[yuyue]

BMW has too many models, this is wasting their time...
they should cut their models back to year 2002 level, and make each model coming back as a segment killer

[bnombe]

Originally Posted by JasonCSU

Taking pictures in the factory... someone is in trouble now.

I was thinking the exact same thing! (other than how the GT is really not my cup of tea either)

[v1p3r]

So is the 3-Series GT not going to look like this anymore?

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=721032

Because the shape on the factory spy pic and the pictures in the above link differ vastly

[SweBmw3]

That is not a BMW chassi. It's a Ford Focus.

[jwickers]

Originally Posted by SweBmw3

That is not a BMW chassi. It's a Ford Focus.

Looks like, but it is kinda hard to tell on the chassis alone. Seriously though i don't think it is a Focus, IIRC the focus (at least the hatchback) has a different shape of the rear side windows and the oil tank filler would be a little further to the rear.

[Taipei-TT]

Ah.....it the "it's not popular in the US, therefore it is an abomination to the German-based, global brand that is BMW" is a life and well.

The 5 GT plays a niche role in BMW's lineup and is quite popular in Taiwan and China. Not every culture looks for what Americans do in cars, and that's not to say Americans are wrong either. Just different priorities based on taxes, culture, family size, road conditions, number of cars per family, income, status etc etc etc that affect what works in different markets.

The 3 series is taking this same strategy to a new market that is looking for more luxury than a sedan, more space than a coupe, more "distinctive" than a touring, and lower than an X.

As a consumer, I have no problem with BMW selling cars that I don't like. And if it doesn't sell cars you like, move on to a manufacturer that does rather than continually re-hashing arguments about aesthetics and business strategies. At this point, sales and profits show that BMW's management is getting it right much more often than they are getting it wrong.

[bucket328]

So they made the 5gt, even though they have 5er sedan, 7er sedan, 5er touring, x6 and x5. Now they wanna make this when they already have a 3er sedan and touring, x1 and x3?

Forgive me if im wrong but the 5gt was a flop. Why would the 3 gt do any better? And besides that it's just plain ugly.

[Beluci]

Originally Posted by SweBmw3

That is not a BMW chassi. It's a Ford Focus.

The 5er GT is based on the 7er chassi . So why is the 3er GT is not build on the 5er ?

[beamer]

Originally Posted by SweBmw3

That is not a BMW chassi. It's a Ford Focus.

Any chance that this is actually a Honda Crosstour?

[Bimmerlover76]

I think that's the Honda CrossTour.

EDIT: Didn't read thread and above post said it first!

Lol

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Beluci

The 5er GT is based on the 7er chassi . So why is the 3er GT is not build on the 5er ?

Actually, all F0x/F1x 5, 6, and 7 Series vehicles share the same basic chassis. Similarly, all F2x/F3x 1, 2, 3, and 4 Series vehicles share the same basic chassis.

[SpokenHands]

Originally Posted by scott@bmwhn

Interesting indeed. Good catch

The 3-Series GT will almost certainly have some manifestation of the Hoffmeister kink, a body-in-white doesnt always give you a good idea of how it will be manifest.

But does look like BMW is experimenting with all manner of evolutions to the Hoffmeister kink. Remember this one from the LWB F30 3-series now available in China?

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by Schm

Considering the 5-GT sold so well...




http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/b...-series-wagon/

Wow, one would figure after the sales failure of the 5 series GT BMW would of abandon this lame azz design and just bring back the wagons. The sales numbers weren't just low they're horrible!!

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by yuyue

BMW has too many models, this is wasting their time...
they should cut their models back to year 2002 level, and make each model coming back as a segment killer

Yes and hello Bankruptcy, and possible VAG ownership which did almost happen. BMW could not survive on just three product lines the company had to and continually has to grow.
Every BMW is designed to reflect the continuous global demand for individual premium concepts. BMW does not bow to one market anymore it is now a competitive arena and the global market is now the target.

Wow, one would figure after the sales failure of the 5 series GT BMW would of abandon this lame azz design and just bring back the wagons. The sales numbers weren't just low they're horrible!!

The 5er GT has its markets and indeed it is successful in them, so successful that BMW are working on what to replace the F07 with .

In Europe we are seeing further interest in the 5er GT now that it comes in a four cylinder 520d GT.

The 3er GT aims to also capture that market especially those that want the sporty handling of a 3er but need the utility and flexibility but do not want a Touring. The 3er GT comes with four cylinder petrol and diesel choices aswell as six cylinder options.
The 3er GT is simply a car BMW make good money off of because its matrix sharing. The same goes for the 5er GT its low volume and sharing platform matrix etc means BMW also make money off of the car especially in high profit markets like China where the car is very popular.

If you look at current trends especially in the US against Euro wagons the market is almost flatlined. The 3er Touring is purely by request but if it falters it will be removed by the first LCi. Large Premium wagons are already being removed the last one standing the Mercedes E-Klasse is not getting its update federalized for the US due to poor sales and great customer reaction to the new ML-Klasse.

Hence why BMW expect the X1 to outsell the 3er Touring by a considerable margin. I do not know if the US will receive the 3er GT. Some I have talked to say that they will , with some now saying they wont.

But if you really want to see how continuous global demand has shaped BMW's product line-up we are officially in the countdown for the first BMW FWD vehicle which will be unveiled later this (August) month.

[neilvosko]

Hope it's diesel

[Imola.ZHP]

Originally Posted by yuyue

BMW has too many models, this is wasting their time...
they should cut their models back to year 2002 level, and make each model coming back as a segment killer

LIKE!

And please give us a 2002 3-Series (e46) sized sedan, e90 is big and f30 is massive...

[clarence]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The 5er GT has its markets and indeed it is successful in them, so successful that BMW are working on what to replace the F07 with .

In Europe we are seeing further interest in the 5er GT now that it comes in a four cylinder 520d GT.

Not really. The F07 sells very slowly in at least 3 of BMW's top 4 markets (USA, China & UK), & I think it isn't doing too well in Germany either. Not only that, it has a much lower profit margin than the F11 & for many markets BMW have to offer lots of incentive for them to shift. The 520d GT is an attempt to broaden sales in Europe, but it's a sign of desperation as it's effectively a 20d riding on a 7er floorplan. It really has nothing to offer over the F11 520d.
I don't see brands such as MB or Audi rushing to compete with the F07, so either that market niche is not worth chasing or it doesn't exist at all.

[ede92]

With all the X models and the touring why would someone buy this?

[clarence]

Originally Posted by ede92

With all the X models and the touring why would someone buy this?

Exactly. Not sure abt the 3er GT, but the 5er GT is less practical than a F11 (hugely compromised boot space & rear passenger space ) & is heavier than a F02 7er.

[R56]

very nice