It was a rather brave decision by BMW to launch the 3 Series GT. Based on the same design principles used for the 5 Series GT (which hasn’t exactly set the sales charts alight), many frowned when BMW released its smaller GT.
However, the 3 Series GT makes a far stronger case for itself than its bigger brother.
Engine
Using the same engine as the 320i GT, this uprated four-cylinder 2,0-litre turbocharged engine offers a better mix of power and torque in the 328i GT. Delivering 180 kW and 350 N.m, it is punchier throughout the rev range compared with the more affordable 320i GT’s 135 kW and 270 N.m.
Cabin
This is where the GT won me over. The moment you walk up to the car, the different profile is immediately noticeable. The roof is higher than the sedan model’s, while it develops into a hatchback as the roof lowers towards the higher rear.
Thanks to a longer wheelbase than the sedan’s, passengers (read kids) benefit most. At 1,87 metres tall, I was able to sit comfortably in the rear seat behind my ideal driving position.
The higher roof and better legroom gives the cabin an airy feeling. In comparison, cabins of compact SUVs such as BMW’s own X1 feel claustrophobic.
The clever implementation of space-saving measures extends to the boot; at 1 200 dm3, utility space is quite close to the larger X3’s 1 288 dm3. Without folding the rear seats flat, but only removing the parcel shelf below the rear window, I was able to fit a body board (housed in a bulky bag), not something that can be done in many sedans/hatchbacks.
On the road
Comparing the GT with SUVs is inevitable. South Africans have a serious love affair with the perceived feeling of security that sitting in a lofty position provides. This is where the GT offers another trump card. While boasting similar (or more) cabin space than an X1 and X3, the GT also offers a more sedan-like driving experience than the aforementioned SUVs. The GT doesn’t necessarily encourage you to push on, but should you have a piece of road in front of you and decent corners, rest assured that the dynamic prowess is not that far removed from that of a 3 Series sedan.
Summary
This 328i GT elicited mixed feelings in the office. Several members of the test team said they would opt for the more affordable and (very) frugal 320d GT. But, should you prefer a petrol engine and the 320i GT feels a little wheezy, the 328i GT is the logical choice.
It offers space, engines with the necessary performance and styling that sets it apart from the thousands of new 3 Series sedans plying our roads. In a country that dislikes station wagons with an unhealthy passion, perhaps the 3 Series GT will find better traction because it ticks so many boxes.
Specifications:
Model: BMW 328i GT
Engine: 2,0-litre, four-cylinder petrol
Power: 180 kW at 5 000 r/min
Torque: 350 N.m at 1 250 r/min
0-100 km/h: 10,2 seconds
Fuel consumption: 6,4 L/100 km
CO2: 149 g/km
Top speed: 250 km/h
Price: R521 475
Maintenance plan: 5 years/100 000 km
Service intervals: according to onboard computer
Test results:
0-60 km/h: 3,08 seconds
0-100 km/h: 6,7 seconds
40-60 km/h: 1,29 seconds
120-140 km/h: 3,4 seconds
100-0 km/h: 2,87 seconds (average of 10 braking tests)
CAR fuel index: 7,68 L/100 km