are bmw loosing the plot?

[shadrack]

just seen an advert for a 3 series GT, yet another strange one as the x4 etc, before long there will be more models in the range than people to buy the, especially if you take all the weird models of mini there is too, don't get me wrong I know audi are at it as well but really is there need to have so any different cars

[X5Sport]

They do seem to be adding a lot of models at present.  I can't see the point of splitting the 3-series into the 3 & 4 except to allow for the baby X6.  It's as if they're trying to put a model in every niche.  The Mini Paceman is another odd one......is it aimed at the Evoque or what?

But then if you look across the whole VAG Group they're doing the same across the Audi, VW and Skoda ranges.

Ultimately though BMW must be getting something right as their sales rocketed last year.

Richard

[AW8]

Across the industry we are seeing brand dilution with many bolting multiple shells on shared platforms............The concept is not new albeit it seems to be on the increase.

Some would say the Mini brand, (as already cited in this thread), is already diluted.

[Sanj]

Just doing what Merc do already with their branding...

[4687ah]

Totally agree with you on that one, it baffles me how many supposed gaps in the market they manage to find.
The point of the GTs is lost on me, and judging by how few you see, relatively speaking, I don't think we are alone.
Having said that the world is a big market and they must sell em or they wouldn't make em.

[IvanG]

[quote="X5Sport"]
I can't see the point of splitting the 3-series into the 3 & 4 except to allow for the baby X6.  It's as if they're trying to put a model in every niche. 

Richard
[/quote]

I think the reason for splitting the 3-series into 3 & 4 is to make even more money! The 4-series will be seen as more sporty and a step up the ladder so BMW can (and will) charge a premium over equivalent 3-series models. Personally I like the look of the forthcoming X4 and would seriously consider it as my next car

[535dboy]

[quote="IvanG"]
[quote="X5Sport"]
I can't see the point of splitting the 3-series into the 3 & 4 except to allow for the baby X6.  It's as if they're trying to put a model in every niche. 

Richard
[/quote]

I think the reason for splitting the 3-series into 3 & 4 is to make even more money! The 4-series will be seen as more sporty and a step up the ladder so BMW can (and will) charge a premium over equivalent 3-series models. Personally I like the look of the forthcoming X4 and would seriously consider it as my next car
[/quote]

Probably this

The 4 is for the sporty person while the 3 is for the rep

The 3gt is pointless and hideous.

[X5Sport]

Same as the 5 GT then.  So as that hasn't exactly sold that well, why introduce a 3 series equivalent?

Richard

[IvanG]

I wasn't sure about the new 3GT but this I'm in two minds about this 320i xDrive M Sport

[535dboy]

[quote="X5Sport"]
Same as the 5 GT then.  So as that hasn't exactly sold that well, why introduce a 3 series equivalent?

Richard
[/quote]

Yup the only reason the 5Gt sold were because they were given massive incentives by BMW.

My neighbour has a contract hire company and one of his partners had the GT because it was bonkers cheap to rent

My old BMW sales exec who I'm still on contact with says he is hoping the new 5GT refresh will actually help sales a bit because it is so ugly !!!

[535dboy]

[quote="IvanG"]
I wasn't sure about the new 3GT but this I'm in two minds about this 320i xDrive M Sport


[/quote]

Good idea show the front 1/4 because side on or rear 1/4 onwards it looks bloody horrible

[AW8]

5GT rear end tidy up is significant I believe...........................and well needed for reasons identified by so many.

The new X drive saloons arguably cashing in on last couple of winters and to claw back early X5 & X3 owners many whom moved away due to running costs, residuals, trends & pressure from the anti-4x4 lobby.

[Woofer]

Size matters as well , the E53 is a handy size, E70 a bit lardy IMHO having had a couple, the new X5 looks just too large for normal size parking slots ...along with the Q7 , new Range Rover etc.  So begins the hunt for niches within niches.

For me an X3M with the 5.0 V10 stuffed in it would be bang tidy 

[jaynana]

instead of introducing a bigger sibling to the X5 like an X7, they're setting up the X5 to compete with the likes of Q7, RRS etc, with 7 seats; while making the X3 bigger - almost the original size of the E53 X5.

[snipez999]

The 3gt is pointless and hideous

On past form, your next car has been identified then