2013 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo 335i 8AT RWD (306 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Based on the same platform as the 3 Series, the 3 GT came to fill the gap between the practicality of a station wagon and the look of a sedan, resulting in a five-door liftgate that tried to convince customers with its coupe shape but featuring a practical cabin.

Creating a new shape for the traditional BMW buyers was a bold move. The German automaker thought that this liftgate vehicle would attract customers who liked the styling of a coupe but needed four doors. Audi successfully applied this solution with the A5/A7 Sportback, but the 3 Series was on uncharted territory and tried to convince customers, if not with the shape, then with the technical platform that was shared with the rest of the sixth generation of the 3 Series. Moreover, the car was available with several options that were unavailable for the 3 Series sedan, the F30.

The car’s front showed a similar styling to the rest of the 3 Series, featuring swept-back headlights that flanked the broad kidney grille at the front. Underneath it, the automaker offered a choice of two bumpers, one regular with triangular side scoops and an M-version with taller ones and a wide lower grille. The main difference was noticed on the vehicle’s profile. Unlike the 3 Series Sedan, the GT featured a longer greenhouse with a sloped-down tailgate behind the rear seats. In addition, the automaker added a third set of side windows behind the rear doors. Finally, at the back, the carmaker added an unusual option: a retractable wing mounted onto the metallic part of the tailgate.

Inside, BMW installed taller seats than in the 3 Series that offered better visibility for the front occupants. This was possible thanks to the taller greenhouse of the vehicle. The dashboard looked very similar to the one from the regular 3 Series, with an instrument cluster that fronted the driver and was filled by two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer. On the center stack, BMW installed a screen for the infotainment system. Behind, BMW installed a bench seat where three adults could fit comfortably. The car manufacturer offered the car with an option for a panoramic retractable glass roof that brought more light into the cabin. The 3 Series GT boasted a large trunk at the back where two large-sized gulf clubs.

Under the hood, the 3 Series GT was available with a wide engine choice ranging between 184 PS (181 hp) and 313 PS (308 hp) paired with either a six-speed manual or an automatic. Power went to the rear wheels or in all corners, depending on the engine version and options. The 3 Series GT was available with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox, depending on the market and options.