Slow sales of the all-new 5 Series GT in the U.S. market has caused some BMW executives to regret how the vehicle was launched. At the model’s launch, only the high-end V8-powered 550i Gran Turismo with rear-wheel drive was available. However, execs are now acknowledging that a six-cylinder variant should have also been available.
Making a top-of-the-line available first to drive more money from early adopters is not an unusual strategy for automakers, but unfortunately this strategy backfired in BMW’s case. After launching late last year, the GT has sold fewer than 1,200 units. One of the problems attributed to poor sales is the V8’s relatively poor fuel economy. Despite its performance in the U.S., consumers in other markets are reportedly flocking to buy gasoline and diesel-powered six cylinder GT models.
“The V8 was probably not the right car to launch it with,” Rich Brekus, BMW’s general manager of sales for North America said at a recent press event.
Despite a slow response, there’s still hope for the GT yet. This summer BMW will also offer an all-wheel drive model and this fall buyers will be able to opt for an inline six cylinder engine model.
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