[WilliCO]

Originally Posted by RichReg

Is it me, or is it just because she's the product manager of a hot new BMW product....
....or is she just hot?

She's not that hot.

So, I've been looking at pictures of this car for a couple weeks now. I've decide it's the coolest new BMW model in years. I want one.

[starbai]

The cost to produce this car is likely pennies (figuratively speaking)

its a 3 series with a mix of a 4 series body with a hatch. it probably took nearly nothign to develop in terms of incremental costs.

They're damn right for building it, and would have been stupid if they didn't. They'll sell plenty of 3s, and plenty of 4s. and to be honest I dont think they give a shit which. In fact theres probably a bit more margin on the 4s as its gonna be marked up in price for like zero added costs in development and in equipment.

[ska///235i]

Originally Posted by starbai

The cost to produce this car is likely pennies (figuratively speaking)

its a 3 series with a mix of a 4 series body with a hatch. it probably took nearly nothign to develop in terms of incremental costs.

They're damn right for building it, and would have been stupid if they didn't. They'll sell plenty of 3s, and plenty of 4s. and to be honest I dont think they give a shit which. In fact theres probably a bit more margin on the 4s as its gonna be marked up in price for like zero added costs in development and in equipment.

If bmw has time to make a 2 series active tourer (aka 2 minivan)...this GC is nothing lol

[joewalton]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Your logic doesn't fly in the real world, unfortunately, since the notion of stigma plays a big role in buying choices. There is the perception of cut-rate or quirkiness attached to hatchbacks in the US, so it's really hard to build a business case to replace a bread and butter product that is not a hatchback with one that is. It's just the way it is.

By the way, there is one way in which the hatchback function does impact driving experience. You may not have seen the discussion about it (I think it was earlier in this thread, but not sure), but indeed the rear window area as experienced from within the cabin for the F36 is noticeably smaller than the F30. This could turn away some buyers as well.

Well, I wouldn't be caught dead in a hatchback yet I can't wait to trade in my F30 for a new F36.

How do you explain that?

[Oliver1]

Originally Posted by joewalton

Well, I wouldn't be caught dead in a hatchback yet I can't wait to trade in my F30 for a new F36.

How do you explain that?

Are you trading because you need a hatchback type car or because the 4gt LOOKS better than the sedan? I have no need for a hatchback but unfortunately, you can't always get exactly what you want and have to decide if the plusses outnumber the minuses.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by joewalton

Well, I wouldn't be caught dead in a hatchback yet I can't wait to trade in my F30 for a new F36.

How do you explain that?

Simple: you are sufficiently open-minded. Not everyone who drives a luxury sedan will reject a hatchback, but it is likely that it would turn more away than it would draw in. And that's not good for sales, so it's not going to make for good business. Offering both is the better strategy which is probably why they chose that route.

Another point about the F36 - as it is packaged now the rear seat is not as suited for three passengers as the F30. This is only an issue for a small percentage of people of course. And BMW could probably put a proper three place seat in there to address this if they wished.

[joewalton]

Originally Posted by mkoesel;*****255

Simple: you are sufficiently open-minded. Not everyone who drives a luxury sedan will reject a hatchback, but it is likely that it would turn more away than it would draw in. And that's not good for sales, so it's not going to make for good business. Offering both is the better strategy which is probably why they chose that route.

Another point about the F36 - as it is packaged now the rear seat is not as suited for three passengers as the F30. This is only an issue for a small percentage of people of course. And BMW could probably put a proper three place seat in there to address this if they wished.

I guess my point is if the F30 looked exactly as it does today except instead of a traditional trunk it had an extended version that included the rear glass, would it sell any less units?

If a sedan doesn't look like a hatchback, it's not a hatchback. I look at the Gran Coupe as a sport sedan with a unique trunk mechanism that is more convenient, nothing else. When on the open road, I suspect everyone else will too.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by joewalton;*****422

I guess my point is if the F30 looked exactly as it does today except instead of a traditional trunk it had an extended version that included the rear glass, would it sell any less units?

In case that was not strictly rhetorical, my opinion is "Yes". The reason I think so is for reasons already stated - connotations associated with the form factor. It is very similar to how a convertible could not generally replace a coupe in a product lineup even if it performed the same and had a hard top.

Furthermore the hatchback likely increases the cost which is also not good for competing against other products where that cost is not being incurred.

If a sedan doesn't look like a hatchback, it's not a hatchback. I look at the Gran Coupe as a sport sedan with a unique trunk mechanism that is more convenient, nothing else. When on the open road, I suspect everyone else will too.

Observers not in the know will not be aware of the fact its a hatchback, agree. Prospective buyers and shoppers will obviously learn this early on and factor it into the decision-making process.

