[davesaddiction]

Too funny not to share...

[Vervain]

One could argue that the X6 falls into the second category. It's definitely and acquired taste, but I love it.

That 6er Gran Coupe picture doesn't do this car justice too..

[Twix]

The 6er GC in person is probably the third most beautiful car I've ever seen. Just inches behind the Jaguar E-type and the 1937 Bugatti type 57.

[mashimarho]

I started liking the Gran Coupe.

[PopsnBurbles]

6GC is beautiful in real life. I would honestly take it over an CLS.

The others...well...they're ugly.

[wisesoul]

Saw a 328 GT on the freeway earlier, I literally gagged. Buy an F31 touring next time people. I like the 6GC, but it is too damn long. Looks longer than a SW 7

[MassBimmer]

Too bad I love the X6 and the 6 GC is stunning

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by wisesoul

Saw a 328 GC on the freeway earlier, I literally gagged. Buy an F31 touring next time people. I like the 6GC, but it is too damn long. Looks longer than a SW 7

Don't you mean 328GT? F30 GC is not out yet, GT is.

[wisesoul]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

Don't you mean 328GT? F30 GC is not out yet, GT is.

Yes, GT, good catch. Let me edit my post

[mkoesel]

Funny, but the 6GC doesn't belong IMHO. The X4 would fit in that spot better once it debuts this auto show season (possibly Detroit, though that's pretty crowded already).

Although enthusiasts tend to misunderstand and deride BMW for these types of vehicles (and I personally would never buy one myself), all they are really doing is meeting customer demand. These may be niche products and may not perform well in some markets, but if the X6 weren't successful they would not be preparing a follow up nor the smaller X4. Same goes for 5GT/3GT, 6GC/4GC(/2GC).

[631twentyeighteye]

BMW is now in the business of selling boats.

[turbolag]

The problem I have with the 6GC is its price. Want a 650xi GC? Oh right, you're in M5 territory. Want a M6 GC? Why don't you just get a V12 7er?

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Funny, but the 6GC doesn't belong IMHO. The X4 would fit in that spot better once it debuts this auto show season (possibly Detroit, though that's pretty crowded already).

Although enthusiasts tend to misunderstand and deride BMW for these types of vehicles (and I personally would never buy one myself), all they are really doing is meeting customer demand. These may be niche products and may not perform well in some markets, but if the X6 weren't successful they would not be preparing a follow up nor the smaller X4. Same goes for 5GT/3GT, 6GC/4GC(/2GC).

Vehicles built off an existing architecture not only allows expansion but complete profitability. The 3er for example is the highest profit architecture as around 9 vehicles are created from one central section with existing modular sections to determine each individual concept. This is what BMW invested in when others were pissing up against the wall with non profitable vanity projects . BMW leads the momentum.

Cars that do not create a successful integration in one market does not mean that they cannot be successful in others. The BMW X6 and 5er Gran Turismo are evidence of this. These are not vehicles sold in high volume as the regular X5 and 5er. They are only meant to count for around 10% of annual total combined sales. Both of these vehicles have not only made these targets but in some cases exceeded them which is why you will see replacements on both of them. Because of the existing architecture fact both vehicles are high profit units.

The new 3er GT which was launched in Europe in June and most recently in the USA is just under 5,000 units , the majority being in Europe where customers are appreciating a 3er with even more flexibility than resorting to utility.

The new BMW X4 is an example of downsizing the market and a gap was found where people want an X6 but cannot reach financially.
The X4 is again based off existing architecture which will allow BMW to regain profit on each unit sold.

Niches like the X6 , X4 and GT are not just overruling decisions over common sense.
Each proposal is evaluated from every perspective before being green-lit.
By talking to customers you can gain and insight into how the market progresses. The GT is one such vehicle , exclusivity was one aspect as was producing a vehicle which identified developments in the market such as the semi-command seating position and first class interior which took the car to a higher plain than the existing 5er which was the E60 at that time.

And now look what is coming from our competitors , cars that imitate the same concept and idea because the BMW models work in high growth and high profit markets. BMW does all the work implementing the market and all the competition has to do is follow and they will follow.

A Coupe based on the Mercedes ML is coming as as a 5dr Sportcoupe for the C and E-Klasse. And Audi are coming too.

