nlike its 5-series-based big brother, the 3-series GT—internally called F34— shares a lot of its sheetmetal and trim with the F30 3-series sedan and F31 Sports Wagon. But my, has it grown: Taller by 3.2 inches, longer by 7.9 inches, and with a wheelbase stretched by 4.3 inches, the Gran Turismo overshadows both the sedan and the Sports Wagon. The rear end is dominated by a sloping fastback that houses a large hatch. BMW's styling department has done its best to mask the blown-up proportions with attributes such as larger headlights, a larger grille, a more softly contoured front hood, and an electrically raised rear spoiler. And thanks to all of that, it is far easier on the eye than is the 5-series GT.
There are clear benefits to the new shape. The trunk carries 18.4 cubic feet; the angle of the split rear seat can be adjusted through a range of 15 separate inclines, and when fully folded down, it carries up to 56.5 cubic feet of cargo. That's 3.5 cubic feet more than the 3-series Sports Wagon, despite the Gran Turismo's fastback design. The passengers travel in comfort: They sit 2.3 inches taller than in the sedan and Sports Wagon, the rear seat gaining 2.8 inches of legroom. And the windows are frameless, which is a sweet touch.
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