US G99 M5 Touring is confirmed!

[shawnhayes]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I 100% agree but that’s the only explanation that makes sense. It’s lazy but these decisions are made by humans and humans can be lazy. Maybe they don’t want to do the math on expected demand and production for each and just say “screw it, they’ll buy an X”. Also, they make the X here. The wagon would be imported, so the margin probably isn’t the same with reasonable pricing.

I’d just make the wagon available to order and let it cost what it costs. I wouldn’t load up dealer lots with them or advertise them hard. Benz never advertises the E wagon. People that want one will go looking. It’s a niche, I just think it’s a profitable one. Volvo makes a great looking wagon but it’s boring to drive. Why not come and blow them up a little with a 540 wagon that has some attitude?

Made this mine day before yesterday…

[shawnhayes]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I 100% agree but that’s the only explanation that makes sense. It’s lazy but these decisions are made by humans and humans can be lazy. Maybe they don’t want to do the math on expected demand and production for each and just say “screw it, they’ll buy an X”. Also, they make the X here. The wagon would be imported, so the margin probably isn’t the same with reasonable pricing.

I’d just make the wagon available to order and let it cost what it costs. I wouldn’t load up dealer lots with them or advertise them hard. Benz never advertises the E wagon. People that want one will go looking. It’s a niche, I just think it’s a profitable one. Volvo makes a great looking wagon but it’s boring to drive. Why not come and blow them up a little with a 540 wagon that has some attitude?

You mean like THIS that they ALREADY have in europe? Oh no, couldn't possibly....

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by shawnhayes

You mean like THIS that they ALREADY have in europe? Oh no, couldn't possibly....

Yeah that’s my entire point. They make it anyway, just make it available to order in the US. Same as Benz and the E class.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I think a 540 touring would do well. I’m in a smaller market and I see a decent number of E series wagons, even though they have to be ordered and dealers don’t just get them in inventory. I wouldn’t trade my M550 for one, but if I went back to a 540 then I’d pick a wagon if available.

Edit to add - I don’t think they keep them out of the US because we won’t buy them. They could even do what Benz does and offer it as available to order. I think they don’t want to cut into their own X vehicle sales.

I also think it’s mostly not wanting to cut into their X sales. With a bit of the cost overhead even of adding it as an option for special order. There is some.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Gautam

I also think it’s mostly not wanting to cut into their X sales. With a bit of the cost overhead even of adding it as an option for special order. There is some.

That’s exactly what I think. And if I were them, I’d pass the cost overhead on to the buyer. If you want to special order a 5 series wagon, there’s a premium. I think the people that appreciate it would pay it, especially getting something that won’t be all over the road around them everyday.

[flyinginsectturnips]

The confirmation of the US version suggests that BMW recognizes the demand for such a vehicle and is catering to the preferences of American customers.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by flyinginsectturnips

The confirmation of the US version suggests that BMW recognizes the demand for such a vehicle and is catering to the preferences of American customers.

Obviously following Audi and bringing them competition for the S6 Avant. I wish they’d send a 540 wagon with it. Maybe the M5 gives them a chance to test to popularity with a limited run model.