SPY PICS: BMW 3 Series GT hits the road

Just like its 7 Series-based 5 Series GT sibling, the upcoming BMW 3 Series GT will bring a higher-set configuration, a five-door hatchback body and the choice of two-wheel or all-wheel drive.

These Carparazzi spy photos show a characteristically paisley-clad 3 Series GT on test, revealing the basic shape of the upcoming crossover intended to fill the gap between 3 Series sedans and the X3 SUV.

Unlike the 5 Series GT, which is actually a development of the bigger 7 Series BMW, the 3 Series GT appears to be based directly on the new generation 3 Series sedan that has just gone into production in Munich.

But it appears to follow the rules otherwise laid down by the 5 Series GT in that it runs the tapering roofline with a rear hatch and is bound to offer a similar sliding rear seat for increased utility. It is unlikely to feature the two-seat layout of the distinctly upmarket 5 Series GT.

Although the 5 Series GT currently represents a miniscule percentage of 5 Series sales (BMW’s 5 Series GT currently makes up about 10 per cent of overall 5 Series sales), the 3 Series GT may well impact registrations more heavily as a more practical and, with an AWD option, more versatile variant of the four-door models.

Pricing, which would be expected to be above the regular 3 Series, should make an impact in a slightly more price sensitive (i.e. cheaper) market segment. It should appeal, one imagines, to those who don’t wish to go the full SUV route as in the BMW X3.

The photographs show clearly the 3 Series GT’s sloping hatchback roofline, up-kicking towards the rear, although below the window line it appears to be all 3 Series sedan. An imaginary paisley-peel seems to indicate the Hofmeister kick in the rear side windows remains intact.

— with Carparazzi

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