[mgbabe]

We have a 2017 X5 xDrive40e on Lease that we picked up in March ex-Corporate Demo with 15K kms on it. Fantastic fuel economy for such a large SUV; great tow vehicle.

But to the point of this forum, I had been looking at GT's (mostly 4 cyl) for last 1.5 yrs as replacement for a Fusion Sport AWD. Almost bought a used 2016 328GT May 2017, but calmer heads prevailed and we picked up a year old brand new Mazda3 GT instead, since kids were still practicing driving and making their way through graduated licensing. (wouldn't have wanted them practicing on the BMW) The wife consoled me saying it was still a "3 GT".

Have been still looking at BMW GT's since then, and finally a 2018 330i with most of the options and the colours I wanted, came available ex-demo with low kms at local BMW dealer this summer. Only used 2018 GT for sale in Canada that I could find.

Picked it up a week and half ago, and it has already made the round trip between Toronto and Ottawa to take daughter back to university with a stop at the cottage for the long weekend.

Love it for all the same reasons that all the owners on this forum do, including the looks. It is a step down luxury- and some material quality-wise from the X5 - man I miss those 22-way power adjustable ventilated front seats of the X5. But the GT does have an AM band that the xDrive40e doesn't. And a foot operated power hatch. And both have smaller gas engines than the Mazda has - hence great fuel economy.

[Sportstick]

Congratulations, welcome, and must admit, your car looks particularly familiar! . Great choice!

[mgbabe]

Thanks. I had to take a 2nd look and realized the even the wheels are different. BMW certainly does have a high degree of customization just in the initial spec'ing of the car (interior and exterior colour, trim inside and out, …) not to mention the options and packages.

[BNTLY]

Welcome to the club

[mgbabe]

Enhancing the valet parking at the Chateau Laurier, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

[Rebound]

Mine's close to yours. Being Californian, I chose 4-Series convertible over GT. I usually drive my Toyota when it rains.... being Californian, the car remains as pristine as possible.

But caught in a very heavy downpour today, it's an amazingly good car in inclement weather... I used all of the "Cold weather" features, like the rain detecting wipers, steering wheel, seat and neck heaters, defrosters in the side mirrors... and the car was just beautifully handling, quiet and stable. I realize that my experience of inclement weather is a few orders of magnitude calmer than Canada's, but still, I could have gotten wet out there!

I usually put the cold weather features to work when driving topless in slightly chilled weather, but they're great in the cold.

[KRS_SN]

congratulations!
I have an F15 x5 and a 3gt too and its a very clever combination of vehicles to own.
For hauling 3 kids n myself and my mrs in sportiness and style and comfort with economy the above tick all the boxes.

[mgbabe]

Great minds think alike KRS_SN!

As for the inclement weather in Canada, our first real winter test of the GT came a couple of weeks ago. I was the first one out on our unplowed street after almost a foot of snow the night prior. Luckily it was powder despite being deeper than the car’s ground clearance. It made it out to the main road; maintaining forward momentum was of course key. And running winter tires.

So far the AWD system has worked but I haven’t tried to really get it stuck. Here in Toronto after it snows, one is always limited by the people with the least amount of traction. AWD and winter certainly helps getting around them.

[Billfitz]

I run all seasons and they take me through six inches of unplowed snow as if it wasn't there. Any more snow than that is God's way of telling you to take the day off and stay home.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by KRS_SN

congratulations!
I have an F15 x5 and a 3gt too and its a very clever combination of vehicles to own.

For some odd reason I find your comment to be insightful and logical. You are clearly a man of distinguished taste and far above average intelligence.

The F15 goes away in July when its lease ends. I finally got my license plates and took the GT out this weekend. It's a very competent car. Confession: I had not driven one prior to leasing this exec demo! I figured it's a BMW with all the options I'm used to, so it wouldn't be too hard to get used to it.

Similar to mgbabe, we too have acquired two BMWs in at the span of two months. One in December and one delivered late January. Both from Pacific BMW (Greg Poland is the man!). Both shipped to us in Lubbock, TX.

[KRS_SN]

admranger. "For some odd reason I find your comment to be insightful and logical. You are clearly a man of distinguished taste and far above average intelligence. "

Hey thanks. You made my day. I have to confess that prior to the F15 X5 I bought a 2 series gran tourer 2.0 xdrive msport. I got rid of it in 2 months at a financial loss(I don't lease my cars). A mistake like that sharpens the grey cells a bit .

[admranger]

Originally Posted by KRS_SN

admranger. "For some odd reason I find your comment to be insightful and logical. You are clearly a man of distinguished taste and far above average intelligence. "

Hey thanks. You made my day. I have to confess that prior to the F15 X5 I bought a 2 series gran tourer 2.0 xdrive msport. I got rid of it in 2 months at a financial loss(I don't lease my cars). A mistake like that sharpens the grey cells a bit .

Things happen. I’m sure many of us have made unfortunate car decisions.

I lease cars I don’t intend to keep long term. Maybe I’ll change my mind after having this one for 3 years.