[Scorcher]

When BMW unveiled the 5-Series GT, people started to speculate about a GT version for the smaller 3-Series. Lo and behold, BMW is delivering just that, but it will not be sold as a 3-Series. Instead, the GT model will be placed between the current 3 and 5 Series and will be called 4-Series. The new model will make its official debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September and will be a direct competitor for models like the Audi A5 Sportback.
The new BMW 4-Series will be based on a stretched version of BMW’s new rear-wheel-drive platform and will take its design inspiration from the 5-Series sedan, including the wide kidney grille and slim headlights. Under the hood, BMW will place all latest four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel units, including the new 245bhp 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol. As with all the other BMW models, all-wheel-drive xDrive versions will be available as well.
The all new 4-Series will go on sale in 2014.

Source: Top Speed

[DicKy]

So the 3GT became the 4-er.
Thought it was an all new model.
So guess what happens to Audi's 4>3-6>5-8>7 advert?
Unconventional it maybe but i like the GT series now more than the sedan variants.!!!

[xavieman]

So, after this one launches , the only missing links in the line will be the 2 series and the now defunct 8 series.

[EP.]

AArh... the big rear makes it look ugly, I like the 3 better.

[avishar]

With the germans running amok trying to fill every niche in the market i am sure the 8 series will be back soon.

2.0L 245bhp petrol engine,that sounds interesting.Wonder if that engine will make to other models.

[sAP]

Was at the 5 series GT's launch at Motorwerks in Bloomington and the model wasn't very exciting.

Surprisingly, folks were more interested in the drab 740's right next to it.

I wouldn't put my money on either.

[Sn1p3r]

Baffling to me actually, I always thought X3 was the GT to 3 series

4 will be 3 for those who want to be chauffeured along. BMW to be chauffeured around? I must be illogical as per BMW think tank.

Somebody, help me understand what this does and how it fits in the scheme of things? Thanks!

[arun_kun]

I saw one BMW GT today in Hyderabad near InOrbit mall , Hitech city.. was looking good.

[sAP]

The GTs are what they call a crossover -- something that goes between a car and an SUV.

Comfort and handling of a car with higher ground clearance and then some.

Toyota Venza, Acura ZDX, Chrysler Pacifica and the like.

The X6 is pretty though. Wonder why they call it a crossover.

[gshanky]

Originally Posted by sAP

The GTs are what they call a crossover -- something that goes between a car and an SUV.

Comfort and handling of a car with higher ground clearance and then some.

Toyota Venza, Acura ZDX, Chrysler Pacifica and the like.

The X6 is pretty though. Wonder why they call it a crossover.

The GT series is a fusion between sedan and coupe. They are more like executive touring sedans with a coupe like hood finish at the back. Ever since Mercedes CLS became good sellers even though weird looking, everyone want a piece of that pie too. Audi A7, Porsche Panamera, Honda Accord Crosstour, etc. fall under this segment.

[sAP]

Yeah I have read that description elsewhere too, but coupes don't have higher ground clearance any more than sedans do.

Crossovers have and so it was easier for me to believe that description instead (of the hybrid between sedan and SUV)

My 330xi has higher ground clearance than regular 3-series sedans and coupes, but not as much as these crossovers have.

[gshanky]

@sAP - May be you can all this as a crossover between Sedan and a hatchback.

However in regards to the GT having more ground clearance, I haven't heard/seen anything about 3 series GT (or 4 series) will have more ground clearance than regular 3 series. It could be understood that the x-drive models might have more ground clearance than the ones without x-Drive.

From what I know the 5 series GT come with and without x-Drive. Please share any information you have specific to GTs having more ground clearance than their compatriot xDrive equipped models - as in 535i sedan vs. 535i - GT or 535i xDrive sedan vs 535i xDrive GT.

[sAP]

Oh, its quite profound if you sit in one (the higher ground clearance and seating) and view it side by side with other vehicles in the showroom.

Haven't been in a 3-series GT yet but I can certainly say that about the 5-series one.

Funny that BMW doesn't post ground clearance figures in my manual, nor is it easy to find on the web.

Some statements on the higher ground clearance here in some spy photos:
Spy photos: BMW's 3-series GT - AutoWeek

Here's the official BMW site's statement about the GT, "Travel in style: the idea behind "Gran Turismo". The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is a new interpretation of a classic concept incorporating sophisticated elegance, generous spaciousness and surprising versatility. Powerful yet efficient, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo offers superb driving comfort as well as plenty of room in the luggage compartment for large items. Inside the dynamic coupé-like design awaits something completely new: the perfect combination of a stylish sedan, touring car flexibility and the versatility of an SUV"

(from BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo : Gran Turismo)

sAP

[Scorcher]

BMW 4 series caught testing for the first time ever!
Source

[karan561]

The 3 series GT is caught undisguised filming for its VC;





As you can see both are 2 different 3 GT models i.e. in 2 different trims;

Silver one looks like the Sport / M sport where as the latter is more like a modern line trim seen on the F30 3'er

IMO it is better looking & more sporty than the 5 GT ( which had got launched in India as a limited edition few years back ) but still id prefer the standard 3 over the 3GT

Expected launch : Early 2013

Source : Bimmerpost