[davesaddiction]

Originally Posted by 631twentyeighteye

BMW is now in the business of selling boats.

[Billup]

I love the X6. 6 GC is alright. Others, can live without.

[TheBlackGT]

The 6 GC is a beautiful car. I'm not completely in love with the, but modded ones do look pretty cool. The 3 GT with M Sport is actually pretty nice, I've seen it in person, the only thing BMW shouldn't have done was make it taller than the F30. It's a very practical car though, perfect for families.

The 5 GT pictured above looks kind of bad, but that's because it is on stock 17"s at normal ride height. When it's dropped and modded, I think it has potential. On top of that, the car shares more features with a 7er and an F10. The rear legroom is unmatched by virtually anything else besides the F01, and it has a lot more tidbits and practical aspects than the F10. They should not have made the GT taller than the F10, but with lowering it looks a lot more appealing.


Astoria Park NY Meet by dinan_gt, on Flickr


Astoria Park NY Meet by dinan_gt, on Flickr

[positiveions]

Originally Posted by wisesoul

Saw a 328 GT on the freeway earlier, I literally gagged. Buy an F31 touring next time people. I like the 6GC, but it is too damn long. Looks longer than a SW 7

I'm with you on that one~> ugliest thing ever.

[S65V8]

This hatchback look is only popular in the Europe it seems. GCs are great sellers here and will continue to be. However, I do agree, why not design a hatch that looks more appealing like the Audi A7 (yes, weird to some, but def. more sporty and car like than the GTs).

[Matski]

Originally Posted by SROC5

This hatchback look is only popular in the Europe it seems. GCs are great sellers here and will continue to be. However, I do agree, why not design a hatch that looks more appealing like the Audi A7 (yes, weird to some, but def. more sporty and car like than the GTs).

The point of the GT's is not just to give you a larger boot/trunk aperture, it's to give all of the occupants of the car more space, hence the longer wheelbase and increased roof height, combined with easier access and improved visibility thanks to the higher ride height.

To make the GT's basically like the saloons with a swoopier roof would have meant style before substance, and that would have rendered them pointless.

The GT's are about practicality, not about being sporty. The Audi A7 is only a tiny bit more spacious than a 6GC, the 5GT is alot more spacious than an A7. If you want style, buy a Gran Coupe, if you want comfort and space, buy a GT... it really is as simple as that.

[S65V8]

Originally Posted by Matski

The point of the GT's is not just to give you a larger boot/trunk aperture, it's to give all of the occupants of the car more space, hence the longer wheelbase and increased roof height, combined with easier access and improved visibility thanks to the higher ride height.

To make the GT's basically like the saloons with a swoopier roof would have meant style before substance, and that would have rendered them pointless.

The GT's are about practicality, not about being sporty. The Audi A7 is only a tiny bit more spacious than a 6GC, the 5GT is alot more spacious than an A7. If you want style, buy a Gran Coupe, if you want comfort and space, buy a GT... it really is as simple as that.

Good points, cheers! But it's still ugly as sin in my opinion. BMW could of made it look better looking at least. Someone should poll it, have money on 70% or more saying it's uglier than it needs to be.

[RingMeister01]

I agree that the GT models are the one of the ugliest models BMW has ever produced. Besides the asthetics I dont see any point in the design. I dont understand the market demographic for this series either. Who the hell would buy this? Where it was cool and unique to see a 5 or 3 series wagon in Europe, this is just plain heresy.

[Matski]

Originally Posted by SROC5

Good points, cheers! But it's still ugly as sin in my opinion. BMW could of made it look better looking at least. Someone should poll it, have money on 70% or more saying it's uglier than it needs to be.

Well, I wouldn't disagree too much with that, but I maintain that the dimensions are what they need to be for the car to work, whether or not BMW got the details right... well that's a lot more subjective.

Personally I don't mind the GT's - I would seriously consider a 3GT or a CPO LCI 5GT for myself, they are very sensitive to colours and options, and in both cases M-sport is a must, but actually I quite like them when I see them on the road.... and I love both the X6 and the 6GC too.

I'd take any of these before I'd take a 2/4/6 series convertible or a Z4.