Report: Slow early sales have BMW thinking 5GT should've launched with six-cylinder

[Centurion]

They should drop in an I4 and a trunk full of batteries, it already looks like the Prius. Kalifornian's would love it.

That's actually quite a good idea.

 

[ZicZachZo]

They should drop in an I4 and a trunk full of batteries, it already looks like the Prius. Kalifornian's would love it.

Ahem, not this crazy liberal Kalifornian.

As previously stated, I really hope this car is a flop so maybe we can get our hands on the gorgeous wagon, which we crazy liberal Kalifornians up here in the bay area just love.

 

[Mr Robert]

They should drop in an I4 and a trunk full of batteries, it already looks like the Prius. Kalifornian's would love it.

Yes, "the luxury Prius" would probably sell even better than my 525d GT.

 

[footie]

The concept is right, it's purely it's looks that is wrong with the 5GT. I'm not a lover of the A5SB but at least it looks more normal than the 5GT and same applies to the A7 which will also be the looker the 5GT isn't.

Frankly after seeing how stunning the new 5 Touring looks I reckon the sales will revert back to the estate being to most popular of the two.

 

[Human]

maybe if you read the article you can see on how it relates to the us market only. Whilst mentioning that projections in other markets are ahead which is exactly what i discussed earlier, please read it again.
Especially in regarding the initial introduction of the 550i gt first.

In light of it's replacement of the 5er touring, 5er gt has nearly outsold two years worth of combined 5er touring sales in north america in a few months.

exactly!!! Read between the lines

 

[Mr Robert]

The concept is right, it's purely it's looks that is wrong with the 5GT. I'm not a lover of the A5SB but at least it looks more normal than the 5GT and same applies to the A7 which will also be the looker the 5GT isn't.

Frankly after seeing how stunning the new 5 Touring looks I reckon the sales will revert back to the estate being to most popular of the two.

Problem with the A5 SB is that it is so damn anonymous. You really have to look twice to notice it. That could never be said about the GT.

 

[footie]

Problem with the A5 SB is that it is so damn anonymous. You really have to look twice to notice it. That could never be said about the GT.

Agreed, but the looking twice at the 5GT is more a case of '***'.

 

[klier]

This thread is one giant flamebait.

Pretty amazing, considering this forum has 3 moderators per regular user.

 

[Jabba]

This thread is one giant flamebait.

Maybe, but why not?
The BMW people should read this, there is still time to react. If there is a smell of a flop in the air other customers who might have thought about buying the GT will be afraid sitting in a car that´s on the "out" list.

BTW: This car is sooooo ugly, i can not remeber a BMW having ever looked so failed. This is the first BMW i do not like! (There are many Mercs or Audis i don´t like)

 

[martinbo]

Question is around whether the 5er GT's sales are sustainable or if all we're seeing here is an early adopter trend in people with lots of money and the need to be seen and need to be different, and, need to be seen as different.

I am of the opinion that the GT's sales will dwindle over time as buyers become familiar (and beyond this, jaded) with the quirky and moment-in-time fastback styling theme. I personally think that this fastback "renaissance" in general is nothing more than a passing fad because, none of the fastbacks we've yet seen are better to look at than their coupe / saloon stablemates.

Heck, even the new 5er Touring is a far more elegant and graceful machine - I mean really, a man and his two labrador machine - than this ungainly and un-BMW-like folly. This is a pity because I only see the 5er GT as detracting from the appeal and market potential of the Touring. The 5er GT is a focus robber in my eyes...

The BMW 5er GT. I know what it is and why it is. But that doesn't mean I have to like it.

 

[GreyCoupe]

Now I read that BMW will cease bringing the 5 series estate to North America. Think we should tell them that this clever strategy will not boost sales of the 5er GT?

 

[Poverty]

I have only seen one in the UK so far, and the UK loves BMW.

 

[Merc1]

This vehicle should have not only launched with the 6-cylinder, but more importantly with AWD. That would have made some difference at least. They went the priciest version and with no AWD. This is supposed to be a practical (but luxury) vehicle right? Then it should have had AWD and the I6 first.


M

 

[Osnabrueck]

No way is launching loaded ever a mistake. Sales for this car would have been soft in the US no matter what.

I remain staunchly supportive of the 5er GT. It's a magnificent looking car on the road and appears to be a sales success in Asia.

The US is chronically uptight when it comes to new packaging for conservative brands. If it isn't a bigger sedan, a sportier coupe or a more rugged SUV Americans aren't interested. X6 appears to be possibly bucking the trend, via ostentation.

I hope residuals on 5er GTs are awful because I'd gladly take one a couple years from now.

 

[siko]

I've said from beginning that it should have launched with 3.0TT and a Diesel variant... the V8 should have been released as an afterthought.

And as mentioned above, AWD should be standard like on the wagons (at least its standard on wagons here in Canada, not sure about US).

The way it is marketed in NA so far is real piss poor.

 

[Mr Robert]

I have only seen one in the UK so far, and the UK loves BMW.

That is strange, really, because like you say, the UK loves BMW. Here in Sweden they aren't that rare. When I'm in Stockholm or Malmö, I see them at least once a day.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

That is strange, really, because like you say, the UK loves BMW.

I've seen lots in the UK.

 

[klier]

I was at a Golf event sponsered by BMW last week, and they had 7er Hybrid, 535d GT, X6 Hybrid, FL X5, Z4 35is. A got to drive them all, and the GT was a mighty impressive car. Perfect as a VIP transportation system for such an event, and I saw a lot of people choosing for the GT to be driven back to their hotel... GT is quite a hit here in my country/area. I see them a lot. But then again, there's a pretty wide engine choice over here as well...

 

[Human]

MY-OH-MY! The GT is taking punches...wonder why

Elegant, graceful, large and different. The engine choice's are great albeit BMW made a mistake introducing the V8 TT only for the now depression driven, bankrupted by war non existing US car market.

In China and the rest of the world where banks where not bailed out by already overspending governments - there where people can still afford to drive in style and real Gran Turismo flair still exist, for cars that is graceful, elegant and simply beautiful too look at and a true unique driving experience....i.e. the 5er GT.
In the same country's that Rolls-Royce has broken all of it's own sales records this year and has been 'sold out'...i.e. China, Russia, Middle Eastern regions...there the GT will sell well into the future.

I myself are in the proses of finding a private buyer for my X6...yes! I want a 5er GT, I simply adore the car

EDIT: Wishlist.... 5 Series GT with X-Drive!

 

[martinbo]

I suspect it's a slow seller here in SA. Human or anyone else can you corroborate?

And really, my neighbour... ditching the X6 for a 5er GT? Why? Do you need more luxury and comfort? [As if you haven't gotten enough already ] What about the sacrifice in ground clearance? Surely in your part of the world the added ride height is a bonus on all the dirt roads over there?