5 Series (F10) BMW 5GT sales disappointing, has execs rethinking 5 Series Touring

[Mr Robert]

Maybe because the US is such an important market and that the cars in general have to be adjusted accordingly, people enjoy the fact that the GT is failing in the US - hopimg for a change in general direction. That's the way I see it, nothing more, nothing less... just an expression of hope.

 

[Human]

Now this debate/thread/mess is getting silly IMO.

I like the 5GT and the fact that it's a U.S. sales disaster won't change my opinion or the hope that it does continue to do good and better in other markets

We all 'assume' and speak our 'minds'...pissing each other off (i.e. ENI & The Artist) and getting nowhere constructive. Maybe a Mod should just drop this thread in "The Garbage Bin"' Thread!?

 

[LaArtist]

Maybe because the US is such an important market and that the cars in general have to be adjusted accordingly, people enjoy the fact that the GT is failing in the US - hopimg for a change in general direction. That's the way I see it, nothing more, nothing less... just an expression of hope.

The man said it..
And expression of hope

 

[Nicks]

MB makes flops, and mentioning the R in the same sentence as the 5 GT is like cursing.

I'm not mad, I just thought we were past the trolling and stuff...

i think this deserves an applause

 

[EnI]

OK, I rest my case ... What's the point of informing when people don't want to be informed at all? Since all it matters are the subjective opinions based on presumptions, personal tastes, stereotypes, etc etc. Bless the ignorance ... and the ignorant! Long live the great I! The most important thing in the world ... beyond everything. (insert a proper smiley here)

 

[NarutoRamen]

I haven't seen a single X5/X6M but I seen 5er GT several times.

Well, we ARE talking about America here.

Honestly, people in the US are confused as to wt-f the 5er GT is. Maybe marketing could've done a better job explaining to the US about it's purpose rather than throwing out some cheeky lines and expect people to drop 60k.

 

[Top Secret]

The BMW 5 Series GT has been a slow seller in Australia too, although unlike in North America, BMW Australia decided against putting all its eggs in one basket and sells the GT alongside the 5 Series wagon.

BMW Australia has sold just 14 GTs so far this year, down from 31 in the same period last year.

Just to add fuel to the fire, the 5 Series GT isn't selling very well in Australia either.

Source: BMW 5 Series GT a mistake: North America CEO | Car Advice | Reviews

 

[coolraoul]

^

Very constructive & argument-based response. Can we get some more, please?

In this swamp ...

You know, in a sense, you might be right.

But just the way you state it, like everybody else is ignorant etc, preaching the truth while all others are wrong, using strong words and attitude...

well, that just begs for an adverse response.

And just to add something constructive.. the fact a car is barely inside the preivisions while it's the first yeat (early adopters...) and that also, BMW surely was a bit "pessimistic" by fixing low objectives to save face, as it is usual with new ans different products...

And the fact it misses the goal in its main market, the US...

Well, you can still stick to your opinion and pretend all is well, but mark my words: the sales will keep slowing down, and that car will follow the path of the R-Class.

Which was very, very easy to predict given that it is very, very difficult to see what it could be used at...

 

[martinbo]

The BMW 5 Series GT has been a slow seller in Australia too, although unlike in North America, BMW Australia decided against putting all its eggs in one basket and sells the GT alongside the 5 Series wagon.

BMW Australia has sold just 14 GTs so far this year, down from 31 in the same period last year. Prices in Australia range from $144,200 to $193,900, while two variants of the wagon are available from $92,800 and $138,900.

14!!! That's sweet nothing.

 

[Monster]

Just to add fuel to the fire, the 5 Series GT isn't selling very well in Australia either.

Those sales figures are amazing, I didn't expect the numbers to be so low given I have seen 3 of them so far, one was owned by someone who lives in my suburb.

Initially I did not understand the reason for this car because I read BMW's marketing verbal diarrhea such as the following:

5er GT is for someone who prefers individuality as a lifestyle they want something unconventional and effectively something new and exciting without compromise.

http://www.germancarforum.com/5-series/28467-geneva-preview-bmw-concept-5-series-gt.html

But then I remembered people in places like Hong Kong or China, perhaps in Singapore as well loves their big comfortable, luxurious and expensive Toyota, Nissan vans. These people, mostly busy business executives (so much for anindividual lifestyle) just want a big comfortable car so their driver can drive them between states while they fall asleep at the back. The 5GT exist for these people who want to step up from their Toyota, Nissan to a relatively more attractive and refined choice.

