The 2014 BMW 335i Gran Turismo offers a sporty, aggressive driving experience with a surprisingly large amount of space that makes it a more than capable family car.
| STATS | Starting Retail Price | As Tested Price | HP / Lb-Ft |
| 2014 BMW 335i GT | $46,850 | $58,400 | 300 / 300 |
| EPA Rating MPG | As Tested MPG | ||
| Rating: BUY IT! | 20 / 30 Combined 24 | 23.6 Combined |
There’s a lot to like in the new 2014 BMW 335i Gran Turismo and it’s not just about the drive. Styling on this one is a little more sporty than the rest of the 3 Series line with fender-mounted vents to improve aerodynamics, taller headlights and a taller kidney grille.
There’s also a large rear hatch that could make the whole thing look like a bloated station wagon, egads, but it manages to maintain its sporty appeal while taking full advantage of that hatchback’s functionality. Overall it’s 7.9″ longer and 3.2″ taller than the 3 Series Sport Wagon and has an extra 2.3″ of rear passenger space making it very comfortable and roomy.
There is space aplenty, not just for cargo, but for passengers front and rear. You’ll easily sit two in the back and even three will be comfortable for a decent length of time before squirming and fidgeting commence. When you’re not hauling people, the rear seats are ridiculously adjustable to 15 different configurations with a 40/20/40 split to accommodate all kinds of cargo.
The 2014 BMW 335i GT has 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space and if you fold down the rear seats all the way to their not quite full-flat positions you’ll have 56.5 cubic feet. This makes it again more spacious than the wagon while still looking far more edgy. A wagon like the Audi Allroad will have similar cargo space but it’s not going to look nearly as good.
Interior finishes are just what you’d expect from BMW with high-end materials and luxe looking trims. Seats are comfortable and adjustable to just the right position and are nicely supportive. There is a full range of available tech and convenience options with all the usual suspects like heated seats and steering wheel, backup cameras, a heads-up display and an M Sport package which will lower your suspension and improve handling.
You get a 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque under the hood along with an 8-speed automatic transmission. There are also steering wheel mounted paddle shifters for when you want a little more control over that powerful engine.
It’s smooth and quiet, shifting neatly and never getting too riled in moderate driving conditions. You might think it’s tame, but when you press the gas and demand all that horsepower get up and gallop, you will feel it press you back in your seat to the sweet sounds of a suddenly boisterous engine. The Cadillac CTS Wagon might be worth considering if you’re looking for even more horsepower.
I tested the 2014 BMW 335i Gran Turismo with the M Sport package and found handling crisp and responsive. The wheel has a heavy, solid feel that allows great control of the vehicle without becoming sluggish and offers good road feedback. Factor in Driver Dynamics Control and you’re going to be able to get exactly the ride you want behind the wheel.
You can choose from Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport or Sport+ settings which adjust spring damping, steering effort, shift timing and throttle response for a progressively sportier drive. In many vehicles the Eco mode or its equivalent is almost unbearable except for the most laid back of drivers, but not in this case.
Although the 2014 BMW 335i Gran Turismo loses a lot of its umph in Eco Pro mode, it’s still a pleasant drive. Comfort mode takes it easy but is fantastically responsive and perfect for everyday driving. Move on to the Sport settings and you’ll really get that engine and your heart rate going. Your MPG will suffer, but you aren’t going to care.
On the TFLcar scale of:
- Buy it!
- Lease it!
- Rent it!
- … or Forget it!
I give the 2014 BMW 335i GT a Buy It!
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.
