[Jason]

Autocar has published a report claiming that a fully electric 4 Series GT is on its way in 2019.

A major realignment of BMW’s strategy is set to result in electric versions of up to three models in its current line-up — including a secret zero-emissions variant of the upcoming 4 Series GT — alongside new and updated versions of its dedicated electric i-brand models within the next three years.

The battery-powered five-door liftback 4 Series GT is tentatively scheduled to go on sale in the UK in 2020. It is one of a raft of models to be based on the newly developed underpinnings of the eighth-generation 3 Series, according to highly placed insiders at the German car maker.

BMW is already aiming for 100,000 combined electric and hybrid sales this year under plans recently revealed by chairman Harald Krüger.

The electrically powered 4 Series GT model has been conceived to offer performance on a par with the fastest of today’s 3 Series GT models, the 317bhp 335d GT, together with an overall range of up to 311 miles (500km) and a starting price of less than £40,000. The intention is to allow it to compete with the Tesla Model 3.

The new 4 Series GT is set to be launched in petrol, electric and plug-in hybrid variants in 2019. It will act as a replacement for today’s 3 Series GT while indirectly replacing the slow-selling 4 Series Gran Coupé in a move similar to that set to be taken by the larger and more expensive 6 Series GT. Less than a year after that, BMW will introduce the electric variant of the new five-seater.

BMW is weighing up two electric driveline options for its new Model 3 rival, with a decision expected by the end of this year prior to the construction of road-going prototypes early next year.

The first uses a frontmounted electric motor in combination with a fixed-ratio gearbox and so-called electric propeller shaft to channel drive to the rear wheels. This layout would provide the new model with traditional BMW traits and, according to at least one source, the best possible weight distribution.

The second, more complex and costly solution proposes the use of two electric motors, one mounted up front driving the front wheels and a second at the rear within the axle assembly to drive the rear wheels. Similar to the system that is set to appear on the electric-powered X3, it offers the choice between front and four-wheel drive, depending on the drive mode selected.

To achieve performance targets similar to those of the 335d GT, BMW is banking on a total output for the electric motor set-up, whether as a single unit or dual units front and rear, of around 350bhp.

The capacity of the battery to be used by the 4 Series GT Electric will be dictated by early engineering targets that call for it to offer a range of at least 311 miles. Early estimates suggest that the lithium ion unit would need to be around 90kWh in order to achieve this, although advances in cell performance and energy density, in combination with new methods of liquid cooling, could allow the capacity to drop to 70kWh.

BMW’s first battery-powered version of an existing standard model will be a zero-emission Mini hatchback, due next year. That will be followed in 2019 by an electric variant of the upcoming third-generation X3. Already well under development, they are part of BMW’s plans to extend the reach of its electric car line-up in the face of increased competition.

Although BMW is banking on the Mini Cooper E and X3 Electric to extend its electric car sales in the short term, it is the new 4 Series GT Electric that Krüger considers key to the firm’s long-term plans.

BMW’s previous strategy for its line-up was to group all of its pure-electric models under the auspices of its i brand. The decision to dispense with that and instead add electric versions of its standard models comes in the wake of a number of recent announcements by the company’s traditional premium-brand rivals about their electric car plans.

Jaguar recently revealed that a production version of the well-received I-Pace concept will be unveiled before the end of this year. Mercedes-Benz has confirmed a €10 billion (£8.5bn) investment in new electric car development and its new EQ electric car brand, and Audi is now less than 12 months away from the launch of its first dedicated electric-powered series-production road car, the e-tron quattro SUV.

The move also coincides with the launch of a number of potential new electric car rivals for BMW. These include Faraday Future, Lucid Motors and Nio (previously NextEV), all of which have recently revealed near-to-production-ready prototype versions of their initial models in the form of the FF 91, Air and ES8.

Source: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/n...s-future-plans

[RACEM4TE]

I like that bmw is competing tesla, but I sincerely hope that they don't turn into a german version of tesla.

[RPiM5]

Electric - Yes!
4-Series - Yes!
GT - Please God no!!!

Why can't they just make a normal looking car for an all electric model? An all electric version of the current 4-Series Gran Coupe would be awesome. Why do they have to go and ruin it with a humpback hatchback design for that GT designation just to gain a little bit more storage space? Also, that new 6-Series GT that is coming also looks as hideous as the 3 and 5-Series GT.

Also, I can't see any BMW pure EV model starting at $35,000 USD or below, which is what the Model 3 is projected to start at, along with the current Chevy Bolt EV and it's base price of $37,500. Of course you could justify a base price of a new BMW EV at $40-$45,000 because it is in fact a BMW with BMW build materials and quality, but if they could make that base price more in line with what a current 3-Series costs, that would be ideal I think.

[lukeiswright]

BMW fan base: "We want more small, fun to drive cars like the 1M and M2!"
BMW: "Fully electric 4 series GT you say? Right on it!"

[imserious]

Lost me at GT

[c63er]

If this is true, then this is much much needed and a very good move. Looking forward to this.

The model 3 has the potential to really devastate the German small sports sedan arena and they need a proper electric answer.

There is no question how a conpany with little experience changed the entire landscape with the model s. They have not only changed the landscape but picked up a huge enthusiast (a different type of course) following. If they repeated this in the 3 series segment it's a game changer.

Many people are talking about buying a model 3 or aspiring to one. No one is talking like that about a 3 series anymore. Bmw has to get this right and will need the enthusiasts at their back as well. If they do get it right bmws future is assured for a long time.

[CalCarNut]

"4 series Gran coupe outsells the 4 coupe and convertible combined".

New in 2020...4 GT to replace the slow selling 4 Gran Coupe. BMW, you guys are dumbasses.

My headline: BMW owner(s) swap to (fill in the blank).