 

[SCOTT27]

The X5 M and X6 M are big failures in sales as well.

Actually when we launched the X6M and X5M we projected the US would be the biggest market for the two Performance models.

It is not. The largest market for the M's is China , followed by Russia , Middle East and Brazil. Emerging markets that have allowed the X-M's to flourish , where they sell like volume models - Customers in these markets are buying these cars because they are ultimate status symbols.
Just because it does not work in one market means it's a failure everywhere else.

The 5er GT is doing well in Europe and Asia- Especially China were it is seen as a more luxurious choice than the basic 5er Li.

But one thing I have noticed especially in the US Media is that the car is group tested against the Porsche Panamera , CLS etc. When it is nothing like those cars it's an entirely different segment, yet they fail to grasp this.

In regards to the Touring BMW did not justify the expense of the federalisation programme to justify the typical handful of Premium US wagon sales. Volvo has followed and now has Audi.
Given the choice of the Touring 3er and 5er they went for the X3 and X5,
Audi seen the Q7 was outselling the A6 Avant and pulled it . The Q5 is outselling the A4 Avant and Volvo's V70 lost out to the XC60/90.

Given the choice between the status and security of an SAV and SUV . US buyers always go for the SAV/SUV especially in the Premium segment.
Some say they should have a choice but in regards to the 3er (E91) and X3 they take the X3. Same as the A4 Avant and Q5.
And when the ML-Klasse comes later this year the choice between E-T-Modell and ML-Klasse will be simple. They will take the ML-Klasse.

It is not the car it is just consumer tastes and SAV/SUV's provide more flexibility , security , size and status than a Wagon.

 

[Human]

^
Thanks Scott27

I hope all this shit is settled now for once and for all

So BMW had a slight mishap with the Yanks, who cares? Their own HUGE auto industry gets that every other day!

Heck, the world is bigger than the U.S. of A and mind you developing markets i.e. China, Russia, India etc. will make more and more viable economic sense going forward and IMO cars like the 5GT will follow suit

 

[Kowalski]

I have seen a few 5serGTs on the road and indeed it is bloated and ungainly looking thing. Looks like a Prius on steroids.

 

[Merc1]

WOW.....lot happened in here since yesterday. Typical BMW apologists, excuse makers have arrived with the name calling and what not. You can set your watch by such predictability. The car is a flop in the U.S. Period. Nothing else to spin or BS about. Calling the audience names is a good tactic though, smooth...and smart. Hilarious.



M

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Since all it matters are the subjective opinions based on presumptions, personal tastes, stereotypes, etc etc. Bless the ignorance ... and the ignorant! Long live the great I!

[image no longer available]blog/2010/100619-u-still-mad.jpg

 

[Sunny]

they are ultimate status symbols.

The new BMW motto!

 

[rollo]

^
Thanks Scott27

I hope all this shit is settled now for once and for all

So BMW had a slight mishap with the Yanks, who cares? Their own HUGE auto industry gets that every other day!

Heck, the world is bigger than the U.S. of A and mind you developing markets i.e. China, Russia, India etc. will make more and more viable economic sense going forward and IMO cars like the 5GT will follow suit

True, it's a big world and most here would choose an SUV over this without question. If the Europeans, Chinese and Russians dig it, that's cool, albeit surprising. Apparently the Aussies, like the Americans haven't been drinking that punch. No surprise however that the 5GT didn't work hear though, it looks like crap and hasn't exactly been a big hit with the critics in terms of how it drives either BTW.

The sad thing for a lot of the BMW faithful on this site is that they can't admit BMW made a dog, despite their own eyes and facts.

 

[Patros]

SCOOT your avatar is???
1 series or a surprise?

... looks like GINA ... ;-)

 

[Deleted member 25]

True, it's a big world and most here would choose an SUV over this without question. If the Europeans, Chinese and Russians dig it, that's cool, albeit surprising. Apparently the Aussies, like the Americans haven't been drinking that punch. No surprise however that the 5GT didn't work hear though, it looks like crap and hasn't exactly been a big hit with the critics in terms of how it drives either BTW.

The sad thing for a lot of the BMW faithful on this site is that they can't admit BMW made a dog, despite their own eyes and facts.

You are wrong, most of the BMW aficionados here hate the car. Great interior and front but a useless car that should never have been made.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

You are wrong, most of the BMW aficionados here hate the car. Great interior and front but a useless car that should never have been made.

Should have never have been made? Oh that is just cruel!