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Don't ask us to explain the whole long-wheelbase thing in China. We've heard the official explanation and it really doesn't make much sense. There's clearly a market for such sedans, though as various automakers just keep cranking them out.
Looking at this extra-long 5 Series only reminds us that it looks too similar to the 7 Series these days. Then again, maybe that's the whole point, at least in China.
IL News: BMW 5 Series at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show
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dino6 says:
03:04 PM, 04/23/10
Don't forget that in many countries around the world including China, India, Russia etc., most business executives and even mid-level managers are driven around by chaffeurs. That's why there is a huge market for long wheelbase luxury rear seat accomodation cars.
amaciejewski says:
04:50 PM, 04/23/10
dino6:
that's a pretty rhetorical statement. It's just curious as to why they would make a long wheelbase 5! Why not just use the 7? That's the curiosity behind this article.
dino6 says:
05:51 PM, 04/23/10
amaciejewski:
The answer is price and status. What you would see is the CEO of the company being driven around in a 7 series, the vice-presidents in a 5 series and the division managers in a 3 series.
You're thinking like an American, I have global business experience of many years in different continents.
billt9 says:
10:03 PM, 04/23/10
5-series Li: 412,000 - 688,000 RMB ($100,000 USD)
7-seris Li: 918,000 - 2,518,000 RMB ($368,000 USD)
There is a huge price difference.
lid777 says:
10:03 PM, 04/23/10
Import vehicles into China face a hefty import tariff. BMW went into a joint venture to produce the 5 and 3 series in China to avoid the tariff. Also, I'd imagine it would be easier to retool the factory for long wheel base versions of the 3 and 5 then to retool it for the 7. Plus, there may be a certain loss of prestige for a 7 series manufactured in China. But the main reason is probably just demand to be chauffeured
billt9 says:
10:17 PM, 04/23/10
And to think the 760Li only costs a measly $137,000 USD in the USA.
Anybody can buy a 760Li in the USA.
I think I have enough lunch money left over to buy one tomorrow.