[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by SSBMW14

The GT is the only 6-series currently being sold. Not to my taste. There will be a new 6-series but not I have been told for at least another year, probably two. BMW too busy with launches of other models.

I wouldn't count on any new 6 Series models soon. The new G1x 8 Series is the replacement for the F0x/F1x 6 Series. Any possible new 6 Series model (such as a new Gran Coupe) would likely have to wait until the next generation 5 Series (G60).

Now that all of the outgoing 6 Series coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe units have been cleared off of lots, the 6GT isn't able to mask its sales total by being lumped in with them anymore. And it is indeed a miserable performer, barely outselling the i8 this month, for example. No wonder that BMW has already said that neither the 3GT nor 6GT will live past their current generations.

Originally Posted by heavyD^2

In two years it will be 65% which is really unfortunate. I wonder if we have hit the point of no return for cars. Everyone wants CUV/SUV's now and I don't think it's a reversible trend.

Sedans probably won't go as low as two door passenger cars which make up less than 5% of the US market - a fraction of their volume in their heyday. But, I would not be surprised to see sedans taper down to 15% or so.

[David70]

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

customers: we want wagons not SUVs

manufacturers: here's a "crossover" its better than a wagon

customers: buys crossovers as its the only option

manufacturer: people dont buy our wagons so we dont offer them

and from a manufacturing standpoint for BMW its cheaper to produce and sell the SUV here instead of building wagons overseas and shipping them here. they are forcing the SUVs on the public

They all built wagons and stopped when they didn't sell well. I don't know how you are determining that there is this large demand for wagons but I don't see it (I would like to own one just don't see many like me).

[wdeerfield]

Originally Posted by David70

They all built wagons and stopped when they didn't sell well. I don't know how you are determining that there is this large demand for wagons but I don't see it (I would like to own one just don't see many like me).

have you seen how they priced them? a 330 wagon is 4k more than an x3 for essentially the same thing just sitting lower. could you explain why its 4k more other than to justify pushing people to the SUV.

[pltek]

Wait until gas prices hit $4/gallon. Everyone will be looking to unload their 19MPG SUVs and 14MPG trucks.

Originally Posted by heavyD^2

In two years it will be 65% which is really unfortunate. I wonder if we have hit the point of no return for cars. Everyone wants CUV/SUV's now and I don't think it's a reversible trend.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by pltek

Wait until gas prices hit $4/gallon. Everyone will be looking to unload their 19MPG SUVs and 14MPG trucks.

Right, but when they do they will simply switch to more efficient ones. Or, at least that's what multiple automakers (spending billions of dollars) are betting on. They believe people will downsize to a smaller SUV or buy an SUV with a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric drivetrain (or both).

[PK2348]

Originally Posted by Laoschris

They discontinued production of the 6 completely last year with the GC, and with the launch of the 8 series, that's probably why. However I haven't seen a 6 series on lots for quite awhile though so maybe that sharp decline is from no inventory left over, anywhere...

Model FKA 5 GT is now sold as 6 series

[Bufalo]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Right, but when they do they will simply switch to more efficient ones. Or, at least that's what multiple automakers (spending billions of dollars) are betting on. They believe people will downsize to a smaller SUV or buy an SUV with a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric drivetrain (or both).

Exactly this - I keep seeing this whole "wait until gas goes up!" thing that completely ignores the fact that crossovers built in the last 5 years all get better fuel economy than sedans did 10 years ago.

[uniqueMR]

All about the X

[David70]

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

have you seen how they priced them? a 330 wagon is 4k more than an x3 for essentially the same thing just sitting lower. could you explain why its 4k more other than to justify pushing people to the SUV.

Wagon - Extremely low volume product that has to be certified for U.S. sale (divide cost by number buying it) while the X3 is a high volume product built in the U.S.

Originally Posted by pltek

Wait until gas prices hit $4/gallon. Everyone will be looking to unload their 19MPG SUVs and 14MPG trucks.

Since we are talking about BMW's -

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find...41158&id=40357

330i XDrive - 25 city/34 highway - 28 combined - at 15k miles a year estimated fuel cost is $1850 per year.
X3 xdrive30i - 22 city /29 highway - 25 combined - at 15k miles/year estimated fuel cost is $2050 per year.

$200 dollars a year difference, if gas doubles in price this goes to a $400 difference per year.

[M2Cmtl]

Lol at the M340 being the volume seller. They must sell 10 330s for each 340...

[SSBMW14]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

The current 6 Series GT 640i is essentially a 5 door hatchback version of the G30 5-Series sedan and rides a bit higher than the latter.

The rear seat space is amazing, same or better than the 7 Series. However, for its asking price you can probably get into a G30 M550i instead and the styling is not suitable for North American tastes that prefer gastly SUVs and CUVs.

BMW needs to realize that no one cares for these GTs and to sell these here as sportier alternatives to a better touring version (G31) is ludicrous...

