Tuesday 5th March 2013

Geneva Motor Show 2013: BMW

The 3GT is unveiled, and the world grimaces collectively

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So, here it is, then. We knew it was coming, and it’s finally here. BMW’s 3 GT has been officially unveiled to a public waiting for it with something less than bated breath. Sadly, the motor show lights have done little to dull the effect of its hunchbacked silhouette.

BMW i8 Spyder is nearing production

Fortunately, while the 3GT is BMW’s biggest news at Geneva, it isn’t the only thing we’ve got to show you. BMW’s also brought along plenty to keep PHers entertained, including the new i8, which we had the chance to experience firsthand last week. Although still officially a concept, the i8 is almost ready for production now, with only a few last tweaks still to go. It features a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, mated to a 96kW electric motor; enough to make the i8 good for 62mph in 4.6 seconds; fuel consumption is an astonishing 104mpg, while carbon emissions are just 66g/km.

Of course, there’s also some exciting machinery for those of a less eco-friendly bent; the M6Gran Coupe is here, too, looking as stunning as ever. This might not be its debut, successive appearances have failed to diminish its superb proportions. It isn’t just a pretty face, though: the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 packs 560hp and 502lb ft, and will steam the M6 to 62mph in 4.2 seconds.

M6 Gran Coupe still looks as good as ever

Finally, we’ve got the 4 Series ‘concept’. This is, as near as makes no difference, the 4 Series that’ll go on sale toward the latter part of this year, and just like the Gran Coupe, it’s already been around for a couple of months. However, for many this’ll be the first chance to see it up close. No word on an M-badged version yet, though.

[Paul M]

Another BMW niche market nobody realised they wanted!

[toppstuff]

Some people prefer hatchbacks to saloons and don't want an estate.

I am such a person. I'm quite sure there are plenty of us.

And I don't get the collective sheep-like condemnation of the 3 series styling. It looks like a 3 series hatchback. Its a bit late 90's Hyundai in its styling maybe, but its not ugly. Just a bit dull.

And while there are Peugeots on the planet that apparently go relatively uncriticised in the styling department, it seems unfair to single out this car for derision.

[RichTBiscuit]

I'd be fascinated to find out why you would buy a 3 series GT over a Touring.

[anonymous-user]

I don't understand why he 4 series hasn't launched yet?
Surely sales of the 3 coupe must be declining since the a5 facelift and the new c class coupe? But they've gone ahead and unveiled a car nobody wants!

[Kawasicki]

toppstuff said:

Some people prefer hatchbacks to saloons and don't want an estate.

I am such a person. I'm quite sure there are plenty of us.

And I don't get the collective sheep-like condemnation of the 3 series styling. It looks like a 3 series hatchback. Its a bit late 90's Hyundai in its styling maybe, but its not ugly. Just a bit dull.

And while there are Peugeots on the planet that apparently go relatively uncriticised in the styling department, it seems unfair to single out this car for derision.

I'm not being a sheep, I just don't like the styling, to my eyes it looks like an overly tall 3 series hatchback, I just don't like the proportions. I think it has odd rather than dull looks.

[mc_blue]

jsd14 said:

I don't understand why he 4 series hasn't launched yet?
Surely sales of the 3 coupe must be declining since the a5 facelift and the new c class coupe? But they've gone ahead and unveiled a car nobody wants!

Agreed but it still seems to be selling pretty well. Especially with Sport Plus trim (313 wheels, Performance Parts Diffuser) it looks really good and I don't think it has dated badly at all.

[RossMcQ]

toppstuff said:

Some people prefer hatchbacks to saloons and don't want an estate.

I am such a person. I'm quite sure there are plenty of us.

And I don't get the collective sheep-like condemnation of the 3 series styling. It looks like a 3 series hatchback. Its a bit late 90's Hyundai in its styling maybe, but its not ugly. Just a bit dull.

And while there are Peugeots on the planet that apparently go relatively uncriticised in the styling department, it seems unfair to single out this car for derision.

I second that.

When did the Touring love-in begin? It doesn’t seem that long ago that they were being criticised for being a ‘lifestyle’ vehicle and not a proper estate, “There’s more room in a Focus etc. etc..”

I for one would prefer a hatch to an estate and I’m going to reserve judgement until I see the 3GT in the flesh.

[Amanitin]

RichTBiscuit said:

I'd be fascinated to find out why you would buy a 3 series GT over a Touring.

because it is built on the 5 series and cabin space is more generous.

[Fire99]

I've fallen out of love with BMW. The cars seem bulbous and lacking personality.

[goron59]

Not a fan of the i8, but the spyder pic looks nice.

[MarkP1973]

Fire99 said:

The cars seem bulbous and lacking personality.

not just BMW though is it? You could say the same for most new cars?

[Fire99]

MarkP1973 said:

Fire99 said:

The cars seem bulbous and lacking personality.

not just BMW though is it? You could say the same for most new cars?

Yep, certainly not only BMW but BMW is a brand that I've been extremely fond of over the years, but now appear on the generic 'bland' list.

[AlpinaB5s]

Have they not hopped over to the Alpina stand....theres some controversial and interesting things going on there.......

The X3D



And the new B3 Bi-turbo (released well ahead of the new M3)

[Flashmurder]

Can someone explain to me who buys these GT models?? As for its looks... KILL IT WITH FIRE

[Dinoboy]

Dont think the 3gt looks too bad but love that i8.

[Amirhussain]

Dinoboy said:

Dont think the 3gt looks too bad but love that i8.

+1. Can't wait for the i8. Imagine that with a v8, v10 or v12.

[gumsie]

RossMcQ said:

toppstuff said:

Some people prefer hatchbacks to saloons and don't want an estate.

I am such a person. I'm quite sure there are plenty of us.

And I don't get the collective sheep-like condemnation of the 3 series styling. It looks like a 3 series hatchback. Its a bit late 90's Hyundai in its styling maybe, but its not ugly. Just a bit dull.

And while there are Peugeots on the planet that apparently go relatively uncriticised in the styling department, it seems unfair to single out this car for derision.

I second that.

When did the Touring love-in begin? It doesn’t seem that long ago that they were being criticised for being a ‘lifestyle’ vehicle and not a proper estate, “There’s more room in a Focus etc. etc..”

I for one would prefer a hatch to an estate and I’m going to reserve judgement until I see the 3GT in the flesh.

A straw PH poll of 16 posts so far says you two are in the minority. It's pig ugly.
BMW used to make some good looking cars and this one seems even uglier because of that.
Don't worry I think the CLS is terrible too and the RCZ is really nice. There, I'm not biased.

[Numeric]

Back in the days of yore, we (UK) used to be big hatchback buyers while in the rest of Europe, especially as you headed south it moved strongly to saloons which manufacturers felt was to do with prestige (I always imagined security as well) - hence things like the Vauxhall Belmont which only existed for the apparently saloon loving Europeans. So in some ways the GT could actually be specially for us in the UK!!

Just kidding - at least I hope I am...

[Stu R]

That M6 Gran Coupe really is a beautiful car.

[dasherdiablo1]

Vile.