[heavyD^2]

Originally Posted by Kingpin4

You have to admit this thread delivers. BMW simply trademarks a model and like clockwork the Debbie Downers flood in to speculate the end of the world is upon us.

[clee1982]

thought the V12 is on its final leg, maybe RR only...

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Only a matter of time to be honest. BMW wants a slice of the high end SUV pie. The question is, are customers willing to pay for it? I'm assuming this will an SUV with a slowing roofline. This SUV could very well cost somewhere between $140,000 to $180,000 and the options in that price range are very open.

I guess time will tell.

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

In my opinion there are two cars that BMW will never be able to beat at their own game. The S-Class and G-Wagon. When it comes to the basic SUV's and Sedans Merc and BMW can easily compete with each other, but the S and G just always seem to remain at the top of their classes.

I agree 100%. Both of these cars have built a hardcore following as well. One specific reason people love the G-Wagon for example is the 'thunk' of the doors.

Originally Posted by Hegge

Crazy they would want to make an X8M and not a Z4M.

Remember, SUV's were something like 50% of BMW sales in the USA. Why would they invest in R&D for a model that won't sell? BMW has board members to please.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by GRUESOM3

Mass depreciation

The only M car that has held it's value somewhat well has been the M3.

Depreciating M cars are not new.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

Isn't the Q8 an X6 competitor though in price, size and class. I have a feeling the X8, like the regular 8-series will be one of those cars that really doesn't belong to a proper class of cars. Also if the normal 8 is already overpriced I imagine this one will be well within the $100k+ starting.

Yeah, the Q8 is technically a X6 competitor. Audi still doesn't have an answer for the GLS or the X7.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

This, sell your SUV's but at least you could maybe give us an M3 that actually has steering feel or sounds good!

Keep in mind, Porsche owners expect the car drive and handle well because it is a performance brand in general. BMW owners want a comfortable, no fuss ride. The average age of a BMW owner was like 48 back in 2014 or 2015. Those people don't want that same 'exciting' drive anymore. I'm sure the average age has gone up.

[SabineBimmer]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

In my opinion there are two cars that BMW will never be able to beat at their own game. The S-Class and G-Wagon. When it comes to the basic SUV's and Sedans Merc and BMW can easily compete with each other, but the S and G just always seem to remain at the top of their classes.

The G-wagon is such a household name that even the thought of the vehicle, therefore the perception of the vehicle, is almost legend.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

They have many plenty of choices of boring BMW's then. Still don't understand why they can't just create a sports mode with all the goodies and a comfort mode that does the opposite.

Same reason Mercedes doesn't program their sport mode to become canyon carving machine. How often do owners REALLY go backroad carving? I'm going to go out on a limb and estimate that the 'enthusiast' market is all of four to five percent if that on a good day. Cars from BMW and Mercedes and Audi are meant to be driven on a daily basis and having a ride that is jarring gets old real quick. Look back at the e9x and how many people complained about how harsh the ride was with run flat tires and how the entire car felt like it was going to break when you hit a pothole. Remember 'pothole explorations' anyone?

All three luxury brands give their owners just that..luxury. A smooth, comfortable and quiet ride to and from the office, the gym, a date night, the grocery store and home.

It sucks and I agree but that's why we have choices to choose from.

[ChrisK]

I'm waiting for the X10!

[GerryM5]

Nice post. Chelsea trackers just fits. Is there one that fits the U.S?

[Arcades]

XXM here we come!

[stefan]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

It will just be a school bus with quad exhaust tips

A school bus with a sloped roof--you know, because "coupe"

They'll sell every one of them.

