BMW Projects U.S. as Biggest Market for X6
BMW expects the U.S. to be their largest market for the X6 whatever-it-is when it goes on sale at the end of May for $52.5k. What this says about the tastes of the American car-buying public isn't quite clear but they're predicting half of the 40k annual production will find a home here. The next-largest markets will be the UK and Germany, which combined will only total about 10% of production. So who do they think will buy this… thing? Customers with astigmatism "who want a high-ride vehicle like an SUV but also sporty, coupe-style looks," according to Automotive News [sub]. The last time anyone attempted combining the two, we got the AMC Eagle SX-4 . Of course, there are those who would buy a Tata Nano if they stuck a BMW badge on it, so they probably won't have any problem unloading every one of these sedan/coupe/hatchback/crossover/SUV mish-mashes they build.
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Saw one of these up close (sans Flying Roundels...like that would be able to hide what it was) in Spartanburg a few weeks ago. OMG, this thing is BEYOND ugly. What the hell has happened to BMW? I loved (loved, I tell you) my 1970 2800CS, 1976 2002, 1985 318i and 1993 325is. I can't warm up to any of the Bangle-ized Bimmers. While I realize that styling is highly subjective, I miss the days of understated elegance and purpose that was BMW.
Late to the party again. It is tres Eagle-like. A few yrs ago, I was at a local BMW dealer to pick up some 3$widget to keep my 528e going. I was checking out the latest 6 er. A sales guy asked me what I thought. I allowed as I hadn't known Tauruses (tauri?) had a 2 door model. P'raps the old BMWs styling is dated, but the newer ones are just plain fugly.
I would put up with the ugliness if I could get one cheap enough. It will likely be roomy, have a a great engine and nice handling. And yes, here in the swamp the ride height is desirable. It's also nice to have in snow. I suspect they won't make many of them, though. Seems BMW does a good job slowing the production line as soon as something starts looking like a loser.
If the current trends continue we will be back to station wagons. No doubt this baby weighs!! It will probably sell well, too. I can see them proudly parked in front of the McMansion. BMW where are you going...