Car news! BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Hatchback

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Hatchback
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Full 2015 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Review

What's New for 2015

Bluetooth audio streaming is now standard. The optional foot-activated trunk operation now includes power closing, and a driver inattention warning system is now included in optional Active Driving Assistant.

Introduction

Rather than trying to convince potential buyers that they need a particular car, what if an automobile manufacturer collected and examined the needs of those buyers and then designed and built the car that best satisfied that set of needs? This is the rationale behind BMW's GT models, and specifically the 2015 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. This unique entry-level luxury vehicle offers abundant room for four adult passengers (five in a pinch), the luggage capacity of a small wagon and the all-weather capability of a crossover SUV.

The 3 Series GT follows in the footsteps of its bigger brother, the Gran Turismo . But rather than just changing the roof line of a 3 Series sedan or wagon, the 3 GT is truly longer between the front and rear wheels than either of those by a few inches. This extra length noticeably opens up more rear seat legroom and luggage space. Besides that, the hatchback's wide opening (a traditional one-piece hatch rather than the 5 GT's complex two-piece design) and reasonable floor height make it easy to load bulky cargo items. The mainstay 3 Series engines are offered, and you get the same collection of features and impressive interior design as you get with the 3 sedan.

All of these practical considerations may be enough to convince you, but there are a few more things to ponder. This version of the 3 Series is, indeed, larger and heavier, which means it doesn't drive as sharply as a regular 3 Series sedan. And while we're at it, we'll say this: BMW does many things well, but styling beautiful hatchbacks does not seem to be one of them.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2015 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is a four-door five-passenger hatchback available in two main trim levels: 328i xDrive and 335i xDrive. The differing numbers signify their respective engines.

The 328i xDrive Gran Turismo hatchback comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, driver memory functions, "SensaTec" premium vinyl upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 40/20/40-split-folding rear seat and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Standard electronic features include Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity, the 6.5-inch display and a nine-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.