It was a rumor at first, then a definite maybe from BMW. The 5 Series wagon would be killed, at least in the U.S. It never sold in big numbers anyway they said, and with the introduction of the 5 Series GT the wagon seemed even less likely to appeal to U.S. buyers.
Well now it's official, sort of. According to our correspondent on hand at the international press launch, BMW officials said there would be no 535xi sport wagon sold in the U.S. Can't blame them either as BMW only sold 878 5 Series wagons in 2009.
Interestingly enough, those same officials said that the possibility of a 535d sedan for the U.S. hasn't been written off yet, this despite weak sales of the 335d. Part of the optimism comes from the fact that the X5 diesel has started to gain some traction. Apparently the idea of diesel power seems palatable in a family vehicle more so than a sport sedan.
Only problem is price of course. The 335d already starts at $44K, so a 535d would mostly likely push up against the 550i in terms of pricing. Could be interesting to see which vehicle buyers in that class prefer.
bankerdanny says:
08:38 AM, 01/26/10
I wonder if it would really be a problem if the 535d pushed up against the 550 price wise. Given the great torque provided by the diesel, would it be dramatically slower? Especially in the real world as opposed to the test track. I would bet that for most 550 buyers, the 535d would step off the line just as smartly, work just as well in traffic and on the highway, and get them substantially better fuel economy while doing so. Sounds like a winning combo to me.
throwback says:
08:52 AM, 01/26/10
I am still amazed that we don't buy wagons in this country, especially when we know gas prices will rise. I would never buy a X5/X6 over a 5 series wagon for the driving dynamics alone. Add in the beter mpg and it's a no brainer.
blueguydotcom says:
09:03 AM, 01/26/10
How the blue blazes in the lame GT comparable to a real wagon? Good grief BMW is run by chuckleheads.
cr_driver says:
09:08 AM, 01/26/10
Yes the 535d is a winning combo, no doubt.
But comparing it to the mighty 550i is pushing the envelope. The right choice is to compare it to the 535i. Just as the 335d compares with the 335i. Its easy.
WHy? Its quite easy, just go and search numbers and you`ll see what I am talking about.
The E60 V8 was quite powerful, quite fast, but remember, the new 550i F10 has a monster 4.4L TWIN TURBO V8.
I don`t know how someone with the money and the conscience to buy the 550i, will be as happy to get the 535d. Thats a step down, not a step up.
As for price there are eco credits? some sort of taxes that reduces the price of the 335d, so probably that will apply to the 535d. We`ll see.
ptcdawg says:
09:23 AM, 01/26/10
Bring on the Wagon...anything would be better than the BMW Aztec they are pawning off on suckers here.
bankerdanny says:
10:28 AM, 01/26/10
I think the X6 is very attractive, but I would buy an X5 if I could afford an expensive SUV, and would buy a 5 wagon if I wanted a premium wagon. The GT doesn't quite reach the level of Aztek ugly, but its close.
The GT (and Honda equivalent) seem to be answers to questions that weren't asked.
As ugly as the Aztek is, you can't dispute that it's an incredibly verstile vehicle. Plus, if Amercian's have demonstrated anything it's that they aren't interested in large hatchbacks. Just as Mazda, Rover, and Ford (Merkur). Saab was only moderately successful in this niche with the 99/900/9-3 becoming something of a cult vehicle (I know I loved my 900 turbo).
inlinesix says:
10:44 AM, 01/26/10
Wow that front end is a killer.
I know Americans dont typically buy wagons but Subaru has been selling a lot of them for years. Maybe we don't buy wagons at a certain price point?
throwback says:
10:44 AM, 01/26/10
bankerdanny, the thing is, SUVs ARE hatchbacks! Wagons do sell if they are called SUVs, see the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70 as exhibits 1&2.
robe457 says:
01:34 PM, 01/26/10
For diesels to really take off here, the US government needs to raise the gas tax and/or lower the diesel tax.
festus67 says:
06:25 PM, 01/26/10
UGH! What's it gonna take to get a high torque and efficient AWD diesel (non-SUV) wagon in this country?
robe457, you are right. I think it's time. See too many people idling in the parking lot.