2016 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo (F34) 325d 8AT RWD (224 HP)

Vehicle Overview

BMW refreshed the sixth generation of the 3 Series in 2016, and it didn’t miss the opportunity to make the GT version look better than before, besides upgrading other interior details and technical underpinnings.

Despite not being the sharpest tool in the shed, the 2016 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo tried to compensate with what it had to offer to its customers. It was longer and provided more legroom for those seated in the back. It also had a larger trunk space than the station wagon. In addition, it was available with a panoramic glass roof as an option, a feature that wasn’t offered to its sedan sibling. In short, it blended some advantages but with some sacrifices for the exterior look. That last problem was addressed by BMW when it refreshed the entire lineup, and its design team did their best. From the technical point of view, it boasted a higher ground clearance, which led to easier ingress and egress for many customers.

The facelifted version of the 3 Series GT came with redesigned headlights featuring angular-shaped daytime running lights. In addition, customers could opt for adaptive LEDs for the high and low beams, which dramatically improved the night driving experience. In addition, BMW also offered a camera-based high-beam assistant, which automatically switched from high to low beams and vice versa, depending on the road and traffic conditions. The broad kidney grille spread between the headlights and sported a chromed trim that surrounded it. BMW also redesigned the lower side of the bumper, adorning the apron with boomerang-shaped chromed details for the side scoops. As with the non-facelifted version, the car could be fitted with an M Sport package, which made it look more aggressive.

From its profile, the 3 Series Grand Touring was a mix between a coupe and a crossover but with a lower ground clearance. The automaker installed fake vents behind the front wheel arches and continued their shape on the sculptured doors. A long creased line crossed the bodywork from the front fenders to the taillights, emphasizing the vehicle’s overall length. However, the most controversial part of the vehicle was its greenhouse. While it featured frameless windows for all doors, which resembled a coupe, the tall cabin and rear end were not as much appreciated by customers as the carmaker’s design team had hoped. But still, the redesigned version came with more chromed details that made the F34, which was the version’s factory coding, look slightly better than before.

Inside, the high-mounted seats, cumulated with the higher ground clearance of the car, helped the occupants get a commanding look on the road. Atop the center stack, in a free-floating position, BMW installed a new iDrive infotainment system featuring a touchscreen. In addition, customers could control it via the specific rotary dial placed on the center console between the front occupants. Base grades came with cloth upholstery and comfort seats, while the M Sport package added high-bolstered bucket seats covered in Dakota leather. In the back, the split-folding (40/20/40) bench seat was standard and could increase the trunk space from 520 liters (18.4 cu-ft) to 1,600 liters (56.8 cu-ft). Moreover, thanks to the longer wheelbase than its sedan brother and its raised seating position, customers could enjoy 70 mm (2.7 inches) more legroom.

Under the hood, the automaker added new or improved engines ranging between 190 PS (187 hp) and 306 PS (301 hp) for the gasoline versions. At the same time, the turbodiesel powerplants started from 143 PS (141 hp) and reached 313 PS (308 hp). All versions were paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power was sent to the rear or in all corners via the xDrive active all-wheel drive system.