[Tommyvee]

I’m strongly considering an X3 for my wife with the N55; she has a lead foot and based on my test drives the N20 will not suffice. Based on what I read on another site, it appears the GT will be available with the N55. I think the additional room and cargo capacity make this an interesting alternative to the X3. I'll have to give the GT some condsideration. The M Sport pkg really looks good on the GT.

[RickyZone]

While this car does look a lot better than the 5 GT (in M-sport trim, it's actually quite good looking), I still can't see the point of it. Neither does it fit the BMW brand image. BMW's are about sheer driving pleasure (well, used to be), and good looking design. Not Hatchback/Minivan-esque space/comfort. Especially not in a 3-series! The 3-series used to be the sporty, fun, sedan. BMW in my opinion has diluted their soul, in favor of market-share.

The time and resources spent on developing this model should've been used elsewhere. E.g. the F32, F33, and their respective M-versions. I cannot believe BMW chose to release this model ahead of the F32. Oh and please, where is the damn production F32? The wait is killing me. We probably won't see it until summer. Don't even get me started on the M4? Are we looking at 2014, 2015?

[Jason]

Added 3 videos:

[ADRQ0811]

Eww

[richb811]

As always Jason, thanks for posting!

My opinion on the design, while better than the 5GT, remains

[remmib]

Looking at the performance spec for the 320d, and it's way too fast.
Gotta by wrong.

[Richbot]

Split folding rear seats are standard on everything but the 320i in the US

[335BBS]

Originally Posted by GuyOh

did they not learn from the 5er GT????? No Thanks!!!

Aztek. Nissan Joke, I mean Juke.
I don't get it.

[FotiosF90M5]

I think it seems like a cool car in msport. Anyone who thinks the lights and front end look better than the f30 are nuts. The lights look bloated with not nearly as much definition as an f30 msport. I like it but f30 is 10 times better looking. The 3 wagon would be my choice over this.

[Antares]

The concept:
-higher driving position is great (I don't like SUVs)
-the 5th door idea is also very nice

This car is however really ugly to look at (buuuumerang, rear,).
The prolonged wheel base??? The 5 series interior is much more comfortable, wider, more luxurious,... and the price is the same. Not to mention, that the 5 series looks way better.

[roundle]

http://jalopnik.com/5982264/congratu...ar-old-hyundai

[ZMM_OMG]

This just seems like a missed opportunity for BMW. The GT is designed to fill a market niche the size of the a thimble. Based on the comments here, people aren't cross-shopping it against other makes, they're cross-shopping it against X-cars and other variations of the F3x.

Since the Bangle era cars, BMW have lost their ability to produce elegant and timeless designs cars like the e24, e34, and e46. A 5-door hatch design CAN work... just look at the A7. Alas, BMW's interpretation looks over-designed and fussy.

Between the confusing product proliferation, fussy designs, egregious pricing, and decreasing levels of driver involvement, I have to wonder if BMW will become the rich man's version of the Camry.

[Touring]

Im starting to love this thing!

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by ZMM_OMG

This just seems like a missed opportunity for BMW. The GT is designed to fill a market niche the size of the a thimble. Based on the comments here, people aren't cross-shopping it against other makes, they're cross-shopping it against X-cars and other variations of the F3x.

Since the Bangle era cars, BMW have lost their ability to produce elegant and timeless designs cars like the e24, e34, and e46. A 5-door hatch design CAN work... just look at the A7. Alas, BMW's interpretation looks over-designed and fussy.

Between the confusing product proliferation, fussy designs, egregious pricing, and decreasing levels of driver involvement, I have to wonder if BMW will become the rich man's version of the Camry.

this is what happens when you rely on market surveys to design your cars
must we make a car for every god damn tiny market niche now?

i'd love to know how this made it to production after the total flop of the 5 GT
i mean who was the idiot at the BMW board meeting who defended this product?
and what were his reasons?

