BMW 318d GT road test (exterior design, interior and cargo capacity)

In the first part of the road test, we told you about the impressions the BMW 318d GT left us with after getting behind the wheel and covering almost 1,200 kilometres. Now we turn to what we found on board, the interior design, but also the exterior and cargo capacity. Let’s go.

Exterior design: between a saloon and an estate, with attributes of both

Overall, the 3 Series GT retains the front features that define the BMW range: the double kidney grille as the brand’s identity symbol, combined with two headlights that project outwards and give it its strong gaze. Compared with the 3 Series Saloon, the front is clearly taller, and the kidney grille, bumper and headlights are also larger.

From the side, two ‘incisions’ add dynamism to the profile of the 3 GT, and the side air vents, just behind the front wheel arch, make it clear that this is the Gran Turismo. The glazed area is generous, something noticed both from inside and outside the car, and it is the profile that reveals more about the positioning of the 3 Series GT.

Its concept is tied to meeting a need for space for customers who do not want to opt for an estate or, in this case, the 3 Series Touring. The roofline, with coupé reminiscences but also fastback ones, fits this type of profile, offering a distinctive style, more cargo capacity and more interior space.

The 3 Series GT is built on the V3 platform, the same as the 3 Series Li (long-wheelbase version), which makes it 20 cm longer than the 3 Series Saloon, while also having 11 cm more wheelbase and being 8 cm taller. Undoubtedly designed to offer space for occupants and the luggage or cargo we wish to carry.

It is defined as a PAC, an acronym for Progressive Activity Vehicle, placing it halfway between an estate and a compact SUV. This explains the distinctive rear design, the generous tailgate opening to the boot and the ground height for loading. From this point of view, as well as being a more comfortable car, it is also a much more practical product.

Interior design: comfortable cabin with room for everything

The first thing to note is that the fact that the 3 Series GT is built on the V3 platform means its occupants enjoy greater headroom and seats 6 cm higher. This is noticeable as soon as you get in, especially in the rear seats; in the front there is plenty of room in relation to the dashboard. Overall, comfort and space.

In terms of style, nothing changes here: the interior layout is faithful to that applied in other models of the 3 range and in general. An uncluttered dashboard dominated by the centre console, with most of the controls and the large infotainment screen standing out, and in the centre tunnel, the controller for this system and the EfficientDynamics one.

In the driving position we find a familiar steering wheel, of good size and feel, which also gives comfortable access to the controls. The instrument panel looks very simple, we could say a little out of tune with the rest of the finishes, although information can be accessed quickly and clearly, especially on the on-board computer screen.

The fittings are more than adequate, everything in its place and with a very pleasant feel: buttons, door handles, air-conditioning vents, armrests and so on. The wood trim has a more stately touch that adds something to create a distinctive atmosphere. Remember that the customisation options for the BMW are -almost- endless, so each customer will find their own style.

In short, a highly comfortable, well-insulated cabin with first-class finishes that nonetheless looks simple, minimalist, you could say. But this makes sense: avoiding distractions in order to enjoy driving and comfort on board. The seats are comfortable in any situation, and occupants of the rear seats will enjoy 7 cm of additional space compared with the saloon.

Cargo capacity: a strong point for the 3 GT

It could be the main reason to buy it: 520 litres of capacity, which can increase to 1,600 litres if the rear seats are folded, with the option to do so in 40:20:40 sections, all made easy on board the 3 Series GT. This capacity is 25 litres more than the 3 Series Touring and 40 more than the capacity of the 3 Series Saloon.

That concludes the second part of our first contact with the BMW 3 Series GT, in its 318d, road test version, which has made it clear that this variant meets specific needs for comfort, capacity and, in some cases, design: a balanced proposal from BMW for those who do not want an SUV but do want space and good driving feel.

Technical specifications of this car

SedanBMW Serie 318 versions · from 50,200 €