Spy Shots: Munich goes after another niche - BMW V5
Hot on the heels of the BMW X6 introduction at the Frankfurt Motor Show last week comes word of a yet another variation from Munich. The V5 is not a new engine configuration, it's a new body style for BMW. Looking like a pretty standard five door hatchback, the rear roofline is higher than the more coupe-like X6, allowing for more headroom. The V5 is thought to be built on the same platform as both the X5 and X6, which means that it will probably by built alongside the X models in South Carolina. CAR is reporting that the new machine is targeted at the US market, which would be an odd choice by BMW. Unlike Europe, Americans have never really taken to hatchback styles -- especially in premium segments.
[Source: CAR]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Atomicbri 1:02PM (9/21/2007)
While I praise BMW for venturing into some new territory or some already explored by other companies, I feel maybe BMW is spreading itself around too much in these "niche" markets. I remember when BMW came out with the X5...people gasped, people gawked, people were horrified. A BMW SUV??? But it was a success. Now they create the X6... an Infiniti FX, Range Rover Sport competitor... It looks a little strange but not bad. Now the V.... Hmmm... While I understand the want to compete with Mercedes... I wonder if BMW is not making too many of these cars... or SUVs, or SAVs or whatever their current catch phrase is. Now since the world seems to be realizing that gas guzzling SUVs are not in vogue anymore.... I would love to see a few back-to-basics, fun to drive BMWs... compact, rear drive, sporty, and void of iDrive. I know the 1 Series is out and a coupe is here and will be available... but it looks a bit of an afterthought... Come on BMW... niche marketing is fine, but this may be overkill.
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why not the LS2/LS7? 12:54PM (9/16/2007)
I don't think the fact that American's have never taken to hatchbacks comes into play here.
This vehicle is jacked up like an SUV, not a hatch or wagon.
This vehicle makes only slightly more sense than the X6. both of them definitely come to you from the people who made the X5, the least trunk space possible in a gas guzzling, jacked up SUV (SAV).
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pinepig 1:01PM (9/16/2007)
Jacked up or not, I welcome any new hatches to the US. Anything that might help prompt the likes of Honda to reintroduce hatches to the U.S.
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seoultrain 6:23PM (9/16/2007)
my god, when will bmw stop?
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Rob 7:16PM (9/16/2007)
What's up with da Bimmer, one ugly ass design after another. I guess that's what happens when you try to be all things to all people and try to cash in on every segment known to man. I HATE! HATCHES Yet another BMW I'm gonna have to say, no thank's to. Sure hope they don't F@#K-UP the '09 5 Series
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Llama 7:31PM (9/16/2007)
Keep 'em comin', choice is good.
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Kumar 7:34AM (9/17/2007)
vw scirocco
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