BMW 3 Series GT hatchback (2013-2019) - Interior & comfort

If you want a comfortable BMW 3 Series, then the 3 Series GT is the pick of the range. The suspension is more cushioning than the standard car’s, particularly if you avoid the larger 19-inch alloy wheels. Optional adaptive dampers allow the driver to choose between Comfort, Normal and Sport modes to either make things more comfortable or reduce body lean in corners.

The BMW 3 Series GT feels more luxurious inside than the saloon thanks to its extra passenger space and raised seats, which give all passengers a better view out and make the GT easier to get in and out of. Rear seat passengers are particularly well catered for as the GT has a wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) that’s 110mm longer than the saloon on which it’s based which gives much improved legroom.

BMW 3 Series GT dashboard

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The dashboard in the GT has been lifted straight from the saloon, so it features lots of high-quality plastics, expensive-looking trim finishes and BMW’s trademark driver-focused design. All 3 Series GTs have a neat, dashboard-mounted colour screen that allows you to control the car's various functions – from the sat nav to the stereo and everything in between. An update in the summer of 2016 added extra chrome and glossy materials for the air vents and dashboard.

Equipment

The entry-level SE model comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, sat-nav, air-conditioning, an electrically powered tailgate, active cruise control, rear parking sensors, a DAB digital radio, plus automatic lights and windscreen wipers.

BMW’s ‘remote services’ are standard, too, allowing you to check on the car from your smartphone. It’s possible to find out its location, check the amount of fuel left, and even flash the headlights or lock and unlock the doors remotely.

Sport models have a racier exterior thanks to high-gloss black trim and double-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, additional equipment includes sport seats, a sports multifunction steering wheel and ‘track cloth’ upholstery.

M Sport models also have leather upholstery and have the most eye-catching styling courtesy of an M Sport body kit and a smattering of M Sport badges. M Sport models also feature firmer, stiffer suspension which some can find too hard – try it before you buy or opt for the SE or Sport models.

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Luxury models get exterior chrome work and a full leather interior, while M Sport models also have a leather interior and have the most eye-catching styling courtesy of an M Sport body kit and a smattering of M Sport badges.

Options

As with any BMW, it's possible to go to town on the extensive (and expensive) options list. There are plenty of hi-tech gadgets, such as a head-up display and surround-view parking cameras, while the trim and seat colour combinations are as wide-ranging as your budget and imagination will allow. The Active Cruise Control takes some of the effort out of motorway driving, by adjusting your speed to match the traffic ahead.