[elitesales305]

You people are on crack!!
No one is debating why we need suvs or projected sales etc etc..
Issues and gripes i believe=
M brand diluting
( i dont care if its M on a car or holographic pokemon cards.. if everything has a M .. or holographic , even your underwear.. than its not "special"
If M has meant the difference between commute car/and a "race" semi ready car.. then why cant you understand that people get upset when they pay premium dollar for the "exclusivity" of a M..
But yet nowadays... they put a M all over the car with no M guts.. thus making the M almost irrelevant unless it only has one numeral after it. As it should b!!
I know, your gonna say.. well abc car company has been doing it since blah blah blah.. ok fine but this is a bmw community and i only care about the M .. let benzo trash amg all day i could care less..
Second main gripe wich u analytical re -res keep skimming over with your resale/ projected future revenue streams etc etc...
Is the simple fact that if you have 6 suvs to choose from.. and 8 sedans... theyrs some dilution there as well..
Building a new platform shouldnt b a thing every 3 years .. starting a "series" and then closing it 5 years later to only intruduce something similar under another name.. some call it marketing..
I believe think people with that gripe its more of a overkill.. remember .. 8 diff sedans need 8 diff parts stock..you need troubleshooting for all 8 diff sedans..
Some would say.. well no, cuz out of the 8 , 6 use the same chassis headlighy etc..... EXACTLY THE POINT!! Dont fix what aint broken..why have 8 of almost the same..its redundant
40 diff models cheapens the product in my opinion.. regardless of demand.. keep in mind were not talking low income ecojomy cars here.. bmw has always " demanded" prestigiousness..
Maybe headed in the direction of mercedes wich is sad.. as the benz deff lacks what it was as far as "class"

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

X2 is also rumored to end early/receive no successor. I have yet to see one on the road that doesn't have the words "courtesy car" on the back. Although surprisingly I've seen more at Carmax than actually on the road (including loaners).

I'm skeptical of that since sales have somewhat picked up. Even if they take a completely different route, I expect that there will be something to swoop in and grab the X2 name.

[TheM3Boy]

Originally Posted by frankchn

Why is anyone surprised?

Mercedes has the GLS 63S and Audi has the RSQ8. If anything, BMW is late to this segment. In fact, I am surprised that BMW didn't make an X7M.

Not just yet!

[Alpine300zhp]

Hmm. An x7 with the rear from the x6. That will look terrible and no amount of M treatment will change that.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by SabineBimmer

The G-wagon is such a household name that even the thought of the vehicle, therefore the perception of the vehicle, is almost legend.

G-Wagon also lives on its off-road reputation, kinda like Land Rover and Jeep Wrangler.

I don't see a lot of current G-Wagon owners looking to buy the real McCoy.

https://expeditionmotorcompany.com/builds/

[535i MSport]

Originally Posted by Mo@BMWofFairfax

The average age of a BMW owner was like 48 back in 2014 or 2015. Those people don't want that same 'exciting' drive anymore. I'm sure the average age has gone up.

I am a bit older than that and still want an exciting drive, so that just goes to prove that we are all different. I think that it's less to do with age and more to do with people's interests. Some people don't even know what the Nurburgring is for goodness sakes....��

Both of my boys are into cars because I have been, so they appreciate cars that are good to drive. Plus I trained my wife - some track time helped of course ��

[Germanauto]

Can't believe some people are defending this. Yes it makes business sense but so has every other anti-enthusiast decision BMW corporate has been making over the years. That's akin to a Detroit Lions or Cleveland Browns fan consistently backing the decisions of the front office and ownership. Should Chargers and Rams fans have been supportive with the money grab relocation to LA? Real fans/enthusiasts don't tolerate bullshit from the suits.

Unlike Porsche BMW does not seem to be using the profits from SAVs into creating more sports cars. Besides the M2 and MAYBE the oversized M3/4 which product in BMW's portfolio can you argue places it's full emphasis on the driver first? I can't think of a single one.

[SCOTT26]

There will be a BMW X8. It's more like an X2 than an X6.

[Alpine300zhp]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

There will be a BMW X8. It's more like an X2 than an X6.

Please explain? The cars get bigger as the number goes up.......

[themnmd]

Originally Posted by 535i MSport

They do seem to have lost the plot.

Simple, what ever sells more units