When Apple decided to reveal the iPad in 2010, BMW decided to offer something unique, too. The result was the BMW 5GT. However, unlike the iPad, the BMW 5 GT didn’t sell well, and also it was based on the 7-Series despite its 5-Series badge.
However, BMW continued to focus on the Gran Turismo concept and extended this to the 3-Series. Basically, it developed the 3-Series sedan model into a four-door coupé. With a coupé style roof, smaller rear doors and frameless door windows the 3-Series Gran Turismo was designed for people who really wanted a coupé, but did not want the coupé-style drive train or were influenced by a coupé’s space restrictions.
Although I didn’t really appreciate this approach, I liked the idea. There are many families who would like to have a coupé, but need space, and they can’t afford to buy a Maserati Quattroporte. Thus, the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo makes sense.
What about the 4-Series Gran Coupé? For those people who can’t have a coupé due to its space restrictions, but still wish to own a coupé? And those who would like to have a four-door with a sporty drive train? That’s where the problem starts. The 4-Series Gran Coupé is a car that is not supposed to be there. I know the 3 Gran Turismo is not a proper coupé, and it is between a sedan and a real estate, but it still has the coupé touches. It still overlaps with the 4-Series Gran Coupé.
These two cars are eating their own market. I know the 4-Series will have a sportier character and the 3-Series will be more comfort focused. However, the differences between these two cars are so small that it is extremely difficult to differentiate them for an average customer. And I am sure, people will go for the 4-Series Gran Coupé, because it is a 4-Series and choose the 3-Series Gran Turismo because it is 3-Series. Ultimately, the 3-Series Gran Turismo and the 4-Series Gran Coupé will take each other’s market share, and probably, one of the cars will disappear.
Grey is a BMW 4-Series Gran Coupé. Blue is a 3-Series Gran Turismo.
Photo Credits | BMW