BMW's 3 Series has won plenty of praise (and sales) for its performance, efficiency and drum-tight construction. Even so, the compact sedans can only muster so much room in back for people and things. That's why BMW offers the 328i Gran Turismo with its longer, taller body and versatile hatchback design.
What's New for 2016
The Gran Turismo receives fresh front-end styling, sportier suspension tuning, and richer interior detailing. All models now come with Sport Line (i.e, gloss black) exterior trim. Certain performance upgrades have been repackaged into the new Track Handling package.
Choosing Your 328i Gran Turismo
The Gran Turismo carries the middle engine in the BMW 3 Series, a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder with 240 horsepower. You also get an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system standard. The Gran Turismo rides on a 115-inch wheelbase (it's 110.6 on other models) for increased rear legroom and cargo space. Seating and ride height are higher, but not so much that you feel like you're riding in an SUV.
Standard equipment includes power front seats with driver memory, a power liftgate, 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, HD radio, Bluetooth phone and audio, and wood or aluminum interior trim.
The available Premium package rounds out the Gran Turismo with leather upholstery, lumbar front seat adjustments, keyless ignition, and satellite radio The Cold Weather package adds heated seats all around, a heated steering wheel, and headlamp washers. A navigation system comes with the Technology package, which also offers a larger dash display, integrated smartphone apps, and a head-up display. The Lighting package gets you full LED exterior lighting and automatic high beams.
The M Sport version of the Gran Turismo receives 18- or 19-inch star-spoke wheels, a firmer suspension, an aerodynamic body kit, sports seats, and unique M Sport interior trim. You can take things further with the Track Handling package, which adds an adaptive version of the M Sport suspension, plus upgraded steering and brakes.
Turning to safety, the Driver Assistance package equips the Gran Turismo with a rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors. A Plus version of the same also packs a surround-view camera system, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, speed limit data, and an active collision mitigation system. Adaptive cruise control can also be added to the package.
Individual options include an automated parking system, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and rear sunshades. Many features found in the option packages (like navigation and heated seats) are available on a standalone basis.
You'll likely regret not getting the Premium package, which makes the 328i Gran Turismo feel like a proper luxury car. The basic Driver Assistance package is also rather essential. Everything else is a matter of taste and driving habits in our view.