[joewalton]

Originally Posted by mkoesel;*****477

In case that was not strictly rhetorical, my opinion is "Yes". The reason I think so is for reasons already stated - connotations associated with the form factor. It is very similar to how a convertible could not generally replace a coupe in a product lineup even if it performed the same and had a hard top.

Furthermore the hatchback likely increases the cost which is also not good for competing against other products where that cost is not being incurred.

Observers not in the know will not be aware of the fact its a hatchback, agree. Prospective buyers and shoppers will obviously learn this early on and factor it into the decision-making process.

Well, if that's the case it just makes the car more exclusive and I'm good with that too.

Love my F30, but the F36 is just too hot to pass up. If you're dating Scarlett Johansson and Kate Upton is just throwing herself at you, it's hard to say no.

[300hp]

Originally Posted by joewalton

Well, if that's the case it just makes the car more exclusive and I'm good with that too.

Love my F30, but the F36 is just too hot to pass up. If you're dating Scarlett Johansson and Kate Upton is just throwing herself at you, it's hard to say no.

"It's hard to say no" lol. The answer would either be "YES"or "Please"

[Tommy_hf]

Even if there's still a bit of boot on the grancoupe, it still is a hatchback and exposes the occupants to wind when you open the cargo door.

[Oliver1]

Don't forget about the cold, rain, blowing snow, creaking, water leaks, road noise, items in the back rattling around.

[300hp]

Jason

Please when you get a chance, advise on:

- when can orders be made
- availability of mperformance parts, specifically PPK and MPE (i am sure LSD will be a popular one too)

Thanks

[chylld]

This was the car I've been waiting for! I'm regularly (at least once a week) loading big archery bags and as they are long and bulky, most mid-size sedans simply will not take them through the small boot opening. This one will The fact that it looks a bit sleeker and sportier than the 3-series is a bonus.

Found out about it last Thursday and placed my order on Friday. My dealer contact me on Saturday and said I should have it in May

[Oliver1]

Originally Posted by chylld

This was the car I've been waiting for! I'm regularly (at least once a week) loading big archery bags and as they are long and bulky, most mid-size sedans simply will not take them through the small boot opening. This one will The fact that it looks a bit sleeker and sportier than the 3-series is a bonus.

Found out about it last Thursday and placed my order on Friday. My dealer contact me on Saturday and said I should have it in May

Just make sure it is an F36 and not an F34.They are both very similar. World premiere isn't until March in Geneva, and in April for the US. Market launch isn't until early summer which would be July putting the start of production in late May early June. Being in Australia and a season ahead of the Northern Hemisphere, it could be you are getting the cars before everyone else.

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by 300hp

Jason

Please when you get a chance, advise on:

- when can orders be made
- availability of mperformance parts, specifically PPK and MPE (i am sure LSD will be a popular one too)

Thanks

Forum sponsor has already indicated they are accepting orders.

You should be good on the MPE and PPK as nothing about the GC mechanically differs that would affect those parts.

[BimmerQuest]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

Forum sponsor has already indicated they are accepting orders.

Any link to information about delivery dates?

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by BimmerQuest

Any link to information about delivery dates?

Asking questions here would be a better idea.

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=907026

[300hp]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

Forum sponsor has already indicated they are accepting orders.

You should be good on the MPE and PPK as nothing about the GC mechanically differs that would affect those parts.

Thanks looks like its May delivery

Originally Posted by chylld

This was the car I've been waiting for! I'm regularly (at least once a week) loading big archery bags and as they are long and bulky, most mid-size sedans simply will not take them through the small boot opening. This one will The fact that it looks a bit sleeker and sportier than the 3-series is a bonus.

Found out about it last Thursday and placed my order on Friday. My dealer contact me on Saturday and said I should have it in May

Thanks for this update. I will be talking to my dealer this week, May works very well for me. 435i GC in EBII please

[chylld]

Originally Posted by Oliver1

Just make sure it is an F36 and not an F34

haha yes that would have been a bad mistake it's definitely the F36 because my salesman says pricing and options aren't available yet. the dealer apparently already has one on order for march build may delivery, and if the pricing and options become available before that one locks in then it will be mine!

[300hp]

Originally Posted by chylld

haha yes that would have been a bad mistake it's definitely the F36 because my salesman says pricing and options aren't available yet. the dealer apparently already has one on order for march build may delivery, and if the pricing and options become available before that one locks in then it will be mine!

Pricing and options should be very similar to the 435i Coupe. Just noticed you are in Australia so you are likely to get yours earlier if you are getting it in May.

[300hp]

Can someone gran coupe this 4 series, please:

A lot more photos to choose from here
http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=866546