[claykin]

Does anyone know how to contact Stefan Quandt so we can try to stop this watering down of the BMW brand? He seems to be the single shareholder with enough say to shake and rattle the BOD's.

[jrob]

I think BMW's angle is the Chinese market with the GT's. In China, backseat space is considered one of the most important factors when purchasing a vehicle and as China is one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies this only makes sense to cater to that market with these types of cars. That being said, these types of cars would not do well stateside and I think they look terrible.

[135Pats]

Originally Posted by jrob

I think BMW's angle is the Chinese market with the GT's. In China, backseat space is considered one of the most important factors when purchasing a vehicle and as China is one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies this only makes sense to cater to that market with these types of cars. That being said, these types of cars would not do well stateside and I think they look terrible.

I was actually in china not too long ago for work, for whatever reason those with the means to do so almost all purchase Audis. Portions of Shanghai are awash with black A6s. I dont get the gt series, but to each their own.

[mhabs]

Guess every auto company eventually has its own "Edsel" moment.

[RCNet]

Originally Posted by jrob

I think BMW's angle is the Chinese market with the GT's. In China, backseat space is considered one of the most important factors when purchasing a vehicle and as China is one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies this only makes sense to cater to that market with these types of cars. That being said, these types of cars would not do well stateside and I think they look terrible.

I believe BMW has developed long wheelbase versions of both the 3 and 5 sedans just for the Chinese market.

[wdeerfield]

Originally Posted by RCNet

I believe BMW has developed long wheelbase versions of both the 3 and 5 sedans just for the Chinese market.

correct. with china taking more market share of cars, the US isnt the primary demographic anymore. More than likely that 3gt will never make it over here.

the new audi allroad is looking better and better for my other car.

[3s-a-charm]

I sat in the 5GT at the dealership and must say it had a VERY luxurious feel - more like the 7 than the 5. The interior is gorgeous. So I took one for a drive and it was too much like a milk truck. Just awkward... and I drive an X5 now. I'm still thinking the 4GT is a waste of time but the 4 Gran Coupe might be "perfect" if they get the interior right.

[georgere]

still ugly. I don't care whether it will be selling in US or not but as someone implied in another thread, we as global customers pay for R&D of these cars. BMW raises money by raising their prices on cars and parts (also taking money from different investors) and so if the new model fails, R&D goes to waste and some "removal" fees are again paid by us.
at the end, we lose b/c we no longer can/want to buy BMW cars b/c they lost their way (at least we believe so) and the more customers they loose, we might loose the brand... this is a very long shot and BMW must have enough money saved from selling overpriced options so I hope the wind of change will come on time and BMW will go back to building the cars people love...

[M3chaser]

Originally Posted by tony20009

I have to say, they aren't exactly pretty cars. But they are functional and nice cars. Odd though that BMW left out the Hoffmeister kink in the 3GT; it looks more like the Hoffmeister point instead. BTW, who is Hoffmeister?

nice one spotted there. Hope BMW doesn't screw up any more new models.
Tradition......

[clarence]

Originally Posted by RCNet

I believe BMW has developed long wheelbase versions of both the 3 and 5 sedans just for the Chinese market.

Yes, cos Audi did it first with their A4L & A6L, & they're still the market leaders.

[clarence]

Originally Posted by jrob

I think BMW's angle is the Chinese market with the GT's.

The consumer tastes in China are very conservative. It's a heavily saloon/sedan centric market. Their marketing focus is on the LWB 4dr cars.

[mtla4]

Sorry but all that I can think about when I see those A7-5er GT and now this is :





At least the Audi A4 allroad has a purpose what is this car supposed to do? They already have the X1-X3-3er wagon if someone needs more cargo room(And to boot look nicer then this GT). The design is a total let down...hope that there is no M version down the pipe for this car that would be icing on the cake.

[Schm]

Not a huge fan, the Msport pack does somewhat help it though. Don't think I would choose this over an A7 or (the stunning) Merc CLS/CLC

[smashhell]

Originally Posted by 135Pats

I was actually in china not too long ago for work, for whatever reason those with the means to do so almost all purchase Audis. Portions of Shanghai are awash with black A6s. I dont get the gt series, but to each their own.

That is because Audis have became the Chinese Government officials choice of cars. (And that is because they think Mercedes are too flashy. Somehow Audi are more conservative )
Than the people follow.

[ZheHbKa]

if 5 GT was not successful why make 3 GT?

[NYR]

So many problems with this car, don't even know where to begin. Just an awful design choice, so many mistakes and missed opportunities.

Why would ANYONE buy this over a F31, if that is what you are after??

[Matski]

Originally Posted by claykin

Does anyone know how to contact Stefan Quandt so we can try to stop this watering down of the BMW brand? He seems to be the single shareholder with enough say to shake and rattle the BOD's.

I think you'd first have to demonstrate that it was not profitable for BMW before the shareholders would listen... good luck with that.

Originally Posted by NYR

So many problems with this car, don't even know where to begin. Just an awful design choice, so many mistakes and missed opportunities.

Why would ANYONE buy this over a F31, if that is what you are after??

As I said in the other thread, it really depends where your priorities lay... Tourers are only practical if you need the load lugging space, since the 3GT uses the 3Li platform, it's much more about providing space for your passengers, not their bags. It's a question of priorities. And yes, you could argue the X3 would then be a sensible choice, but not every one wants to be driving around in a 4×4 - things in Europe are smaller (like roads and parking spaces etc.), and there's a lot of people that think driving around a town or a city in a 4×4 is retarded.

[Bimmerlover76]

Oh man... The 3 GT is horrendous...

[Saphirschwarz]

Originally Posted by Matski

Depends on whether you want more space for the junk in the back (the tourer), or more space for people in the backseat (the GT).

i didnt realize that... now i understand the reason of these GT, but it has to be way cheaper than a 5, otherwise...

[m balla]

I just can't wait for my M3GT it will be the best looking M car ever!!!

It was like BMW was reading my mind and spying in my dreams.

This will tear everything at the track a new a hole...

All jokes aside, the money put into 3/5gt could have been spent on the M8 and making the F8x all CFRP hooked up w an improved
s65

[RogeM3]

Originally Posted by soolman32

I couldn't have come up with a better analogy that that.

+1

[thetedderbear]

Originally Posted by rantarM3

These BMW GT's are the German equivalent of the Pontiac Aztek.

Amen. The only difference is the front end, and it doesn't even remotely save the looks.