Quote:
Originally Posted by Merc1  No way. The X6 is far too impractical to obsolete the X5. It may eat into the X5's sales a bit initially, but once people see what a vanity purchase the X6 is the X5 will be just fine. CLS cut into E-Class sales at first and then dropped off while the E picked back up. Same will happen with the X5 and X6. X6 will sell on looks, both inside and out, better engines and most importantly a more connected driving experience. X5 will sell on cheaper price (relatively) and much better utility relative to the X6.
M |
Merc1's hit the nail on the head.
The X6 is to the X5 as the CLS is to the E-class. The X5 and the E-class being the conventional model, and the X6 and CLS being cost-efficient derivatives that are aimed to capture a market that is more focused on vanity
(great word to explain it Merc!!). ...and just like we're seeing with the CLS, the X6 will most likely experience strong initial sales as people flock to its stylish, and rather unique concept
(though personally I don't like its overall shape).... but then once that initial demand dies off, sales will settle back down to a niche-vehicle level, while the X5 will gain a second lease on life in sales.
You have to remember, the whole SUV/4WD market is HUGE in the United States... it is a very different culture in relation to SUV's over in the States. The Infiniti FX kick-started this trend of redefining what an SUV can be..and now BMW is doing the same by offering something which is more a fashion statement and a vehicle for people who gain satisfaction from differentiating themselves from the 'typical' SUV owner. The X5's proper utility in comparison to the X6 will be more than enough to keep its sales going.
The X6 would be more a competitor to the Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover, RR Sports, and other SUVs which have a sense of 'status' and 'fashionable to be seen in one' imagery associated with them.
And finally, you also have to remember that the X6 was a simple solution/excuse for BMW to develop an M version SUV to take on AMG's SUV vehicles, as well as Porsche's Cayenne range.