The New BMW 320d GT Sport hatchback

The Bavarian 3-Series game changer

by John Lindgren

Editor-in-chief:

BMW 5-series too big, wide and too executive? How about, the new 3-series BMW 320 diesel GT Sport. A five-door performance hatchback cruiser with big brother 5-series leg room and beaucoup luggage space.

GT, the two magic upper case letters on the left corner of the trunk: Gran Turismo or grand touring. Meaning a performance car for the big tour (trip).

This is no BMW 3-series four-door compact sport sedan, nor a BMW SUV, but a five-door, hatchback. Built for grand tours, city/expressway driving, cruising on the highways, touring the kingdom. And the new BMW 320d GT looks the part. Long, sleek and powerful from the chrome framed kidney grille to the bulbous hatchback rear with a spoiler. The posterior, with its extended rear lights in the typical BMW L-shape, is an indication of how expansive the boot (trunk) volume is.

The side view reveals a gently sloping roof line characteristic of the classic coupe. This is sportiness and stylish elegance, par excellence

Interior:

The design and packaging inside feels like an SUV (sport utility vehicle). Surprisingly spacious. High-end material combinations underline the premium feel in the cabin. There’s brushed aluminum, red accented stripes, delicious leather upholstery, a state-of-the-art on board computer, the BMW i-drive controller with Bluetooth and all the apps you’ll need at your fingertips.

Another highlight, the super spacious rear seats. A luxurious passenger comfort zone with separate air conditioner vents, big armrest and space. Never has there been so much passenger legroom in a BMW 3-series model.

The luggage deck is cavernous too, with the standard 520-liter cargo space rising to 1600 liters with the 60/40 split rear seats folded down. To open the trunk lid, place your foot under the bumper and move it gently. Open sesame! And the electrically powered tailgate pops open. Very BMW.

The two 2.0-liter ultra smooth German diesel engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox with the fuel-saving auto start-stop function. There is a slight diesel rattle while idling, but once the shift is engaged in “D” the noise and the vibrations disappear completely.

The drive line comes with advanced suspension technology, super precise electric power steering, and a torsionally stiff lightweight body attributing to a high degree of agility and precision. The longer wheelbase (+ 110 mm) gives the stability and long-distance comfort of a true GT – Gran Turismo.

Driving experience:

Step on it. Instant torque power. Quick steering, slick responses from the powerpack, a twin turbo diesel pumping out 184 horse power. At 4,000 – 5,000 rpm the exhausts note is pure exhilaration. For the maximum driving pleasure one must use the F-1 inspired paddle switches on the steering wheel. In the Sport mode, gear shifts are designed for high performance and optimized acceleration–what you need when overtaking 10-wheel trailer trucks.

Overall this new 320d BMW GT Sport hatchback drives very much like a smaller and shorter sport saloon.

You want space and you think a station wagon is too plain, the SUV not your cup of tea. But you still want the performance of a compact BMW sedan. All right! Try the new 320d GT, a car with a limousine-like spacious ride plus all the power, style and elegance.