[Germanauto]

Why is BMW management so insistent on these turd a$$ GTs?

If Tesla has shown us anything, it's that an electric car will only sell if it looks good. Do they want to repeat the i3 debacle all over again?

[PandaM3]

Hope they do a plug in hybrid version with at least a 30 to 40 mile electric range and a gas motor to take over the rest.

Maybe fastrack putting the 530e drivetrain into this.

Reason being that BMW doesn't have the charging infrastructure that Tesla has. I just pulled up a map and there's several Tesla charging places near me now.

As for looks of the GT... it may not be as sexy as a gran coupe but it is more practical than a station wagon. As an electric m-f commuter this would work nicely in this kind of package.

[wdeerfield]

in before scott tells us the GT is the best selling BMW elsewhere in the world.

[Brake_Late]

Originally Posted by imserious

Lost me at GT

I love mine 5 doors and sexy is where it's at for daily drivers !

Save the midlife boy racer cars
for weekend battles



And I know Promethius1 knows what's up !

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

in before scott tells us the GT is the best selling BMW elsewhere in the world.

Lol!

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

"4 series Gran coupe outsells the 4 coupe and convertible combined".

New in 2020...4 GT to replace the slow selling 4 Gran Coupe. BMW, you guys are dumbasses.

My headline: BMW owner(s) swap to (fill in the blank).

I own an F36 too. One of the very best BMW's I have ever had besides all of my ///M cars. I can see BMW cancelling the sexy 4-Series Gran Coupe in favor of a GT version.

[Brake_Late]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

I own an F36 too. One of the very best BMW's I have ever had besides all of my ///M cars. I can see BMW cancelling the sexy 4-Series Gran Coupe in favor of a GT version.

Oops GT GC I have and LOVE both a lot
Smooth quick ruthless

[Brake_Late]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

I own an F36 too. One of the very best BMW's I have ever had besides all of my ///M cars. I can see BMW cancelling the sexy 4-Series Gran Coupe in favor of a GT version.

GC > GT to me for sporty
GT 5er > GC for comfort and luxury
IMoHO

[Brake_Late]

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

"4 series Gran coupe outsells the 4 coupe and convertible combined".

New in 2020...4 GT to replace the slow selling 4 Gran Coupe. BMW, you guys are dumbasses.

My headline: BMW owner(s) swap to (fill in the blank).

3er 4er GT = Fugly aka lil wannabe
( that 90.s pop up rear wing tho !)

5er GT MSport = Sexy

GC 4er = Sexy

[Brake_Late]

Originally Posted by PandaM3

Hope they do a plug in hybrid version with at least a 30 to 40 mile electric range and a gas motor to take over the rest.

Maybe fastrack putting the 530e drivetrain into this.

Reason being that BMW doesn't have the charging infrastructure that Tesla has. I just pulled up a map and there's several Tesla charging places near me now.

As for looks of the GT... it may not be as sexy as a gran coupe but it is more practical than a station wagon. As an electric m-f commuter this would work nicely in this kind of package.

I can sleep in the back of mine beach camping
Not that I need to and
I'm 6'6"
F36

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

Meanwhile...

There is such an over abundance of oil in the world marketplace OPEC is begging for less production to help raise prices...

http://money.cnn.com/2017/05/11/inve...il-u-s-supply/


Many climate scientists are now predicting global cooling...

http://notrickszone.com/2017/04/10/a....t2Eulwd0.dpbs


US leadership is moving away from subsidizing "anti global warming" efforts...

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn...der/index.html

Doesn't seem forward looking to me.

[mfstrby]

Lost me at Electric

[cwulffy]

Originally Posted by colonel_bagshot

Lost me at Electric

Lol

[prguy]

Originally Posted by glennQNYC

Meanwhile...

There is such an over abundance of oil in the world marketplace OPEC is begging for less production to help raise prices...

http://money.cnn.com/2017/05/11/inve...il-u-s-supply/


Many climate scientists are now predicting global cooling...

http://notrickszone.com/2017/04/10/a....t2Eulwd0.dpbs


US leadership is moving away from subsidizing "anti global warming" efforts...

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn...der/index.html

Doesn't seem forward looking to me.

Hope you are being sarcastic.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

"4 series Gran coupe outsells the 4 coupe and convertible combined".

New in 2020...4 GT to replace the slow selling 4 Gran Coupe. BMW, you guys are dumbasses.

Yeah, that part of the article, specifically:

"It will act as a replacement for today’s 3 Series GT while indirectly replacing the slow-selling 4 Series Gran Coupé in a move similar to that set to be taken by the larger and more expensive 6 Series GT."

made me do a "WTF?" too.

Here in the US, we've seen the 4 Series GC send overall 4 Series sales totals skyrocketing over the past couple years. There were even a couple months where the 4 Series (including coupe, convertible, GC) actually exceeded 3 Series (including sedan, wagon, GT) in total sales. That is significant because in the past, before the GC and even further back when everything was lumped together under the 3 Series brand, the two door models would come in at a fraction of the sedan (and wagon, for whatever little bit that added) as you would naturally expect.

I have a very hard time believing that, at least in the US, the 3 Series GT sells anywhere near the 4 Series GC. Furthermore, if we are calling the 4 Series GC "slow selling" well then the 4 Series Coupe and Convertible are likely to be in "glacial sales" territory. Yet those aren't going anywhere for the next generation. Don't get me wrong, I understand and can get behind BMW's desire to combine its GC and GT models into one product. I just don't understand why - judging by the appearance of the 6 Series GT spy shots - they have to lean toward the more homely looks of the GT rather than the more elegant looks of the GC. Maybe the new 4GT and 6GT will end up surprising us all with beautiful looks, but it seems unlikely at this point.