Thursday 7th February 2013

BMW 3 Series GT breaks cover...

...many of us probably wish that it hadn't

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We'll not devote a huge amount of time and effort to telling you about this but in case you're interested or just want to point and laugh BMW has officially revealed the 3 Series GT.

Filling the gaping hole left in the 3 Series range for those who need more room than a saloon but don't, for some unfathomable reason, like the rather sleek and lovely Touring the 3 GT adds hunchback - sorry, hatchback - practicality and a longer wheelbase. No, nor us. And, hang on, isn't this the job of the 3 Series based X1?

It's, um, well, it's a hatchback 3 Series

Regardless, BMW claims, somewhat optimistically, that it "offers a finely judged combination of driver appeal and practicality" and combines the "sporty dynamics" of the saloon with the versatility of the Touring in "a unique and attractively designed package." Well, one out of two of those adjectives is correct. The description "sporty, coupe-like form" has also splurged out of the random press release cliché-o-matic machine but having seen the 3 GT in the metal at a BMW preview event a little while back these were not the words that sprung to mind.

If you're really determined and fancy putting that sporty, coupe-like form through its paces you can have your 3 GT in 305hp 335i form, but it'll cost you at least £38K for the privilege. A little over £31K will get you into the default 320d, prices typically £1,300 over the equivalent Touring model.

[Ianv12]

yuk yuk yuk
The 3 series and estate look lovely, this looks like the ugly sister
Why??

[Rawwr]

If it was a human, I'd punch it in the face.

[Mermaid]

Smacks of Audi A5, but I suppose why not. Niche & super niche to be filled.

[Triumph Man]

Rawwr said:

If it was a human, I'd punch it in the face.

It's probably going to be driven by the kind of human you'd want to punch in the face.

[F1GTRUeno]

I hate BMW.

[griffdude]

Have run BMW 3 series Tourings for the last 4 years & IMHO are quite a handsome beast. But oh dear, that's not a very flattering view of the rear 1/4 of the GT...

[stephen300o]

It's rather a huge thing isn't it.

[Bayerischer]

Does the longer wheelbase mean more rear legroom? If so, then at least that's something in its favour...

[AV12]

This will no doubt be better to drive than the A5, but the bob-tail looks awful.

Must do better. Disappointing from BMW.

[Bill]

It's hard to be sure, but this might be better looking than the 5GT. So still substantially uglier than an X6.

And more expensive than the estate.

[RINGMEISTER]

Two words three cylabols "dogs dinner"

[Bear Phils]

I don't understand why this car was made.

And I don't think BMW do either

[stephen300o]

Can we have a couple of year off from this making new cars lark.

[stevebear]

looks like the old Kia Rio Estate

[torres del paine]

I don't know why you'd buy this over the touring.

[Mermaid]

stephen300o said:

It's rather a huge thing isn't it.

5 series chassis?

[BoostMonkey]

Who the hell signed off on that design?

[fatboy69]

FFS. That's disgusting. Would have thought that BMW would have learned a lesson from the god awful X6 however it appears they haven't.

Why would any sensible person buy such a thing?

Oh yea. I know. So that they can proudly say 'Look a me. I'm a cock & I bought one of these!!'

Fugly. Horrible.

[whythem]

The first thing that popped into my mind was "Godzilla'a Placenta" An image that has me very, very upset now!

[KaraK]

Whilst it's no work of art I don't think it's especially ugly actually.. as for it's "niche" I suppose you could point at how well the Mondeo hatch sells?