Onslaught of the Gran Turismos! There doesn’t seem to be much “Gran Turismo” about the 5-Series GT, but GT it is. More are coming though! What’s next a 7-series GT? With BMW, you never know.
A new 3-Series GT is coming to the United States market in 2011, around the time the X1 debuts. The 3-Series GT would bring the 3-Series model count up to 5 models. Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Wagon and now, GT. Yay?
Photo courtesy of Edmunds Inside Line. To me the X1 seems like it could fit the “role” of a 3-Series GT, but I guess not. BMW is determined to make the most out of what it thinks is a new segment it’s creating that “bridges the gap” between 3-Series and 5-Series. Couldn’t they have waited to at least see how the 5-Series GT pans out first?
The cars will probably sell due to the BMW badge, but I don’t think they will do as well as BMW is expecting them to. Of course, I could be wrong about it and they could be some huge hit, but I doubt it. Sources say the GT will be positioned as the premium - meaning most expensive - model of the 3-Series lineup.
Expect the 3-Series GT to follow the 5-Series the preceded it almost exactly; same two function hatchback and rear styling, etc. It will also be available in two seating configurations; four-seat (which to me makes NO sense in supposedly “functional” vehicle) and 5-seat. No word when we’ll see it appear at an auto show, but it is slated to go on sale in 2011.
July 4th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Um, not a fan of these Beemers at all, but I wonder if they aren’t a necessary evil en route to the fully wonderous renaissance of the estate. Perhaps these will get a small foothold in the States, leading to the realization that crossovers are just SUV bodies bolted to car chassis. I suspect that people might find the functional utility of an estate is on par with the SUV, while delivering superior performance, comfort, and economy.
And, while I’m dreaming, I’d like an M5.
March 12th, 2010 at 6:49 am
Yay! some of us agree with an issue! What are your reactions on the M? BMW whored out M much like Mercedes did with AMG. What ever happened to producing autos fast that were worth a damn? Whom desires a 4500lb pig with 500 hp?