[arc1880]

Wow they keep coming out with more and more. I doubt that we will have any of these extra models available here in the U.S. but still. Yeeeeesh.

[Diver]

We are seeing a trend of more individualization in the luxury car market. There will be many more body styles than in the past, but the manufacturing capacity to make the variations is obviously there. Higher percentages of vehicles will be ordered. I suspect the price (and trim) differential between the 3 and 4 series will be greater than what existed between the 3 sedan and coupe.

[///MPower]

Originally Posted by arc1880

Wow they keep coming out with more and more. I doubt that we will have any of these extra models available here in the U.S. but still. Yeeeeesh.

US may not get the GT but you can bet on the 4 series gran coupe making it here.

[WJGreer]

Originally Posted by hwelvaar

Gran Coupe / GT ... They are ugly... I mean... Seriously...
Yet there must have been a business case for them.
So what kind of people buy this? What describes the target market for these things?
I wonder...

The 5 Series GT is wickedly ugly, but apparently they sell as many of them in China as they can build.

Personally, I think the 6 series Gran Coupe is the most attractive current BMW design. It is quite a bit more expensive than an F10 5 series, but the 7 series really is a different car for a different audience.

Not so sure about the 4 series Gran Coupe. It will be very sharp, but I wonder if it might simply split the target market between the 3 and 5 series in a not good way, versus attracting more people to BMW overall. I guess we'll see.

Clearly BMW is exploiting the advantages of platform design; there would be no other way for them to be able to afford to bring so many similar cars to market like this.

[UnclePerkins]

Spotted and photographed between Las Vegas and Los Angeles (near Baker) on 1-15 about three weeks ago. The prototype was being escorted by a 7 series active hybrid (black) in front and a Rolls Royce Ghost (?) (black) bringing up the rear. Enjoy.

[///MPower]

Originally Posted by UnclePerkins

Spotted and photographed between Las Vegas and Los Angeles (near Baker) on 1-15 about three weeks ago. The prototype was being escorted by a 7 series active hybrid (black) in front and a Rolls Royce Ghost (?) (black) bringing up the rear. Enjoy.

Nice spot. But that's a 3 series GT not the 4 gran coupe.

[UnclePerkins]

Upon further review . . . I stand corrected; you are right, our mule looks like the 3 series GT. I think my son actually called it right at the time / on the spot, and I flubbed the hand-off. Rookie mistake.

[RL530xit]

Interesting that the sketch at the end of SCOTT26's comment reminds me of this little mystery BMW concept that was snapped a few years back... Anyone else see the similarities in the profile?

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Those pictures actually show us more than before.
For example look at how the door line completely matches to that disguised rear window and how the opening of the rear door is disguised by a seperate piece of camouflage. The reflection of the light also makes out the full door opening showing that a seperate window is in fact attatched to the door.
The profile gives us the biggest indication that it is not a hatchback but a true four door Gran Coupe although the C-pillar is still disguised with plastic padding.

The 6er Gran Coupe has already got off to a great start , which bodes well for the 4er Gran Coupe that will offer all the style , and luxury in a more compact package at a more approachable price for many.
It now looks like things will get smaller as BMW are now looking at the potential of a 2er Gran Coupe as a more reflective choice for the compact class rather than a conventional sedan.

The Gran Coupe will of course increase the 3er/F30+ platform to another profitable new model alongside the 3er Gran Turismo which caters to customers who need the extra flexibility over a sedan. A market that is very popular in Europe.
To understand how popular this market is VW for example are introducing a Passat hatch with the next generation Passat (euro) model.

You will see how the BMW 3er Gran Turismo comes together in a few weeks time as a Concept car alongside the 1er CST at the Mondial l'automobile in Paris. Where both the 1er and 3er are significant with the aim of increasing market share as BMW focus on previewing highly profitable models that will generate a return. As the focus moves to product.

