2014 BMW 335i GT First Drive

Edmunds.com

2014 BMW 335i GT First Drive

A hatchback version of the legendary BMW 3 Series has finally arrived. We got behind the wheel of the 335i GT to see if it was worth the wait.

Read the full story here

travai

I get what BMW is trying to do here, but I think many design details are in poor taste; like the 90's-style spoiler and the forequarter vents.

At the moment, Audi seems to be the only company that can make a 5-door fastback look svelte.

The new 3-series Estate is gorgeous. This car makes NO sense to me; and I usually love 5-door sedans.

Oh well. At least this isn't their primary offering.

travai

Ok, so the rear spoiler deploys. But, still, it's ugly. The spoiler and the car.

markstip

Make mine a 335D and I just mite be able to get over that Ugly stepped on looking front end and those awful headlights. I do this this car looks more cohesive then the 3 series sedan. I for one miss the Bangle days when BMWS had some BMW character and not well...., Buick Character.

markstip

**I do think this car looks more cohesive then the 3 series Sedan**

sharpend

They should have just made it better and way more useful by making it a squareback.

quadricycle

"This is a car born from a deep dive into the desires of 3 Series buyers. Those desires include more room and the raised seating that SUVs provide..." This has got to be a joke right? Someone wants space and a high seating position so they go out and buy a small sports coupe/sedan, its no great wonder that they're not happy with their vehicle purchase- that's just asinine! Could it be that what they really want is a BMW badge but can't afford a larger model? Maybe, maybe not. So here we've got a company that I used to love, which stopped making vehicles that I love, and now caters to the needs of the stupid and superficial. Bah, I'm just going to go read some FR-S/BRZ posts to get me back in a good mood now.

agentorange

"This is a car born from a deep dive into the desires of 3 Series buyers. Those desires include more room and the raised seating that SUVs provide..." I think you just defined the X3. When I first saw the spy pictures of this car I thought that the looks had suffered because of telephoto lens effects. Now we have lots of other pictures, I can see that it really is that hideous. Panamera drivers rejoice!

jrobusc

@travai, funny you mention Audi's hatchback models in the same breath as that "90's spoiler". Perhaps you should take a look at what adorns the trunk of those svelte Audi's.

jrobusc

Did Edmunds actually drive this car and write the review? Almost all of it is lifted verbatim from Autocar's review of the 328d GT.

jrobusc

@sharpend, if by "squareback" you mean a traditional wagon, there is one of those too. As for the wagon being "better/more useful", I assume "better" refers to the styling, and that is subjective. I happen to like the 3GT loo

ab22_

I'll say it again, I like the car. Honestly, i'm looking for something that is roomy in the rear seat and provides enough cargo/passenger room when you are on the road for 4+ hours. I also want something that is a little more upscale and luxurious than an Accord, Camry, Maxima etc. If I can get something that has a bit of sportiness to it, that's a bonus.

All the normal 3 series buyers, this car wasn't designed with you in mind. The 3-series sedan isn't exactly a roomy family car. I will have to see what the final $$$'s look like. I could see myself buying this automobile in 2014 or 2015.

duck87

@jrobusc: Is it by the same author? This article was written by a correspondent, which probably means that Edmunds paid someone for their article (not a complaint by the way, they're usually awesome).

As for the GT, the fact that it's a hatchback is a st

darthbimmer

I don't understand why BMW is making another GT. Wasn't the last one a flop? I live in an area where you can't swing a stick without hitting some kind of BMW, and yet I've barely ever seen a GT on the road. To satisfy folks who want a roomy 5-door several inches longer than a 3 series, how about building and selling a 535i/535d wagon?

jrobusc

@duck87, yeah it's the same author. The weird thing is his Autocar article was on the 328d, he made no mention of having driven the 335i at all. This is the exact same article, with a search and replace of "335i" for "328d" and a del

blackadder5639

I like it too! I like the styling.

quidycat

i get the practical and convenience part of this car, but it is an exceedingly unattractive and awkward looking car.

fordson1

That just looks like hell.

huntzinger

@darthbimmer: the reason why the 5er GT isn't doing well is because BMW is deluded in their pricing premiums on variants.

IMO, BMW is about to make the same pricing mistake with this car too, as its MSRPis reportedly going to be £1300 more than

cbrandi_

Why does it seem that BMW can't afford a decent designer of cars, this looks like a bloated guppy. Nothing was said about pricing but I'm sure it will cost plenty. And how come their glorious str8 six isn't as smooth in this car? Something is wrong at BMW, too many cars rushed to market in all segments making them less desirable not more.

shatner

Hey its an Accord Crosstour! But 20k more when you add in overpriced options.

lucien4

@jrobusc

No it's longer than the wagon so that's why it's said to be more useful. It has more cargo space and also more space for rear passengers.

DLu

There were a few old posts on Insideline regarding German cars' better headroom because they (Germans/Europeans) are taller, while Japanese cars are smaller for shorter people.

Well, this 3-series GT is one of two new car models that are based on the Chinese-market model with a stretched frame that significantly increases leg room. Chinese people do not have longer-than-average legs.