The somewhat confusing array of BMW sedans will be trimmed for 2020. BMW has released updated info for their new 2020 models that includes the discontinuation news.

GT sedans, gone

First to go are the 3 and 6 Series GT sedans. These were the sedans with the taller roofs, more upright seating, and hatchbacks. From Motoring.com, BMW’s global development chief Klaus Frohlich said, “Things are changing.” That’s code for “sedans aren’t selling anymore.” He suggested that people who want to sit a little more upright are going to BMW’s X1 and X3 SUVs.

SUVs feel ‘younger’

“You saw (with) X1 and X3 you can sit upright and you feel younger,” continues Frohlich. “So this segment is under pressure from SUVs, which are having no disadvantage in fuel consumption or in ride and handling.” We wouldn’t say a higher center of gravity will give you equal handling, just saying…

Also, he left out that the low profile we all love about BMW sedans disappeared with the higher top and DLO. So we can say that this is a case where the SUV has saved BMW’s better-looking sedans.

Gran Coupe cut

Though the nomenclature for calling this sedan a “coupe” was confusing, the profile wasn’t. We all loved the sedan’s lower coupe-like silhouette. But with the discontinuation of the Gran Coupe BMW is left with only the true two-door coupe in their 6-Series line. 

This makes some sense since the 3, 5, and 7 Series sedans should satisfy those looking for whatever it was they were looking for in a 6-Series 4-door sedan. Whether for price or size, the 6-Series seemed to be splitting hairs.

Now, with the huge shift from sedans to SUVs taking place in virtually every sector, BMW has a nice SUV lineup to conquer former sedan customers. With sedan demand falling, having slightly differing sedan bodies is a loser, unfortunately.

BMW is not Chevy

In addition, BMW was never a Chevrolet or a Ford. Those brands, until recently, offered many different cars for all kinds of tastes and budgets. BMW has always been a premium brand in the US. Having so much model differentiation on such a large scale must have been confusing. Heck, it was confusing for those marketing them, and those of us writing about it all. 

Luckily, BMW appears to be taking a step back and looking at their massive portfolio and asking itself, “Does anybody really need all of these various BMW sedans? Are we getting the best bang for our development bucks? Can we really afford to market each one of these slightly unique sedans, not to mention the marketing money necessary for the rest of our cars and SUVs? The answer? No.

Rejoice, don’t weep

So don’t weep for these latest discontinuation developments. This will give BMW more development money (hopefully) to spread around their traditional 3, 5, and 7 Series variants, plus sexy sports cars and a plethora of SUVs to boot.

Now, if you’re sad about these cancellations, hurry on down to your nearest BMW store to see what deals await you at the threshold of the 2020 models hitting those dealerships. Tell them MotorBiscuit sent you!