First drive: BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo

Manufacturers are currently having a field day playing God with their model ranges. Renault has been busy cross-breeding its Clio with a 4x4, Vauxhall managed to get an Astra pregnant and it gave birth to the Cascada and now BMW has decided its 3-Series could do with some Gran Turismo genes. The result is a familiar shape with some muscular lines and a strange rear end. AOL Cars took it for a spin.

What is it?

The 3-Series GT rests somewhere between an SUV and BMW's much-admired 3-Series Touring model. GT drivers sit around 60mm higher than those in the Touring, allowing for a much more commanding view of the road ahead, which BMW hopes will encourage women to get behind the wheel. The GT is also wider, taller and quite a bit longer than both the standard 3-Series and the Touring, resulting in increased interior space and a more purposeful road presence. Styling will be a matter of personal preference but the flared wheel arches, raked roofline and larger front intakes give it a muscular appearance, while frameless doors and chrome accents offer a sense of luxury usually found in the segment above.