Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, BMW
It appears that BMW may have overestimated U.S. market appeal for high-end versions of 550i Gran Turismo, and executives now acknowledge that the six-cylinder 535i probably should have been available at launch. It’s not unusual an automaker to launch an all-new model shipping mostly loaded, top-level versions order to absorb the maximum number dollars from early adopters, but sometimes that approach backfires the market isn’t ready the new vehicle.
Case in point is the 5GT, which BMW has apparently sold fewer than 1,200 units in the U.S. since the launch the polarizing people mover late last year. Interestingly, BMW has found that more women than expected have bought the model, while its less-than-stellar fuel consumption has hurt sales in still-weak U.S. economy. Gran Turismo sales apparently ahead projections elsewhere, but those other markets launched with both gasoline and diesel inline-six engine choices.
Given that the 5GT best suited as road trip machine, it might make sense BMW to install the 3.0-liter diesel from the X5 and 335d as an alternative twin-turbo V8. So far BMW has not indicated any plans offer diesel GT America, less costly 535i GT still slated arrive Fall.
Gallery: Review: 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: AutoWeek]
Report: Slow early sales have BMW thinking 5GT should′ve launched with six-cylinder originally appeared Autoblog Mon, 24 May 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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