[DDS2015]

I don't know if i'd personally buy it, but BMW wouldnt be spending hundreds of millions in R&D on a 3GT, 4GC, and 2GC if they didnt see a market for it. Even the 5GT is doing well enough in some markets that it's making some business sense. The only thing that BMW did wrong about the 5GT is not give North America the normal 5 wagon as well.

My $0.02

[HVYWGHT]

I think the 3GT is overkill and while it will hopefully look better than the 5GT (not hard to do) the sales would be better covered by more touring engine options with marketing in the USA.

The question with the 3/4GC is how many standard 5er sales it'll take.

Personally, I'd like to see the r&d go back to building impeccable steering feel and handling. With all if the new models, BMW can't lose sight of what made it what it is.

I am in favor of a standard sedan version if the 1/2er RWD platform with a better fascia than the newest 1er hatch (smaller grilles and sleeker headlights). A 128i/228i four door the size of the E36 would be awesome.

[hekki]

I am wondering how Scott couldn't differentiate the 3 GT and 4 GC last month?
The 3 GT is extremely awful. Looks like Ssangyong actyon, but even worse. Even 5 GT looks like beauty compare to that crap.
But 4 GC will be gorgeous.

[hekki]

More photos of 3 GT

[gerbs]

Originally Posted by smashhell

Coupe should mean 2 doors ONLY PERIOD!

While I do agree with you, it's technically just a word and reflects the styling. I could see the arguments both way.

More importantly, I am truly curious of the business case here. The feedback on the forums is so mixed & interesting to read.


I feel like this is diluting the BMW brand, but I don't have a good case why (yet). I think it's because I just don't understand it? Or when logic comes in maybe it'll make more sense.

Having a custom-fit vehicle for everyone's needs is obviously not the case.. This is purely styling/branding/looks. The only thing that's made sense so far is that factories can "now" accommodate 5-6 chassis at the same time on the same line. Nothing else stood out as very reason-oriented other than that.

It may be that I keep thinking about the super high-end/exotic brands such as Aston Martin, RR, Ferrari. Their brand comes down to the fact that they give you a few models to choose from, and each model is completely bangin' for one way or another. You buy that model for a REASON, whatever it is; sacrificing practicality, etc.

Which leads me to the dilution idea.. If I looked at BMW and they had a

1 series
Coupe
Sedan
Gran Coupe
Hatchback
Wagon

3 series
Coupe
Sedan
Gran Coupe
Hatchback
Wagon

5 series
Coupe
Sedan
Gran Coupe
Hatchback
Wagon

6 series
Coupe
Sedan
Gran Coupe
Hatchback
Wagon

7 series
Coupe
Sedan
Gran Coupe
Hatchback
Wagon

...I'd be concerned on what the company is trying to sell me? Or tell me? Or where their roots are.

It's just confusing as all hell.

Where is the line drawn??

[sttlondon]

Originally Posted by smashhell

Coupe should mean 2 doors ONLY PERIOD!

Pontiac Aztec anyone?

[ATX78703]

It does look better than the 3GT, but unfortunately, I can see some part sharing going on....

On another note, isn't the 6er Convertible more expensive than the 6GC? So why does everybody keep referring to the GC as the "range topper"?

[cgaffney004]

toooooo many models... cant keep upppp


we're going to run out of forum space

[MthreeWannabe]

So BMW separates coupes from the 3 series to make the 4 series and then makes a 4 door four series?

[335REGULATION]

First impression: Ewwwwwwwwwww.....

[lux]

I look forward to the world premier for the 4er Gran Coupe. I would seriously consider a M4 GC if it performs well and has the looks to match. The 6er GC is just too big and expensive for me.

[KEYON]

BMW needs to stop with these GT's... they are hideous!

[Frosty]

...every time I see a 5GT in the US its like spotting a albino deer (albeit an ugly one). The GT's are not for the US.

~Frost

[Harold Wood]

How many of the new models will have shooting brake varients?