BMW 328i xDrive Gran Turismo Gets Reviewed

Here’s a review of a BMW 3 Series that shares no sheetmetal with a BMW 3 Series, but is based on a long-wheelbase Chinese-market BMW 3 Series. Weird, right? Even weirder is the fact that this car is being sold in the U.S. when its big brother, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo has been a sales disaster on not one, but two fronts: it has been selling in very small numbers, and the units that do sell are stealing sales from repeat customers of the BMW 7 Series.

So why would anyone buy a BMW 3 Series variant that BMW shouldn’t be selling in the first place? Because it’s a lot better than having to drive a minivan.

The 3 Series GT may be 300 pounds heavier than a standard 3 Series, but it’s got a lot of utility by offering more rear-seat space than a 7 Series, and one more cubic foot of storage capacity than the 3 Series Sports Wagon. This BMW 3 Series GT is for those who love spaciousness, and are willing to forego some fun in the name of utility, but aren’t willing to go so far as buying a Chrysler Town & Country. Fans of BMWs that drive well need not apply, but don’t be mad at BMW for attempting to expand its customer base — it is a company that (like 99.99 percent of legitimate companies in existence) is looking to increase profits. If BMW believes this car can aid profitability, then good on BMW because bigger profits could mean more exciting products for enthusiasts.

via [The Fast Lane Car, Autoblog]