Defining a GT car isn’t black and white, though most would agree a car needs both performance and luxury chops to make the list. Those two attributes sit squarely in one brand’s wheelhouse: BMW. The makers of the Ultimate Driving Machine are catching a lot of flak these days, but these four cars are standouts for their grand touring capability.
What are some of the best BMW GT cars?
If you’re looking for a lineup of comfortable, fast, and exhilarating BMW GT cars, these four models fit the bill to a T. From the two-door M240i to the electric i4, the current BMW lineup has several head-turning rides that are perfect for an adrenaline-filled road trip.
- BMW M340i
- BMW M240i
- BMW 430i
- BMW i4
Of these, the M340i and M240i are the quickest of the bunch. Sharing the B58 TwinPower turbocharged six-cylinder, they chuck out a BMW-stated 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. And as for the i4, it may have its range limitations. But, it’s fun to drive, charges quickly, and it’s phenomenally comfortable. All the things you want for grand touring.
BMW M340i is a modern BMW GT superhero
Sitting at the intersection of performance, luxury, and space, the BMW M340i is a BMW GT car for the modern age. The 3 Series in general is BMW’s most well-rounded sedan to start. But adding the 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower turbocharged inline-six adds a sense of performance that defines a Grand Touring sports car.
In addition, the M Sport suspension and brakes provide sharper handling and stopping power to balance out that 382-horsepower mill under the hood. Altogether, they make the midsize four-door fun to drive without the harshness of a full-fledged M3.
Inside, spacious seating for five includes 35.2 inches of rear legroom, so it works well for a carload of road trippers. And with nearly 17 cubic feet of cargo space, there’s plenty of luggage space to work with as well.
Why is the BMW M240i so fast?
For a two-door version of the BMW GT experience, the latest M240i has to make the list. With the same 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque but with two fewer doors, the M240i is a GT car for two. Sure, there are back seats, but they’re largely ceremonial. However, the front seats are supremely comfortable despite a relative lack of adjustability.
It’s lighter, shorter, and thus, snappier than the four-door M340i. That makes it two-tenths quicker to 60 and massively fun to drive on a winding back road. Plus, its standout styling is bizarre in photos, but in person, makes the current 2 Series the kind of car that gets a second look everywhere it goes.
Dual-zone automatic climate control, Vernasca leather, and a power-sliding sunroof add to the luxury-focused sports car experience. And rounding out the M240i’s grand touring credentials are a sub-four second run to 60 mph and confidence-inspiring handling.
BMW 430i is the underrated, understated option
We’re slowing things down a bit now, though to call the BMW 430i slow is an insult to that excellent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine inside this mid-size BMW GT car. At 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, it has no trouble putting a smile on your face when you bury your right foot. Rear-wheel drive, optional M Sport suspension upgrades, and a ZF eight-speed automatic blend precision and comfort for a truly balanced ride.
As the larger of BMW’s coupe offerings, the 430i is a better GT car than the 2 Series, especially for multi-day road trips. The added rear seat space and trunk volume give it a slight edge, and the lighter four-cylinder engine gives it a sharper front-end feel.
The BMW i4 is a full-on electric luxury car with sports car chops
BMW’s smallest EV may not seem like a great GT car at first blush but set aside your first impressions for a moment. The 301 miles of range in the BMW i4 is roughly equivalent to the M240i, so you’ll be planning roughly the same stops. In addition, 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque with no lag means a sharp 5.4-second run to 60 mph.
It’s comfy and serene, perfect for a Grand Touring car where comfort is a requirement, not a request. The lack of engine sounds and increased sound deadening make the i4 a sensory deprivation chamber on wheels, all while retaining a fun-to-drive character that makes it a standout BMW GT option.
What does it take to be a GT car?
There are a lot of definitions of a GT car, but the general concept is this: blend performance, comfort, and practicality. The ultimate goal is a car that is as much fun to whip through a mountain pass as it is comfortable cruising the highway. And regardless of how you want that balance to work out, this lineup of BMW GT cars will leave you smiling.
BMW is making GT cars for a new era
While BMW may be straying from its raw, raucous roots, that means an explosion of viable BMW GT cars in 2023. The four listed here are just a few of our favorites, though it could have easily included a 5 Series or BMW Z4, or even the X3 M.
