BMW 318d Sport Gran Turismo

What is it?

The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is a brand new model line that sits at the top of the 3 Series range.

The Gran Turismo provides additional practicality with its five door hatchback configuration, not that you’ll hear BMW mention the ‘H’ word. BMW prefers to talk about the Gran Turismo’s larger boot and powered tailgate.

The boot is bigger than the Touring estate, holding 520 litres of luggage space, while the rear seats fold down to increase the capacity to 1600 litres. In both cases, the capacities are greater than the 3 Series Touring.

That’s partly because the wheelbase is 200mm longer than the Touring model, providing much greater legroom in the rear seats. There’s also more headroom, and a more elevated driving position.

Distinguishing features of the Gran Tourismo are its fast-hatch styling, the boomerang graphic on the side panel behind the front wheels – BMW calls it an ‘air breather’ vent to enable better air flow and reduce drag – a unique front headlamp and front air dam design, and a rear spoiler that deploys at 70mph (although you can manually trigger the spoiler at lower speeds with the push of a button).

For small businesses and company car drivers, there are two diesel variants to choose from – the 318d and 320d (which we’ve already reviewed – see BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo car review – like a 3 Series, but bigger) – while a 325d model will join the range in July.

But the car for lowest CO2 emissions and therefore the lowest benefit in kind company car tax exposure is the 119g/km 318d Gran Turismo, reviewed here in Sport trim.

What’s hot

• It’s a big, spacious executive car with a capacious boot
• Powered tailgate makes access to the 520 litre luggage area easy
• If your experience of being a passenger in rear of a 3 Series is tinged by memories of cramped legs, then prepare to rearrange your memory cells: the rear space in the Gran Turismo is voluminous…

  

• …you can stretch out your legs, adjust the rake of the rear backrest, enjoy limo-like acreage
• It’s not bad from the driver’s seat either, with an airy interior helped by frameless windows and the higher driving position
• The car handles precisely and rides comfortably, even on the larger 19 inch double-spoke alloys (£790) fitted to our test car
• And can carry a surprising amount of speed through corners without appearing even to try
• On the motorway the engine is nicely hushed, giving the cabin a pleasant quietude – just perfect for long journeys to meet clients; you’ll arrive fresh at meetings
• The only time you’ll notice the 143hp engine is bit short of power in such a big car is when it is less the alacritous while overtaking slower traffic…give yourself some space
• What that engine will do, though, is offer an amazing 62.8mpg fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 119g/km
• So benefit in kind is minimized to the 18% company car tax banding…
• …which means £93 a month company car tax at 20%, £185 a month at the higher rate
• Business car leasing rates are reasonable – the Gran Turismo costs from £357 a month, while the smaller Touring estate costs from £336, so there’s just £21 a month in it

  

• Standard equipment on the 3 Series Gran Turismo includes 18 inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB digital radio, cruise control, park distance control and Dynamic Stability Control

What’s not

• You need to allow a budget to enhance the standard spec to bring it up to ‘business standard’ – such as leather, Business navigation or BMW Professional media package, upgraded Bluetooth connectivity, and you might also like to upgrade the alloys and wheels too
• Automatic version of 318d Gran Turismo has much greater CO2 emissions (127g/km) and fuel economy drops to 58.9mpg – so if you want the auto version, go for the 320d model (129g/km)
• Looks dumpy from some angles
• Engine gets noisy towards the top end (so just avoid that area)

Business Car Manager road test verdict

Is the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo for you?

BMW product operations manager Natasha Newman describes the new Gran Turismo as offering business buyers and company car drivers an alternative, stylish option in the executive sector.

Natasha points to the popularity of new styles such as the VW Passat CC, the Range Rover Evoque, the Audi Sportback and Nissan Qashqai, cars which offer something different, practical with stand out sytling.

Into such a segment enters the Gran Turismo. Think of it as a well-appointed executive hatchback, able to look smart and business-like for client meetings, yet spacious and practical to cope with your weekend pursuits.

The 318d is the model company car drivers should aim for with its 18% company car tax band, while the impressive +60mpg fuel economy will help keep a lid on company car management costs.

However, make sure you budget for an additional £5-£6000 to bring it up to a spot-on business specification. Then you can fully enjoy the relaxed driving nature of the 318d Gran Turismo.

The Low Down…

…and what it costs