BMW 2 series GT

BMW may just be trying to capture more market share in segments they haven't traditionally competed in but there's no doubt in my mind that it is diminishing the brand to some degree. Is this the same BMW who said they'd never produce a FWD car? The one who even tried to claim the MINI didn't count because it didn't have a BMW badge on it?

Doesn't the 3-series outsell the Mondeo? They're a victim of their own success in that BMWs are everywhere and nowhere near the aspirational cars they used to be a few decades ago. In the 80s and 90s, if you drove a BMW of pretty much any kind it was (for better or worse) a status symbol of some kind. Now no one bats an eyelid.

Not that BMW will care much as long as their sales figures continue to grow.
 
Jonnycoupe said:
We knows it's a FWD MINI yeah? There's the active tourer and now the active GRAND tourer with 7 seats. It's not really a 2 series GT.
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Except it's a GRAN Tourer, which is a very apt name. Designed to appeal to grannies who appreciate the Bavarian badge.

It's thoroughly awful IMO, and with nothing to make it stand apart from the other shapeless blobby MPVs, but no doubt it will sell.
 
The active Tourer is just as bad

4rJ3FEo.jpg
 
"Under the bonnet, the 2er GT will be using the UKL FWD platform that is currently being used by MINI for the first time in the making of the Mk3 Cooper. Judging by the badge on it, the cars will have more than just 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engines, as it was rumored, going at least up to a 2-liter 4-cylinder unit that makes 218 HP, fitted on this 225i."

Muhaha, 1.5 3cyl BMW! doesn't quite sound right :/
 
There are only so many ways you can design a people carrier of a certain size and meet all the relevant legislation. So they did a generic people carrier and stuffed a Hofmeister kink on the back window. Ta Daaa! A BMW.

I can't help but think this ISN'T the answer to any question ANYONE was asking. But I'm sure it will grow on people. They'll do a slightly sexier sport version, doubtless.
 
Participant said:
What's funny is the superiority complex that Bimmer fans possess that makes them somehow think BMW are above rancid people carriers.
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BMW are a purveyor of only the finest driving instruments aimed squarely at the enthusiast. Oh and they have a little side gig making the odd diesel powered company saloon covered in bling.
 
Shock horror as BMW create a new car to gain more market share.

Don't get me wrong, I think the thing is vile, however it will sell and it keeps the brand that is BMW alive. Yes, that brand is one that's becoming more and more known for 2.0 Diesel "Efficient Dynamics" engines with more stick on tat than a teenage girl trying to use make-up for the first time, but it sells and it keeps the company alive.

It will sell because it gives parents space for their sprogs and all child related stuff, whilst giving them a BMW keyfob, all for less than £300pm.
 
I'm not defending it, I think it looks awful, I'm just not sure where people get the idea that BMW is some sort of sacred brand of sporting pinnacle and that its a 'sell out'.

BMW have been making thoroughly ordinary cars for years and without question would not be in the dominant position they are today without them.

I also dislike the enormous amount of 'niche' models from premium manufacturers these days but thats the market now - 'buyers' (I say buyers, almost nobody actually buys cars now, they simply rent them) want a premium badge, some aspirational M power bling and the most efficient engine possible with the lowest tax bill. Any manufacturer that ignores this market is a fool and BMW are no fools.

They bring us 218d M Sport Gran Tourers because the market wants them, just like the market wants a C180 CDI AMG SPORT PLUS today for just £399 a month whereas 15 years ago it wanted a C320 Avantgarde for £29000.

Shame really but there we go. Manufacturers that ignore this are doomed.
 
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What they do need to be careful of though is brand dilution affecting their more expensive models, which I assume (rightly or wrongly) they make more profit on - per unit at least.

Vag seem to have the perfect Mix of this, for now at least. The separation of Skoda / vw / seat / Audi and to an extent I guess Porsche (i'm ignoring the real premium and commercial stuff) means they can fill the market with multiple versions of the same thing including random crap a bit like this monstrosity without taking away too much from the exclusivity factor that keeps the "premium" brands within the group strong and, I assume profitable
 
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I can't honestly answer that question, can you?

What I would say is I don't think commercial vehicles have any real impact as they're traditionally sold through different outlets so are out of sight and thought of car buyers
 
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