BMW Discontinuing Unloved 3 Series Gran Turismo
BMW has decided to take the polarizing 3 Series Gran Turismo behind the factory to be shot, ending its short and tragic life. Introduced in 2013, the GT hasn’t been the model’s most-coveted variant. Perhaps this explains why the German’s are so averse to taking design risks.
Defined as an “expanded take on the original sports sedan” by the automaker, the Grand Turismo is a higher-riding, long-wheelbase covert hatchback. But its uniqueness won’t carry over into the 3 Series’ next generation. BMW doesn’t see a need for it in today’s car climate and isn’t particularly worried about an uprising from its fans — which it believes will be happier in a crossover, anyway.
That brand’s global development chief, Klaus Frohlich, confirmed the GT’s demise to Motoring at the Paris Motor Show last week. “Things are changing,” he said. “When we did the GT we saw that in demographic change people want to sit a little more upright … But then you saw X1 and X3 you can sit upright and you feel younger.”
“So this segment is under pressure from SUVs, which are having no disadvantage in fuel consumption or in ride and handling.”
Basically, BMW thinks its X Series vehicles accomplish what the GT was trying to and know they are far more profitable. “Segments are growing and shrinking and you have to always be careful,” Frohlich confessed. “Some cars we will always try and this doesn’t mean they have to be proceeded with.”
The other big change for the next-gen 3 Series is the complete absence of a manual transmission on the North American market and a new modular platform that’s already in use by the model’s bigger brothers. We expect more blowback from that than the discontinuation of the GT.
However, if you are fearful that you’ll be missing out on one of automotive history’s hidden gems, there is still time. Production is rumored to end in 2020, giving you an opportunity to test the 3 Series Grand Turismo against the X3 before you decide to buy the SUV.
[Images: BMW]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Per the passenger side door opening: "Inflate tires to 32lbs cold. Inflate body to 502lbs lukewarm."
Unfortunately, BMW has since built even more abominable vehicles!