[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

NA Sales of 5-series GT Disappoint. 3-series Touring to Stay In NA Lineup

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For anyone who is vigilant about the popularity of BMWs they spot on the roads of North America, this should come as no surprise - the 5-series GT has unfortunately been a bit of a sales disappointment.

In an interview with Automotive News, BMW of North America CEO Jim O'Donnell says he wishes the company hadn't stopped selling the 5-series wagon (F11) in the United States last year because the company thought a lot its 5-series station wagon customers would go with the GT.

Instead of luring the 5-series station wagon owners to the GT, it's the 7-series owners who seem interested in the 5-series GT instead. As an example, in Florida, 10 percent of BMW 7-series owners have replaced their cars with the 5-series GT, O'Donnell says. Worse yet, the company has lost 5-series touring customers to the competition, with Mercedes-Benz being cited as the main beneficiary.

According to the article, when the GT was launched in the United States, BMW executives said they expected annual sales of 4,000 to 8,000 units. BMW sold 2,848 GTs in 2010 and just 720 in the first four months of 2011. Sales of the 5-series wagon peaked at 2,351 units in 2005.

So is there a chance the North American market may see the F11 touring yet? Chances seem slim, as O'Donnell says it may be too late for this generation and places his focus on considering it for the next generation 5-series.

BMW wagon fans shouldn't lose all hope however, as the 3-series wagon in the upcoming next generation 3-series will still be available in NA. Says O'Donnell: "We are not giving up the 3-series wagon because if you give it up, they will go straight to the competition," he says.

This begs the question -- will North America receive both the 3-series touring and the 3-series GT (which we know exists, courtesy of spy photos)?

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[mkoesel]

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/b...-series-wagon/

I'd post the original, but don't have an auto-news sub.

It also sounds like F31 3 Series touring may come to the US after all?

[Crimson92]

i dont see how they thought the 5gt would be a good idea.

[Erhan]

This feels strangely satisfying.

[SamS]

Instant collectible?

[Philritter21]

What an arrogant move by BMW. The GT should never have replaced anything. It is awkward and unattractive. I would have bought a 535 wagon, but nope. They leave me with this monstrosity. I feel oddly happy at this news. Kinda a big FU to the corporate "brains" that thought this was a good idea.

[b0bab0i]

Originally Posted by SamS

Instant collectible?

Nope, it will be known as one of the ugliest cars made, alongside the Aztek.

[cloakster]

Did BMW really think that people who buy hatchbacks would be interested in a car with a smaller trunk? really? The guys that did the research for this should be fired.

Good to hear that they are realizing the mistake and that the 3 series wagon is here to stay Hopefully the 5 series wagon may eventually come too.

[Poppin Fresh]

They should have kept the front end of the GT and incorporated the wagon on the rear. It would have been a much more aggressive looking car.

[1230vani]

How is GT a touring competitor at all. I actually like the car, being one of the rare ones, however trunk space is a joke (especially compared to the touring), one of the main reasons I would not get this car. Driver's position and the interior is what I like.

[jadnashuanh]

I'm one of the few that bought a GT this year. I bought it, not because I love the design, but because I fit. I don't really fit into the sedan, and the wagon is essentially the same. The increased headroom and ride height make it a decent choice. The hatch gives it some additional functionality with the security of a trunk for smaller loads. Now, if you could buy the sedan without the sunroof, maybe, but the gods deem any car in this 'class' must have a sunroof in the USA. In Germany, they are optional on (nearly?) all lines.

Looks are not that big a draw...my first new car was a Citroen ID19! Talk about ugly, but it was comfortable. The handling isn't 'bad', but not as good as the sedan. Then again, it's better than many other vehicles.

[SE3P_to_E90]

surprise surprise... bmw's aztec didn't do well... i really hope they scrap the 3GT idea... that will be a nightmare as well.

[White Shark]

Originally Posted by Jason

So is there a chance the North American market may see the F11 touring yet? Chances seem slim, as O'Donnell says it may be too late for this generation and places his focus on considering it for the next generation 5-series.

[Kiemyster]

I only remember talking endless trash about the 5GT. I really tried to love it when it came out, but it never appealed to me. I dont see them in showrooms either. Good job BMW, sending our sales to mercedes benz. I cant imagine who the hell said this car was a good idea. Just because you jam pack a vehicle with technology doesnt mean we will like it. Im going to really give up on MW if they continue with the GT M3 instead of a 4 door. No 4 door, no m3 for me. Im actually considering buying another E90 M3 so i will never even look at the next gen M3's.

A note to the boys at bmw, DONT FUCK UP. This is how great companies fall. we've had this chat many many times before.

[asif163]

It's because the GT is one of the ugliest cars ever made!!!

[bavarian19]

GT is ugly and less practical. A decent looking and practical touring would have done the job.

[SCOTT26]

Dont get too over excited for an F31. The wagon has not been federalized and overall decision lies with Munich. And from Munich even the most observant can see that in the US Market-

The new X3 has wiped out 3er Touring sales with the US Market being more interested in having the relevant SAV rather than the Wagon.

Audi are not bringing the A6 Avant because the Q7 decimated it's sales
And Mercedes-Benz's E-Klasse is not making the same impact as it does in Europe. Also Mercedes-Benz introduce a new ML-Klasse next month before it arrives in the autumn. Expect that to infiltrate the T-Modell sales.

[宝马.e90]

I've only seen a handful since it was released. But in Europe, there are quite a few. It's not the prettiest looking car but I don't mind it. As For the 3er GT, I still think it can be a success. It's not that much bigger than the base 3er and if they can justify it (say, more performance vs. 335) then I think it can work out. And from the early spy shots, it doens't look to bad either.

[positiveions]

that is no bueno. oh well. try again BMW

[nemex12]

who in his right mind would buy such an ugly car, for what i know it can hadle as a ferrari but is ugly as hell. glad to hear that americans have more taste than europeans at least when it comes to the cars they choose which should be proven by the low sales of this frankie. bmw should make it right by sending the real cars,like gts and csl, to the states instead of those abominations they tend to make lately

[SFDede]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

... in the US Market-
The new X3 has wiped out 3er Touring sales with the US Market being more interested in having the relevant SAV rather than the Wagon.
...

If I extend this logic down the line to the 1-series, it suggests two possibilities:

1) you bring the X1 to the US, finally
2) you bring the 1-series F20 hatch to the US, which would be my undying preference

However, neither of these seem possible. One can only hope.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by benmoooon

Nope, it will be known as one of the ugliest cars made, alongside the Aztek.

I think it looks nicer than the F31. When I saw the GT on the highway, I thought it actually looked quite good. Not that I'd actually buy one, mind you.