2017 BMW 340 Gran Turismo Road Test and Review

2017 BMW 3 Series GT Front Curved Row Hero ・ Photo by BMW

Over the decades, BMW has become extremely skillful at finding white space in the automotive landscape and filling it with an innovative new product. While everyone else is zigging, BMW does its homework and zags. A few examples of this deft product planning is the original Z3 roadster, the X6 SUV and this, the 3 Series GT hatchback.

First introduced in 2014, the 3 Series GT successfully shares the 3 Series lineup with the better known 3 Series sedan and wagon. It offers a unique combination of BMW driving dynamics, a sleek and sexy fastback body style, a huge back seat and the convenience and versatility of a hatchback.

Hatchback sport luxury sedans aren’t exactly unicorns, but they aren’t very common either. The BMW 3 Series GT competes with the new Audi A5 Sportback as well as BMW’s own 4 Series Gran Coupe, which is also a hatchback.

Let's take a closer look at the 2017 BMW 3 Series GT.

Models and Pricing

Built in Germany, the 2017 BMW 3 Series GT is available in two trim levels, 330i and 340i. Both come standard with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Some of BMW’s faithful will be disappointed to learn that a manual transmission is not offered. There are also no hybrid or diesel models.

Prices start at $45,695, including $995 for destination and handling, for the 330i xDrive. Under the hood is BMW’s celebrated 248-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 330i is quick, running from 0-60 mph in about 5.9 seconds.

Standard equipment on the 330i includes power front seats, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlamps, paddle shifters and BMW’s Driving Dynamics control with Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ settings. Onboard wifi and wireless phone charging available.

The more expensive 340i xDrive, which starts at $51,545, is even quicker. It’s powered by a 320-hp 3.0-liter inline six cylinder engine that can rocket the hatchback to 60 mph in about 4.7 seconds. That’s almost as quick as a V8-powered Ford Mustang GT.

Photo by BMW

How It Drives

Mechanically, the 3 Series GT is very similar to the 3 Series sedan and wagon, however, there is one major difference: The GT has a 5-inch longer wheelbase. From behind the wheel, the additional length isn’t that noticeable, but it does allow the hatchback to ride just a little bit better than the other models.

Our 330i GT xDrive test vehicle rode extremely well. It was comfortable, compliant and quiet, but it’s also fun to drive, which you would expect from a BMW. It feels quick, sporty and responsive. Steering feel is good. The turbocharged 4-cylinder makes plenty of power and likes to rev out to its 7,200 rpm redline.

When you want to hustle it around, it feels better the harder you push it, especially in Sport and Sport+ modes, which increase the throttle response and retunes the 8-speed automatic transmission for more aggressive shifting and gear holding. Sport+ also stiffens the suspension for increased handling, but compromises ride quality.

Photo by BMW

Curb Appeal

Hatchbacks have a reputation of looking boxy and down market. Not the BMW 330i GT xDrive. One look at this five-door and you’ll never think of hatchbacks the same way again. 

Although its shape debuted back in 2014, the 3 Series GT still looks fresh and its long sweeping fastback roofline is particularly striking. From the front, it’s almost indistinguishable from the 3 Series sedan or wagon, but its profile is one of a kind and its rear view is wide and muscular. Its dual exhaust tips are just cool.

BMW has a knack for designing sedans that look youthful and athletic, but there’s also an elegance to the 330i GT. Its lines are clean and timeless. It looks expensive. I liked its sculpted sides, wide stance and blacked out pillars, which make the car look lower than it is. Its longer wheelbase visually pushes its wheels out to the corners and its front fender vents, which it shares with the 4 Series Coupe, looks racy.

Photo by BMW

Interior Hits and Misses

Inside, the 330i GT xDrive is a nice place to spend time. The heated front seats in our test vehicle were firm but well-shaped and extremely comfortable. The driver’s seat is also height adjustable for shorter drivers. In combination with the tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, it’s easy to find the perfect driving position. 

