We can't be the only ones who wondered what the hell BMW was doing when they made "Gran Turismo" versions of their sedans in order to capitalize on the crossover craze. These suckers were pretty much made for American appetites for more and bigger, though their execution was far from slick. The 5 GT and the 3 GT were easily some of the most unattractive vehicles, almost like swollen and expensive German versions of the much-derided Accord Crosstrek/Acura ZDX. Now, BMW is officially killing the last of the ugly GT versions.
The GT versions were meant to provide a bit more utility than the sedans on which they were based, and the hatchback design meant they were easier to use in terms of cargo space and access, but the result was an ungainly look that betrayed the handsomeness of the 3- and 5-Series sedans. The real truth is that BMW wanted to capitalize on the growing popularity of crossovers by creating their own breed of sedan/crossover. As you can see, perhaps they didn't totally think things through.
The rapid expansion of the BMW model line was too much, it seems. Over the past several years, they've added the X1, X2, X4, X6, as well as the GT cars. BMW is now downsizing, BMW has officially confirmed. The slower-selling models are going away, especially since it looks like customers just want straight-up crossovers that actually look like the mainstream segment rather than these weird permutations. We just lament the fact that the GT versions actually may have helped kill the great 3-Series station wagon, a car that was easily one of BMW's best.
One GT model remains, however, and that's the 6 Series Gran Turismo. Though it has a hatchback, it seems BMW spent more time working on the car's design since it looks far better than the other two GTs. The prorportions are better, and the rear of the 6 GT doesn't have that unflattering bloated look that made the 3- and 5-Series Gran Turismos look like they had an allergic reaction.
The removal of these models seems almost as fast as their introduction into the BMW lineup. It's no surprise as mainstream and premium automakers are looking for ways to fund electrification as the future of powertrains. Ford and GM have done the same thing, and it looks like BMW is following suit. We can't say we're upset about the 3 GT's demise, but we can also say it never should've seen the light of day in the first place.
