Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Leaked photos reveal BMW’s 3 Series GT, but don’t explain what it is

Stephen Edelstein
By

BMW 3 Series GT rear three quarterCar forum Worldscoop has leaked photos of the BMW 3 Series GT, a hatchback version of BMW’s bestselling luxury car. This latest addition to the 3 Series lineup wasn’t supposed to see the light of day until the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Maybe it should have stayed that way. BMW launched the “GT” concept a few years ago with the 5 Series GT, and that is anything but pretty. The 3 Series GT applies that concept to BMW’s smaller sedan, resulting in a car that is equally misshapen.

Recommended Videos

With both cars, BMW tried to package the practicality of a wagon with a sportier sloping roofline. Instead, it made the rakish 3 and 5 Series look swollen; the roofline looks too high and the massive tailgate doesn’t help matters.

It’s also hard to tell who will actually buy a 3 Series GT. BMW offers more utilitarian vehicles that are roughly the same size, including the 3 Series wagon and the X1 and X3 crossovers. BMW does say that the GT will have more rear seat and cargo space than the wagon.

Like the 6 Series Gran Coupe, the 3 Series GT is a niche product, for those who want to emphasize style. The 5 Series GT hasn’t exactly set the sales charts on fire, so it will interesting to see if the 3 Series GT can make this niche seem sensible.

The GT nomenclature is also a bit misleading. GT, which stands for “Grand Touring,” used to denote sporty cars that were also comfortable enough to drive long distance. The Maserati GranTurismo and Aston Martin Vanquish are good examples.

Now, GT seems to be code for hatchback. In addition to BMW’s two GTs, there’s Hyundai’s Elantra GT. Who ever thought a front-wheel drive economy car would share a name with a Maserati?

BMW 3 Series GT front three quarterAt least the 3 Series GT is still a 3 Series. That means it gets one of the best sports sedan chassis in the business. BMW hasn’t announced the U.S. engine lineup, but the regular 3 Series is available with either a 240 horsepower turbocharged inline-four, or a 300 hp turbocharged inline-six.

The GT is also expected to offer a more premium feel than other models. It may be the most expensive non-M3 model in the lineup. Alternatively, an M Sport model will offer more aggressive bodywork, and possibly one less seat.

Will American buyers make sense of the 3 Series GT, or will they stick with their sedans and crossovers? We’ll find out when this crossbreed hits U.S. dealers later this year.

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?
Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Read more
The 6 best remote car starters in 2024
Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024

Read more
The best portable jump starters for cars in 2024
The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 portable jump starter connected to a truck battery.

Any time you hit the road, whether you're taking a short or long trip, it's a good idea to have backups handy. A spare or backup tire, some anti-freeze, windshield wash fluid, a road hazard kit, and, last but not least, one of the best portable tire inflators and a portable jump starter. You never know when cold weather, inadvertently leaving the dome light on, or plain old Father Time can curse you with a dead battery. Ensure you have one of the best portable jump starters that can save you in a jam, kickstarting your car even when there isn't anyone around to jump the battery. Naturally, that's why we’ve rounded up what we feel are the best portable jump starters for 2024.
The best portable jump starters in 2024

Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter overall.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter runner-up.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter and tire inflator combo.
Buy the if you want another name-brand option.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter for cheap.

Read more