All the controls are well-placed, and the standard automatic climate controls are simple and easy to use. BMW’s iDrive, which controls all of the car’s infotainment system, was once confusing and frustrating but it isn’t anymore. The latest version is easily navigated and the system’s large dial and buttons are well placed on the console.

Like its exterior, the GT’s interior won’t feel dated a few years down the road. The entire interior has an overall feeling of quality. There are beautiful materials, dynamic design and precise panel fitment. Everything feels expensive and there’s a large screen in the center of the dash. Visibility is good, and the outside mirrors are well sized.

One miscue is the old school hand lever that operates the parking brake. It’s sporty, but feels a little down market especially in such an expensive car.

Photo by BMW

Cargo and Cupholders

Trunk space is massive. The 2017 BMW 3 Series GT offers 24.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seat and 56.8 cubic feet with the split fold down rear seat folded flat. That’s significantly more than BMW offers in the 4 Series Gran Coupe, and it's more than you get in the Audi A5 Sportback.

Storage inside the BMW’s interior is not quite as generous. The center console bin is shallow although the door pockets are large and have slots for water bottles. There are also seat back pockets and a small shelf forward of the shifter.

The two front seat cupholders aren’t huge either, and both are placed ahead of the shifter so tall drinks can interfere with the audio system’s switchgear. There are also two rear seat cupholders in the fold-down armrest.

Photo by BMW

Technologically Speaking

Bluetooth is standard on every 3 Series GT, as is a large 6.5-inch screen. But the latest and greatest tech is saved for the options list.

Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, navigation with voice recognition and real-time traffic, wireless phone charging and onboard wifi all cost extra. Add the navigation system and the screen size gets bumped up to 8.8-inches like the one in our test vehicle. It’s an easy system to program and the graphics are some of the best I’ve seen.  

Another available tech is a head-up display, which projects the speedometer and other information on the windshield ahead of the driver. This technology keeps the driver from having to look down at the dashboard which cuts down on distraction and keeps your eyes on the road.

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Family Friendly

The 3 Series GT seats five comfortably, and its rear seat legroom is cavernous compared to a 3 Series sedan, thanks to its longer wheelbase. Rear passengers can spread out and enjoy the rear air conditioning vents and adjustable headrests. Younger families will appreciate the BMW’s easy to reach LATCH connectors in the outboard seats.

The 3 Series GT also scored a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and it earned the highest crash test rating from for 5-stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Overall, fuel economy is good for this class. The 330i GT is the fuel sipper of the two, rated 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. I averaged 26 mpg during a week of mixed driving. The significantly more powerful 340i GT is rated 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Photo by BMW

Safety

BMW also offers a plethora of tech-based safety systems on the 3 Series GT xDrive, unfortunately, they are all extra cost options. BMW offers lane departure warning, Blind Spot Monitor and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection that warns if vehicles and pedestrians are in your path. It will also automatically begin braking if it’s a low-speed situation if the system believes an accident is imminent.

Active Cruise Control, which will keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and can be used in stop and go traffic, is also available. It’s also the most autonomy BMW offers on this model. No, it won’t drive itself.  

Other safety-related technologies include optional side and top view cameras that provide a detailed overhead view of the vehicle and its surroundings, a rear-view camera and Parking Assist sensors in the front and rear bumpers.

Final Thoughts

Despite increased competition from the new Audi A5 Sportback, the 2017 BMW 3 Series GT xDrive continues to be a very desirable choice if you’re looking for a sporty luxury hatchback. It’s comfortable, it performs well and is offers class-leading cargo space, and isn’t that the point of a hatchback in the first place.

Although some features and safety technology that are standard on other cars at this price point are extra cost options on the BMW, the 3 Series GT makes up for that with a unique combination of luxury, performance and unmatched versatility.

As much as you’ll enjoy driving the 330i, we suggest you step up to the 340i. You’ll appreciate the increase in horsepower and additional features over time. The penalty in fuel economy will be worth it.

Photo by BMW