[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

Autobild Gets Hands on 3 Series GT and Touring Models for Side-by-Side Comparison

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Autobild is the first to get its hands on the recently revealed 3 Series GT (Gran Turismo) (F34) for a side by side comparison with the 3 Series Touring (F31).

Their conclusion? After scoring several categories, they have the 3GT squeaking by the touring by just one point overall (67 to 66). The GT gets the nod for easier access, better features, usability, and versatility; but loses on cargo loading.

Summary of Autobild's scoring and conclusions (translated via Google).

On to the physical and visual comparisons. What you see in the Autobild photos below are M Sport versions of both the 3 Series GT and Touring. Here is how physical specs of the F34 GT compare to the F30 Sedan and F31 Touring:

The GT's physical stats are:

• 200 mm (7.87 in.) longer than 3 Series sedan and touring
• 180mm (7.08 in.) longer wheelbase than 3 Series sedan and touring
• 81mm (3.18 in.) taller than 3 Series sedan and touring
• 17mm (0.66 in.) wider (without mirrors) than 3 Series sedan and touring
• 1,715 kg / 3,780 lb (335i - unladen EU)
• 1,645 kg / 3,626 lb (328i - unladen EU)
• 1,615 kg / 3,560 lb (320i - unladen EU)
• 335i GT is 130kg (286 pounds) heavier than 335i sedan (unladen EU)
• 328i GT is 140kg (308 pounds) heavier than 328i sedan (unladen EU)
• 328i GT is 70kg (154 pounds) heavier than 328i touring (unladen EU)

And for those that missed it earlier, here are our own compiled photo comparison between the F34, F30, and F31.

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[SamS]

Good comparo! What do they mean specifically by the statement that the F34 "loses on cargo loading"?

I think this picture provides the most interesting comparison. The F31 looks rather staid, whereas the F34 is definitely more dynamic in stance and proportions. It looks like a squished X4, which is a good thing.

[09BlkSapphire]

Originally Posted by SamS

Good comparo! What do they mean specifically by the statement that the F34 "loses on cargo loading"?

The trunk on the GT looks higher so it's probably easier to load and unload things from the trunk on the touring.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by 09BlkSapphire

The trunk on the GT looks higher so it's probably easier to load and unload things from the trunk on the touring.

I see now.. makes sense.

[ZheHbKa]

touring looks 100x better

[Matski]

White does not suit these cars at all IMO.

[ManiacGT]

The gt makes no sense to me at all.. They have a saloon and a touring why make something in between?

[SamS]

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

The gt makes no sense to me at all.. They have a saloon and a touring why make something in between?

More room than the Touring. Touring only available as xDrive here in the US, which is a non-starter for many of us in warmer climates.

[Naambezet]

Originally Posted by SamS

Good comparo! What do they mean specifically by the statement that the F34 "loses on cargo loading"?

I think this picture provides the most interesting comparison. The F31 looks rather staid, whereas the F34 is definitely more dynamic in stance and proportions. It looks like a squished X4, which is a good thing.

The kidneys are also angled and outward, I think I might like that angled bit.

On the second look, nahh. Prefer the straight.

[Mr Gunfun]

As much as I like the idea of this 3GT concept, touring is the one for me.

[Jblack4083]

The GT looks infinitely better than the touring.

[Antares]

The problem is the price:
-the Gt costs as much as the 5 series; you can bet the 5 series is much more comfortable and with a more luxurious interior

-the GT has a really ugly banana or boomerang side line (and a prolonged wheelbase; if I need rear leg room I would go for the 5 series)

thanks for comparison Jason (you're the only real treasure here )

[noro]

If the 3 series GT is not a good reason to move away from a 3 series then I don't know what is. Let's hope that a 4 door version of 1 or 2 series would not be a screw up.

[MikeyV]

The more I see of the 3 GT the more i like it, I'm really looking forward to having a look at one when my dealer gets in their first demo.

[keen.rave]

relax, chinese will buy whatever bmw available as long as theres a bmw badge on it.

[Imola.ZHP]

It's growing on me, but I still want to burn it...

Please send US an n55 powered 3er touring!!

[Mamasgotkids]

Hello, Touring all the way. I wouldn't touch the GT if you gave it to me for free.

So unattractive.

[yousefnjr]

Originally Posted by Jblack4083

The GT looks infinitely better than the touring.

They must have some fantastic weed in New York

[Ascari]

The extreme reactions to the GT are fascinating. Only time will tell, I have a sneaky feeling that when I see an m sport in real life it might be appealing. If they hadn't released such an ugly 5gt I wonder whether everyone would have such negative sentiment towards the 3gt.

Personally, I violently disliked the x6 when it was released but now find myself spotting a few with m sport and a good set of wheels and think it looks pretty good! BMW have a habit of designing cars to look good through their cycle, meaning sometimes they are a little ahead of the curve and takes us all a while to catch up.

Just sayin' give it a little time.

[newbmwuser]

Originally Posted by yousefnjr

They must have some fantastic weed in New York

i would take the GT over the wagon any day..

all personal preference

[EnI]

GT vs. Touring?

3er GT is much larger than 3er Touring - in all dimensions but width. And (at least in Germany) it costs only €1,500 more. So, much cheaper than eg 5er Sedan or Touring. And compared to 3er & 5er sedan or touring the GT features (just like 5er GT) an elevated, co called "semi-command" sitting position: higher than sedan / touring, but lower than the BMW SUV / SAC in this segment (X3 / X4). So, a typical crossover sitting height - which is very comfortable & quite in demand, BMW found out. There is a certainly a niche for such vehicles.

So, roomier & more comfortable compared to sedan & touring. With coupeish silhouette & a hatch for more practical & versatile boot function (over sedan). Touring in this case is just a sedan with a boxy "backpack" - with practical tail doors so you can transport bikes, fridge, washing-machine, a large dog etc.

GTs are more an activity vehicles than utility ones. Therefore BMW also named the GT models the "Progressive Activity Sedans".

Perhaps the crossoveresque hatchbacks have not been popular in USA, but they do just fine in Europe & Asia.

[elrey21]

The GT is growing on me but I LOVE! that wagon ... ill be swapping my 328i for that in 2 years hopefully.

I believe they made the GT because of the success of the X6 although I think the 5 GT was a failure as there arent nearly as many of those as X6's on the road. Just like the X6 the look has to grow on you. I believe many hated the X6 at first only to later fall in love (me included). I did get an X5 instead when I had the chance because its just more practical. All in all the success of that GT will probably be based on Price. If the 335 xDrive GT MSport Loaded is close to 55K then I dont see how anyone could choose it over a lightly optioned X6 for around 63K after negotiating.

PLUS .... Theres just no love for Wagons in the US anymore, Soccer moms would rather get an SUV. I think more enthusiats and the occasional weekend traveler would like a wagon but thats just a small group. The A4 Avant is a good looking car IMO and theres not many of those on the road compared to the amount of A4s you see on a daily basis.

Just my 2 cents