German Car Zone

Heh heh, now I have to interject and disagree. The sloping rear window on a fastback means that it has less load volume than a proper wagon. So, you may gain some practical load space over a true sedan but it's nothing compared with a wagon configuration. Sure, you can fold seats down, remove the parcel shelf and get something much more sizeable in through the hatch but the main issue arises when you've got a passenger or two in the back. Then, the useful loading space is no better than a conventional sedan. I recommended a BMW 325i Touring to my wife's boss. Now her husband uses it more often than their 330d for trips down to the coast. Being a keen diver with lots of kit, you can see why the 325i is the "Tourer" of choice here.

In terms of structural rigidity, sedans and coupes are more akin. Wagons and hatchbacks have a big old open square at the back end and we all know about the structural rigidity of squares and rectangles. As a result, rear tailgate flex results in an inherently less rigid structure than sedans or coupes.

My point was, there is little difference between a sedan and a wagon in terms of sporty pretensions, despite the image. You have to look no further than a M5 and M5 Touring. The difference is so slight only the best drivers will be able to appreciate it.
It's pretty much the same thing with M3 coupe and sedan. Even with the carbon roof the coupe is only barely sportier. My point was that one of the reasons certain car shapes are popular is because of peoples vanity when it comes to looks and image. Sure, you can rationalize anything (i.e. I pick a coupe because I rarely drive with more than 1 person, I pick a sedan because I don't want to get up for other passengers, but I don't really have use for the trunk space of a wagon...).
But even if that sedan of your favorite car maker lost that portion of a second advantage in a test circle you're probably never gonna visit (I'm generalizing here), most would still choose the sedan, unless they absolutely needed the extra trunk space. Because of the sedans less utilitarian image. Because it looks better (in most cases). And because they don't want to be called "soccer moms".
Fastbacks aren't as practical as wagons, true. They are halfway in this department between a sedan and a wagon. But they can be made sleeker and pick up on the coupe shape most people appreciate. They can offer more utility than a sedan without the stigma of the wagon.
I will admit though, the appeal of a fastback is more dependent on actual implementation than other shapes.

BMW has just taken the wraps off its new 5-series GT, which goes on sale early next year and shares its design with the next-generation 5-series sedan, also due next year. The concept of the vehicle has proven so popular – at least to BMW’s management - that a smaller version based on the next-generation 3-series sedan has been confirmed for production. Picking up the 3-series GT moniker, the car will feature the same raised seating position and ride height as the bigger 5-series GT and will also likely adopt a two-tier rear hatch design. It will come with both RWD and xDrive AWD configurations, with power coming from a range of four and six cylinder engines. The computer generated rendering gives us a preview of what the new car may look like, revealing that it will share the aggressive new look that’s being implemented across BMW’s lineup.

Speaking with Edmunds, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer stated that his company has not cancelled plans for a 3-series crossover as it’s “considered a volume builder with which we [BMW] can earn good money.” Designers will be stressing the car’s coupe characteristics just as they did with the X6 and new 5-series GT. Expect to see extremely short overhangs, pumped fenders and sporty alloy wheels. Pricing will also reflect the car’s positioning above the standard 3-series on which it will be based. Along with an upcoming replacement for the X3, it will give BMW a vital rival to Audi’s A4 Avant as well as the upcoming Q3 SUV. Its release date is scheduled for late 2011, about the same time that the next-generation 3-series sedan is due.

- BMW confirms plans for 3-series GT - [2012 BMW 3-series] - MotorAuthority - Car news, reviews, spy shots

MUNICH, Germany — BMW has confirmed its plans for a 3 Series hatch called the 335i Gran Turismo, which follows in the footsteps of its bigger relative — the 2011 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. It's slated to hit the streets in 2011.

Like 5 Series GT, the 335i GT will carry a price premium, settling in between the standard 3 Series and 5 Series. It is meant to rival Audi's A4 Avant lineup as well as the new Q3 SUV, which is an interesting point considering the compact X1 crossover is similar in size to the 335i and already set to come to the States in 2011.

With comparable models like the X1 and 5 Series GT, BMW offers proof that a global recession is not hindering its production plans: "We haven't cancelled the crossover of the 3 Series, as it is considered a volume builder with which we can earn good money," said BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer.

Like the 5 Series Gran Turismo first shown at this year's Geneva auto show, the 3 Series GT will have a unique two-stage tailgate, giving owners the option of opening just a small part of the trunk or the complete tailgate (including the rear window) if more space is desired. Remember, BMW does sell a wagon version of the 3 Series in the U.S., so the Gran Turismo will bring the model's body style count to five (coupe, convertible, sedan, wagon and the GT five-door).

Sources also tell us that two seating configurations will be offered, a four-seat or a more practical five-seat setup, and BMW's latest turbo and diesel engines will be offered. As far as we know no M3 version is planned.

Inside Line says: Seemingly, the slow sales of the X6 haven't changed any minds over in Munich, as BMW continues its commitment to this low slung five-door body style. At least in the near term. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent


- BMW Gives Green Light to 2011 335i GT Hatchback

Sad news

Good to hear.

I was under the expression that the X6 -for some bizarre reason- is selling like hot cakes.

Nothing sells like "hot cakes" in the auto markets today. Geez.

The whole industry is suffering. So it is X6. But it's still selling well - lesser drop in sales compared to other models - especially when compared to X5. The ratio between X5 vs X6 sales is much smaller than BMW initially expected. Meaning: X5 is selling slower compared to X6.

The exceptions are some small cars & cheap in Europe (eg. France, Germany) when governments are giving people subsidies for ridding old dirty cars, and replacing it with green ones - meaning: smaller cars with small engines.

Well maybe not hotcakes, but for a car this big and expensive, I sure think it's a hit. I see a different one at least every day.

Well if BMW can make an ///M derivative of a wagon, I dont see why BMW cant make an ///M GT.