F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > Photo, Video, Media Gallery, Journals > New Spy Pics Convince Us Mystery Mule is BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
proTUNING Freaks
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      08-16-2012, 05:19 PM   #23
arc1880
Second Lieutenant
United_States
13
Rep
258
Posts

Drives: '07 335i (e92)
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: San Diego, CA

iTrader: (1)

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.
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 05:19 PM   #24
Diver
Brigadier General
Diver's Avatar
United_States
504
Rep
3,446
Posts

Drives: Black '12 135i - Sold
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

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.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 05:23 PM   #25
///MPower
Private
6
Rep
65
Posts

Drives: BMW E90
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Calabasas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
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.
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 05:25 PM   #26
WilliCO
Captain
WilliCO's Avatar
United_States
98
Rep
900
Posts

Drives: 2013 F10 535 xDrive MSport
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Denver

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by hwelvaar View Post
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.
__________________
-Will
2013 535i xDrive M-Sport | 2005 545i Sport (Retired and missed) | 2001 X5 3.0 Sport (Retired)
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 05:46 PM   #27
UnclePerkins
Private First Class
UnclePerkins's Avatar
8
Rep
133
Posts

Drives: 2011 335i (e90) TiAg
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Amateur Spy Photos -- 4er Grand Coupe

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.
Attached Images
  
__________________
2011 e90 335i TiAg (current); 1 Series M Coupe AW (181 of 740) (sold); 2008 e82 135i BSM (sold); 1987 e30 325is AW (sold)
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 06:03 PM   #28
///MPower
Private
6
Rep
65
Posts

Drives: BMW E90
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Calabasas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
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.
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 06:07 PM   #29
UnclePerkins
Private First Class
UnclePerkins's Avatar
8
Rep
133
Posts

Drives: 2011 335i (e90) TiAg
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

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.
__________________
2011 e90 335i TiAg (current); 1 Series M Coupe AW (181 of 740) (sold); 2008 e82 135i BSM (sold); 1987 e30 325is AW (sold)

Last edited by UnclePerkins; 08-16-2012 at 06:13 PM..
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 06:25 PM   #30
BMWRL
Captain
BMWRL's Avatar
United_States
596
Rep
617
Posts

Drives: 528xi
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (0)

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?



Quote:
Originally Posted by SCOTT26 View Post
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.
Attached Images
  
__________________
Is there really anything besides a BMW?
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 06:28 PM   #31
DDS2015
Major
Canada
367
Rep
1,432
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3CS
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Winnipeg

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2021 BMW X3  [0.00]
2023 BMW M4  [0.00]
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
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 06:48 PM   #32
HVYWGHT
Private First Class
HVYWGHT's Avatar
United_States
5
Rep
115
Posts

Drives: 2011 BMW 328i xDrive 6MT
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Canton, MA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
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.
__________________
-'11 BMW 328i xDrive (E90): Titanium Silver, Black, 6MT!!; 7/19-
-'21 BMW X7 xDrive40i (G07): Black Saphire, Beige; 4/21-
-'20 BMW X5 xDrive40i (G05): Black Saphire, Black; 11/22-
-'12 BMW 328i (E91): Tasman Green, Oyster, 6AT; 6/12-4/17
-'04 MINI Cooper (R50): Indi Blue w/White Top, Black, 5MT; 1/04-
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 06:48 PM   #33
hekki
Enlisted Member
9
Rep
46
Posts

Drives: Bentayga, GT3 RS
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)


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.
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 06:51 PM   #34
hekki
Enlisted Member
9
Rep
46
Posts

Drives: Bentayga, GT3 RS
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

More photos of 3 GT


Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 07:01 PM   #35
gerbs
woof
gerbs's Avatar
United_States
82
Rep
1,233
Posts

Drives: M6
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by smashhell View Post
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??
__________________

2013 F13 ///M6 Sakhir Orange
2013 F30 335i Estoril Blue II
2008 E92 ///M3 Interlagos Blue
2007 E92 335i Montego Blue
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 07:50 PM   #36
sttlondon
Private
sttlondon's Avatar
45
Rep
68
Posts

Drives: 2023 330e
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Jackson, MS

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by smashhell
Quote:
Originally Posted by AnalogDan
None of these stupid "gran coupes" even LOOK like coupes.

A Mazda RX-8 looks like a coupe. A Hyundai Veloster looks like a coupe. (Yes, I realize both of those cars suck.)

A mammoth 4 door doesn't look anything like a coupe. Sedans should be this size anyway.
Coupe should mean 2 doors ONLY PERIOD!
Pontiac Aztec anyone?
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 09:46 PM   #37
ATX78703
Major
75
Rep
1,037
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

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"?
__________________
2014 335i RWD: ZMM, ZDA, ZDH, ZPP, ZTP, 2NH, 2TB, 5DL; Z4A MPPK; AW ext / VB int
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 09:50 PM   #38
cgaffney004
Beer Master
cgaffney004's Avatar
0
Rep
74
Posts

Drives: 11' 335d / 95' M3
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

toooooo many models... cant keep upppp


we're going to run out of forum space
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 10:56 PM   #39
MthreeWannabe
New Member
0
Rep
6
Posts

Drives: e46 M3
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: NC

iTrader: (0)

So BMW separates coupes from the 3 series to make the 4 series and then makes a 4 door four series?
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 11:00 PM   #40
335REGULATION
Lieutenant
335REGULATION's Avatar
Puerto Rico
82
Rep
483
Posts

Drives: 2011 335is Coupe MT
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Northern VA

iTrader: (0)

First impression: Ewwwwwwwwwww.....
__________________
2011 335is Coupe MT/Space Grey/Saddle Brown/Sunroof Delete/Stripper Car
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 11:13 PM   #41
lux
First Lieutenant
66
Rep
390
Posts

Drives: 2023 G87 M2, 2011 E90 M3 Comp
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

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.
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 11:59 PM   #42
ki__
Brigadier General
United_States
409
Rep
3,479
Posts

Drives: 19 M2C 6MT
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (6)

Garage List
BMW needs to stop with these GT's... they are hideous!
Appreciate 0
      08-17-2012, 12:13 AM   #43
Frosty
Colonel
Frosty's Avatar
764
Rep
2,629
Posts

Drives: M240i - 2021 - 6MT -
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Northern NJ

iTrader: (0)

...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
__________________
M240i Coupe (6MT) (2021: 6/2021 build )
Accord Coupe (6MT) (2017)
335i Coupe (6MT) (2007: 9/06 build SOLD 8/2016)
Prelude (5MT) (1995)
Appreciate 0
      08-17-2012, 12:22 AM   #44
Harold Wood
Chopperphoto
Harold Wood's Avatar
United Kingdom
824
Rep
790
Posts

Drives: Loadsabimmers
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

Talking

How many of the new models will have shooting brake varients?
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
3 series f30, 3 series f30 forum, 3 series forum, 3-series forum, 4 series f36, 4 series gran coupe, 4 series gran coupe f36, 4 series gran coupe forum, 4-series f36, 4-series gran coupe, 4-series gran coupe forum, bmw 3 series f30, bmw 3 series forum, bmw 3-series f30, bmw 3-series forum, bmw 4 series forum, bmw 4 series gran coupe, bmw 4-series gran coupe, bmw f30, bmw f30 3 series, bmw f30 3-series, bmw f30 forum, bmw f36, bmw m4 gran coupe, bmw m4 gran coupe forum, f30 3 series, f30 3 series forum, f30 3-series, f30 forum, f30 forums, f36 4 series, f36 4 series gran coupe, f36 gran coupe, m4 gran coupe, m4 gran coupe forum

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:59 PM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST