BMW 3 Series GT To Become 4 Series GT?

The oddball BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is already expected to make the transition to the 6 Series family for its new generation. Now, a new report indicates the same thing will happen to the smaller 3 Series GT by being promoted to the 4 Series lineup. Autocar also has it on good authority the five-door hatchback will also spawn a pure electric version, less than a year after the launch of the conventionally powered models set for 2019.

The zero-emissions 2020 4 Series GT will be positioned as a direct rival to the Tesla Model 3 and will provide a range of at least 311 miles between two charges. It’s going to need a 90-kWh lithium-ion battery pack to do that, but the capacity might drop to 70 kWh by the car’s launch thanks to progresses projected to be made in energy density and cell performance.

Speaking of performance, BMW wants the all-electric 4 Series GT to be just as quick and fast as today’s 313-hp 335d xDrive, so expect the 0-60 mph run to take somewhere in the region of 4.9 seconds and top speed to stand at about 155 mph.

Interestingly, the report goes on to specify the arrival of the 4 Series GT will spell the end of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, much like the aforementioned 6 Series GT will allegedly kill the 6 Series Gran Coupe. This decision has apparently been taken because the 4 Series GC is a “slow-selling” car, although that’s not actually true. In fact, it’s the most popular model in the family, accounting for 54 percent of all 4 Series global sales.

It should, however, be noted the latest (unconfirmed) intel concerning the 3 Series GT’s transformation into a 4 GT is a complete contradiction of a previous report from the beginning of the year. BMWBLOG said it would be the GT that wouldn't live to see a new generation and the sleek GC will take its place in the lineup.

Seeing as how the Gran Coupe is outselling both the 4 Series Coupe and Convertible combined, why would they axe it? It would make more sense to just pull the plug on the GT, right? And if you're now thoroughly confused by all this, spare a thought for BMW buyers presented with all this in showrooms. No wonder it's trying to simplify things...

Source: Autocar