Powering this BMW is the proven and able 1,995-cc four-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel engine that one can see in the lower end spec of the regular 3 and 5 Series line-up. In the 3 Series GT, this unit puts out a maximum of 184 PS and 380 Nm of peak torque. Transmission is to the rear wheels (of course, given that it’s a BMW) via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. As has been seen in the other BMW products it powers, the two-litre unit has a good spread of power throughout the rev range to pull this tonne-and-a-half-plus vehicle quite strongly. At the same time there is enough grunt at the bottom of the range when the going gets slow, so that the eight-speed auto doesn’t have to work too hard. Speaking of the eight-speed auto, it’s really a fine gearbox that performs well in almost all sorts of conditions. The reason I use the term “almost” is because when you want to put the 3 Series GT through a bout of really spirited driving, then the shifts don’t seem to happen with the same alacrity as the throttle response. It’s as if the engine is like a little child who wants to run ahead of itself with wild abandon while the gearbox is the more sensible older sibling who wants you to exercise a little bit of caution. For sure, there are quicker shifting ’boxes in the industry today. But move away from that brand of manic driving, and you are richly rewarded.
This being a BMW, rewards also come through in the handling department. On the way to the photo shoot this car is indeed a joy (no reference to BMW adverts) to drive. Step on the gas at the apex of a tight hairpin and you will hear a mild squeal from the rear tyre as 380 Nm of torque is sent to the rear axle. Around fast bends (and, of course, in a straight line) the car holds its line like nobody’s business, and you will find yourself pushing the envelope just a little bit every time you see a sweeping curve of the road ahead. A few such and you’re suddenly aware of a smile on your lips that has appeared somewhere along the way without you noticing it. Steering too is precise and lets you know where the wheels are with a high degree of accuracy. Ride quality on the 3 Series GT is better than on the saloon car that bears the same moniker and you find yourself going over the rough patches without complaint. There is none the less a hint of the stiffness that characterized BMW cars in the past, belying its intentions of being a joy mainly for the man at the helm and not the couch potato on the rear seat. With ABS and brake assist working in conjunction, the 3 Series GT stops without drama from practically all speeds, which is a key element to adding peace of mind an unpredictable Indian driving environment. The fact that the car also gets brake energy regeneration is a bonus.