"we must make this car because...?"

i really wish BMW would take their eyes off Audi and try to lead for a change
A4/A5 = 3 series/4 series
A5 sport back = 3GT
now why the F#$% can't Bmw imitate Audi and make an R8 competitor?
"because it won't make money"?
well i'd bet my right nut the 5GT wasn't exactly adding millions to BMWs bottom line
i mean how many did they sell in total?
10?
15?

[Matski]

Originally Posted by kmarei

well i'd bet my right nut the 5GT wasn't exactly adding millions to BMWs bottom line
i mean how many did they sell in total?
10?
15?

About 70,000 so far.

[Blake P]

Originally Posted by Matski

About 70,000 so far.

Yeah, it seems every time this discussion comes up with people saying what a failure the 5GT has been, somebody posts up the numbers showing that it sells MUCH better than the 5 series touring ever did (at least here in the US, anyway). Sad, but true.

[Franz]

I actually like the 3GT and the touring equally. The problem is that we probably won't see a 335i touring here, so the 335i GT may be the only choice for people who want N55 and cargo space but happen to hate SUVs. At least, that's the case for me. If, I mean if (not holding my breath), F31 335i's are sold here, I would take it over the GT, but I highly doubt that is gonna happen.

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by Matski

About 70,000 so far.

source?

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by kmarei

this is what happens when you rely on market surveys to design your cars
must we make a car for every god damn tiny market niche now?

i'd love to know how this made it to production after the total flop of the 5 GT
i mean who was the idiot at the BMW board meeting who defended this product?
and what were his reasons?

"we must make this car because...?"

i really wish BMW would take their eyes off Audi and try to lead for a change
A4/A5 = 3 series/4 series
A5 sport back = 3GT
now why the F#$% can't Bmw imitate Audi and make an R8 competitor?
"because it won't make money"?
well i'd bet my right nut the 5GT wasn't exactly adding millions to BMWs bottom line
i mean how many did they sell in total?
10?
15?

You should visit the BMW 5er GT forum to see how these customers enjoy the attributes of that car. Having looked at some online comments and reports it seems the media and others always overlook the fact that BMW has more markets than just the US.
And that there is markets where this Car will actually respond well. I like the 5er GT because it is different, I know that it will be a rarity to see someone have the same car , its individuality is its appeal , as is its ambience. The 3er GT which I have driven to Switzerland is actually very capable as a Gran Tourer the drive was effortless and the car took it in its stride.
In Europe we are seeing mainstream customers departing to premium brands and for those that need extra flexibility , crave a more dynamic car and want a BMW. 3er GT is in prime position to use that advantage.

The car is still a 3er and with it comes the successful 3er formula , although now it increases its appeal and flexibility to make the 3er stand out more as an individual model.
It is good to read that some are warming to the car after initial establishment.
I reckon our 530d GT could make way for a 3er GT.

[Blake P]

Maybe I missed this detail, but when is the 3GT expected in US showrooms? I'd love to compare F31 and F34 side by side before making my decision.

[Antares]

Originally Posted by ZMM_OMG

Based on the comments here, people aren't cross-shopping it against other makes, they're cross-shopping it against X-cars and other variations of the F3x.

Since the Bangle era cars, BMW have lost their ability to produce elegant and timeless designs cars like the e24, e34, and e46. A 5-door hatch design CAN work... just look at the A7. Alas, BMW's interpretation looks over-designed and fussy.

Between the confusing product proliferation, fussy designs, egregious pricing, and decreasing levels of driver involvement, I have to wonder if BMW will become the rich man's version of the Camry.

actually the idea of a higher driving position, something between a car and a SUV is just perfect; a lowered X4 would much better fill the niche however.

Otherwise you have described my thoughts to perfection

[Antares]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

BMW has more markets than just the US.
And that there is markets where this Car will actually respond well.

In Europe we are seeing mainstream customers departing to premium brands and for those that need extra flexibility , crave a more dynamic car and want a BMW. 3er GT is in prime position to use that advantage.

And these markets are? Europe is in free fall.
The car makers, premium ones, are making panic in Germany; planned taxes on company cars (2/3 of sales).

USA are pulling forwards the profits and China.