We get under the hood and find out if this latest cruiser (BMW 3Series GT) in the Indian automotive market is worth your money or not
THE GOOD
In perspective, its length, clubbed with a wider appearance and a taller stance, defines the exterior look of the car. The combination of sleeker headlamps and the traditional kidney grille further highlights the design element. In profile, the short front overhangs and a coupe-like roofline further defines its GT-like characteristics. Unlike the normal 3 Series, the GT features frameless doors, which provide it a premium look. Once you step inside, the beige interiors feel spacious and comfortable. Electronically adjustable front seats provide the driver and co-passenger a larger view. There’s plenty of legroom along with good under thigh support both in the front as well as the rear, whereas the boot offers massive space featuring wide loading bay and a huge tailgate. Under the hood is a 2.0-litre common-rail motor mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Where handling is concerned, we were impressed with the GT, considering its sheer size and weight. The gearshifts are quick and smooth, as the vehicle is eager to respond to those quick overtakes. There are 3 driving modes to choose from — Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport.
THE BAD
When we start looking at the flaws in this car, the absence of BMW’s new iDrive touchpad controller was deeply missed throughout. As one would expect from any cruiser of this type, the non-availability of electric steering adjust does spoil the driving experience to a certain extent. There is space for three people in the back, but unfortunately, like most other cars within this segment, the issue of a big tunnel does cause discomfort, particularly for the passenger sitting in the middle seat. The ride quality on the GT is fairly reasonable; however, larger bumps do tend to be an issue causing discomfort to its occupants. We also weren’t totally satisfied with the looks, as they are neither attractive, nor unattractive, but somewhere in the middle.
THE UGLY
The price factor stucks out like a sore thumb in the BMW 3 Series GT. Competing against its own sibling like the 3-Series and the 5-Series, the GT comes at an expensive price tag of `42.75 lakh (ex-showroom) Delhi. As for the price comparison, the 3 Series GT is about `6 lakh more than the normal top-end diesel 3 Series and just `3.5 lakh less than the entry level 520d, which comes with the same drivetrain. But in actual terms, what your extra money buys you is a spacious luxury cabin, which is more comfortable than its siblings, while offering similar levels of efficiency and driver involvement. But still, it has a lot to prove to the Indian customer in the days to come.
