Rumormill: BMW reconsidering larger SUV for U.S. market?
11-10-10 | 08:04 AM
#1
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Rumormill: BMW reconsidering larger SUV for U.S. market?
No brainer to me. BMW SUVs sell very well and its not like they can say "oh we don't build it b/c its not our way" since they build just about anything now.
X7 would sell around 1000-1500 a month....IMO
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/09/r...r-u-s-market/\
http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/11/09/ru...medium=twitter
X7 would sell around 1000-1500 a month....IMO
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/09/r...r-u-s-market/\
http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/11/09/ru...medium=twitter
Judging from the whispers making their way around the interwebs, BMW may be interested in rekindling the X7 flame. The company was one of many corporations that took part in a global summit in Seoul to discuss how to rebalance global trade away from a U.S.-dependent market. But while many of the participants are keen to shift their attentions toward economies in China and Germany, BMW seemed to think that the U.S. would be back on its feet and buying sooner rather than later. The automaker even went so far as to say that it hadn't completely nixed the idea of introducing another larger SUV to its North American lineup.
That means that the X7, a massive vehicle killed off in 2008, may not be completely off of the table. Throwing another SUV into the company's portfolio wouldn't seem to be in keeping with BMW's new commitment to building ever more efficient vehicles, though you never know. Just because we like to think that we live in a post-SUV world doesn't mean American buyers don't love their massive machines.
[Source: Wall Street Journal via BMW Blog]
That means that the X7, a massive vehicle killed off in 2008, may not be completely off of the table. Throwing another SUV into the company's portfolio wouldn't seem to be in keeping with BMW's new commitment to building ever more efficient vehicles, though you never know. Just because we like to think that we live in a post-SUV world doesn't mean American buyers don't love their massive machines.
[Source: Wall Street Journal via BMW Blog]
11-10-10 | 08:28 AM
#3
BMW can't do worse than many other large SUVs out there. The only real benchmarks would be Range Rovers and Land Cruisers.
If BMW can make something that can go off-road and still inject BMW sportiness in everyday driving, they'll easily succeed.
If BMW can make something that can go off-road and still inject BMW sportiness in everyday driving, they'll easily succeed.
11-10-10 | 08:33 AM
#4
Instead they should make a full size SUV that is unibody with IRS - that will help maximize third row and cargo space, and provide for more comfortable ride, as well as better handling.
11-10-10 | 08:47 AM
#7
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Actually I think they shouldn't worry about offroad capabilities, because pretty much nobody cares about that.
Instead they should make a full size SUV that is unibody with IRS - that will help maximize third row and cargo space, and provide for more comfortable ride, as well as better handling.
Instead they should make a full size SUV that is unibody with IRS - that will help maximize third row and cargo space, and provide for more comfortable ride, as well as better handling.
BMW doesn't actually build "SUV's"....they make "SAV's"...Sports Activity Vehicles.
Off road isn't the strong point of their X series. The third row in the X5 is a complete joke and an option that definitely appeals to some. I also think this vehicle would sell.
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11-10-10 | 09:02 AM
#8
Agreed.
BMW doesn't actually build "SUV's"....they make "SAV's"...Sports Activity Vehicles.
Off road isn't the strong point of their X series. The third row in the X5 is a complete joke and an option that definitely appeals to some. I also think this vehicle would sell.
BMW doesn't actually build "SUV's"....they make "SAV's"...Sports Activity Vehicles.
Off road isn't the strong point of their X series. The third row in the X5 is a complete joke and an option that definitely appeals to some. I also think this vehicle would sell.
I really want a vehicle with three full rows, but theres no way in hell I'd drive a minivan. A modern full size cross over would be perfect for me.
11-10-10 | 09:40 AM
#9
same here, how many people really take their suv offroad? very very little. bmw is definitely in the positive to make a bigger full size suv, it's like to complete the lineup. it won't sell like x5 of course, but i am sure it will capture a chunk of the marke
11-10-10 | 09:41 AM
#10
^^^ the idea is with a large 3rd seat and WITH usable trunk space
the x7 will be a good competitor for the GL....bring it!!!
at least it won't be as useless (hopefully) as the other x0, x1, x2
the x7 will be a good competitor for the GL....bring it!!!
at least it won't be as useless (hopefully) as the other x0, x1, x2
Last edited by GS3Tek; 11-10-10 at 09:46 AM.
11-10-10 | 11:27 AM
#12
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From: Alberta
The thing is, third row in most full size SUV's isn't much better. I recently test drove a Caddy Escalade, and third row seat in that humongous behemoth was also a joke, not suitable for adults at all.
I really want a vehicle with three full rows, but theres no way in hell I'd drive a minivan. A modern full size cross over would be perfect for me.
I really want a vehicle with three full rows, but theres no way in hell I'd drive a minivan. A modern full size cross over would be perfect for me.
Off topic, but I don't understand Benz's inablity to produce their vehicles in a timely manner.
Both the C63 and GL Bluetec that we tried to order were 5 month waits....which is why we have the F and X5.
11-10-10 | 11:37 AM
#13
I think an X7 would need to be nearly Suburban-sized to make sense over the X5. The X3 is now about as big as the original X5 and we obviously know that tht X5 got much bigger this time around as well.
I think there is a case for such an SUV, but it would really need to be BIG.
I think there is a case for such an SUV, but it would really need to be BIG.
11-10-10 | 01:09 PM
#15
Check out the GL. I'm not a huge guy, but I was more than comfortable in the third row.
Exactly the vehicle that BMW needs a competitor for. We tried to buy a diesel GL but again were told 5 months wait for delivery. X5 was only 6 weeks to individually build.
Off topic, but I don't understand Benz's inablity to produce their vehicles in a timely manner. Both the C63 and GL Bluetec that we tried to order were 5 month waits....which is why we have the F and X5.
Exactly the vehicle that BMW needs a competitor for. We tried to buy a diesel GL but again were told 5 months wait for delivery. X5 was only 6 weeks to individually build.
Off topic, but I don't understand Benz's inablity to produce their vehicles in a timely manner.
Both the C63 and GL Bluetec that we tried to order were 5 month waits....which is why we have the F and X5.