo combines the roominess of a wagon, the swooping roofline of a coupe and the large tailgate/cargo area of an SUV. It is powered by the most fuel-efficient powertrain of the 3 Series, the BMW TwinPower Turbo 2-liter in-line four-cylinder engine with Efficient Dynamics that averages 57.6 mpg (24.25 km/liter) in combined highway and city driving.

TwinPower Turbo and Efficient Dynamics not only ensure fuel economy, the combination enhances the performance of a great diesel engine that is exceptionally refined and at its best doing highway cruising speed. While it may be true that the 320d GT does not quite have the sharp driving dynamics of the 3 Series sedan because it is 200 mm longer, stands 81 mm taller and has a 110-mm longer wheelbase, its advanced suspension technology, light but accurate Electric Power Steering, 50:50 axle load distribution and torsionally stiff lightweight body make it more enjoyable to drive than most cars of its size.

Switch to the Sport mode and the suspension firms up, giving you a bit more agility through the bends. You will hardly notice the slowing effect of the larger body and higher center of gravity as the 2-liter twin turbo engine improves at speed, producing 184 HP/4,000 rpm and 380 max torque between 1750 and 2750 rpm. Top speed is rated at 229 kph and zero to 100 kph requires only 7.9 seconds. However, the test unit I drove had a Speed Warning icon that chimed and flashed an exclamation point on the instrument panel whenever I drove past 100 kph.

A gently downward sloping roofline and an active rear spoiler distinguish the 3 Series GT from the rest of the line.

ACTIVE REAR SPOILER. Despite the Speed Warning, the engine works well with BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth shifts in auto mode and responds crisply when you use the steering wheel-mounted paddles to change gears manually. The rear wheel drive configuration, sending all the drive forces to the rear wheels and leaving the front free to steer, translates into fluency on back roads and a tight turning circle in town. The 3 Series Gran Turismo is the only BMW model equipped with an active rear spoiler that pops up at 112 kph.

The driving pleasure delivered by the 320d GT may not be as sheer or as sharp as the 3 Series sedan’s, but when it comes to roominess, versatility and riding comfort, the 320 GT  has the edge.  Thanks to the longer wheelbase, cabin space is larger, particularly in the rear compartment where a full 70 mm of additional legroom over the sedan and Touring 3 Series is available. Supportive leather seats, high-quality interior materials and the generous spaciousness contribute to the relaxed and comfy ambience, whether on a long journey or a short trip. The front and rear passengers sit 59 mm higher than those in the sedan, but while this gives them a good view out and makes ingress and egress easier, it compresses head space. The swooping coupe-like roof further reduces head space for rear passengers.

CONNECTED iDRIVE. The interior of the 3 Series GT is similar to the sedan’s except for some extra trim on the door panels to match the trim on the dash.  The BMW Connected iDrive program has a 6.5-inch LCD screen, safety-enhancing driver assistance systems, mobile phone integration and Bluetooth office functions for Internet-based services. Excellent build quality and impeccable fit and finish are a given, this being a BMW product.

Fifty-two liters of easily accessible cargo area allow for intelligent space management.

The 40/20/40 split rear seat folds down flat to increase luggage capacity from 520 liters to a class-leading 1600 liters. The rear bench has folding headrests and tilt-adjustable backrests for cargo function. The through-loading system of the trunk, a two-piece parcel shelf, lashing points, multifunction hooks and an underfloor storage compartment plus the large load aperture and automatic, high-opening tailgate further enhance convenience and practicality.

EFFICIENT DYNAMICS.The frugal fuel consumption and low emissions of the 3 Series GT are attributed to the BMW Efficient Dynamics development strategy consisting of intelligent lightweight construction, optimized aerodynamics, the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, ECO-PRO mode and on-demand operation of ancillary components.  Aside from an active rear spoiler, the 3 Series GT has Air Curtain vents mounted behind the 18-inch front wheels for improved air flow which you won’t find on any other 3 Series. While using ECO-PRO as the default driving mode can cut fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent, the car shudders at stoplights when the Auto Start-Stop function kicks in, ruining the quiet, relaxing ride quality.

Inside, extra headroom and legroom in the rear compartment, and leather seats, a 6.5-inch LCD screen and eight-speed A/T

Aside from six airbags and ABS, the 320d GT has Dynamic Stability Control with extended contents, Dynamic Traction Control and dynamic braking lights among its many active and passive safety features.

Summing up, BMW gave priority to practicality and comfort rather than sporty performance when they designed the 3 Series GT.  It is a family-friendly premium vehicle, an elegant, spacious and versatile touring car perfect for long distance driving this summer. The 320d GT is offered in three equipment lines—Sport, Modern and Luxury—each with a P3.999-million price tag.