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

customers: we want wagons not SUVs

manufacturers: here's a "crossover" its better than a wagon

customers: buys crossovers as its the only option

manufacturer: people dont buy our wagons so we dont offer them

and from a manufacturing standpoint for BMW its cheaper to produce and sell the SUV here instead of building wagons overseas and shipping them here. they are forcing the SUVs on the public

A little dated review of the 6GT - from the UK - first couple of paras sum pretty well I think:

"To fully understand the position of the new 6-series GT in the BMW line-up you need to look to the past and to the future. The past because the 6 GT takes the place of the old and somewhat confused 5-series Gran Turismo, albeit with a new badge to denote its elevated status. So far, so logical, until that is you note how it muddies the existing 6-series range, which until now has been reserved for more sporting two-door coupé and cabriolets, and the rather lovely four-door Gran Coupé. That’s where the future comes in, because some time in 2018 those cars will be phased out in favour of the 8-series, at which point the positioning of the 6 GT will at last make sense. But what exactly is it?

We’ll turn to BMW for the answer to that, which says its GT models are the true definition of a “crossover”, providing the boot space of an estate and the elevated driving position of an SUV in a car the size of a saloon that has been styled to look like a coupé. Sounds more like a mish-mash to us."

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/bmw...rive-whatever/

[SSBMW14]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

I wouldn't count on any new 6 Series models soon. The new G1x 8 Series is the replacement for the F0x/F1x 6 Series. Any possible new 6 Series model (such as a new Gran Coupe) would likely have to wait until the next generation 5 Series (G60).

Now that all of the outgoing 6 Series coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe units have been cleared off of lots, the 6GT isn't able to mask its sales total by being lumped in with them anymore. And it is indeed a miserable performer, barely outselling the i8 this month, for example. No wonder that BMW has already said that neither the 3GT nor 6GT will live past their current generations.

Sedans probably won't go as low as two door passenger cars which make up less than 5% of the US market - a fraction of their volume in their heyday. But, I would not be surprised to see sedans taper down to 15% or so.

I was told around two years by a dealer. But I agree with you... could be longer... shame really as I really liked the 6 Grand Coupe. Interestingly we will see the new X6 before the new 6.

[Laoschris]

Originally Posted by PK2348

Model FKA 5 GT is now sold as 6 series

Originally Posted by PK2348

Model FKA 5 GT is now sold as 6 series

Totally forgot about the GT because it's never seen lol.

When I think 6 series, I think coupe, cv, and GC. Lol

[heavyD^2]

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

customers: we want wagons not SUVs

manufacturers: here's a "crossover" its better than a wagon

customers: buys crossovers as its the only option

manufacturer: people dont buy our wagons so we dont offer them

and from a manufacturing standpoint for BMW its cheaper to produce and sell the SUV here instead of building wagons overseas and shipping them here. they are forcing the SUVs on the public

While I do think there's a bit of resurgence in wagon interest it's dwarfed by SUV popularity. IMO the big driver of SUV's are females. The average woman is pretty short compared to men and they really like the ability to see the road better sitting higher up in an SUV. My wife went from a Pathfinder to an Outback and she's been complaining that she misses the higher seating position and it's not like the Outback is low as it's basically a raised wagon. When she has her group of friends over it's like an SUV party in front of our house.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by SSBMW14

I was told around two years by a dealer. But I agree with you... could be longer...

Understood, but to be absolutely clear, there is no evidence whatsoever that a new 6 Series is in the works. And with passenger car sales continuing to decline, the chances for a revival are low at best. Contrast that with an X8, for example, which insiders confirm that BMW is testing internally in some form for possible release next decade.

If a new 6 Series does get the nod some day, expect to hear about it here at BimmerPost first. In the meantime the 2, 4, and 8 Series should have the market covered.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by JustChris

X Sales are really strong.

Sure are, and not likely weakening anytime soon.

[firedown31]

Originally Posted by David70

Since we are talking about BMW's -

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find...41158&id=40357

330i XDrive - 25 city/34 highway - 28 combined - at 15k miles a year estimated fuel cost is $1850 per year.
X3 xdrive30i - 22 city /29 highway - 25 combined - at 15k miles/year estimated fuel cost is $2050 per year.

$200 dollars a year difference, if gas doubles in price this goes to a $400 difference per year.

The SUVs aren't getting 10-15MPG less than their car counterparts these days. As mentioned even if gas doubles in price no one is going to start screaming to dump all SUVs . It's a terrible argument.

[German1967]

My Z4 M40i is one of the 271 sold in April!

[Mdlooker]

Originally Posted by firedown31

The SUVs aren't getting 10-15MPG less than their car counterparts these days. As mentioned even if gas doubles in price no one is going to start screaming to dump all SUVs . It's a terrible argument.

I agree. SUVs are way to convenient for utility which covers a lot of household needs in one shot. The loss in MPG is easily gained with the higher ride along with its utility use. I went from a diesel that gave me a gasping over 700 miles per tank to just around 400 in my SUV. If the gas becomes too daunting for the daily city driving, I gather a second vehicle (sedan) will be added to the mix.