A high-ranking BMW official has confirmed the Munich-based brand will not develop a 3 Series Gran Turismo variant for the current generation.
The news comes after the reveal of the G20-generation 3 Series sedan (complete with an array of M Performance parts) at the Paris Motor Show, and confirms a rumour from August.
Speaking to motoring.com.au, Klaus Fröhlich, member of the BMW board responsible for development, confirmed a new 3 Series GT was not on the cards.
“Things are changing. When we did the GT we saw that in demographic change people want to sit a little more upright,” Fröhlich said of the original 3 Series Gran Turismo.
“But then you saw X1 and X3 you can sit upright and you feel younger. So this segment is under pressure from SUVs, which [bear] no disadvantage in fuel consumption or in ride and handling.
“Segments are growing and shrinking and you have to always be careful. Some cars we will always try and this doesn’t mean they have to be proceeded with,” he added.
The outgoing 3 Series GT range in South Africa comprises five derivatives, priced from R604 104 for the 320i GT to R848 634 for the flagship 340i.
