If BMW Built An X7, Would It Be MORE Popular Than The 7-Series In The U.S.?

You just have to wonder WHAT IF (?) in these kinds of situations.

THINK: A large percentage of U.S. luxury sales are in the sport-utility vehicle or truck space, even though their efficiency is not quite there when compared to their sedan counterparts. Face it, Americans love their big, brawny SUVs.

And BMW has recognized that drivers DO want all-wheel drive options. The 3-Series, 5-Series, 6-Series and range-topping 7 all now offer all-wheel drive variants.

You have to give a round of a applause to manufacturers, like Audi and Subaru, who have really convinced the markets with spending power that their one to two inches of ice and snow can be TREACHEROUS unless motorists are equipped with Quattro or Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This notion spread like wildfire throughout the auto community.

But if there's one thing we've learned from sales trends, it's that American consumers still want their space even in the wake of exobitant gas prices.

Look at luxury brands like Cadillac, whose Escalade was the vehicle that revived the brand and Lincoln, who's banking on the MKT to replace the legendary Town Car.

If BMW were to build an X7, would it be reasonable to expect the same success it's seen with the X5, or say Porsche has seen with the Cayenne?

WorldofLuxury - 1/20/2012 1:17:14 AM

+4 Boost

That'd be awesome! I LOVE SUV's!

enthusiastx11 - 1/20/2012 1:36:29 AM

-2 Boost

the 7-series isn't 'all that popular?' i believe the only sedan that costs as much or more that also sells more volume is the S-class. please do correct me if i'm wrong.

enthusiastx11 - 1/20/2012 1:48:22 AM

+1 Boost

ranking of large luxury sedan sales for 2011:

#1 s-class
#2 7-series
#3 LS

http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/search/label/Large%20Luxury%20Car%20Sales?max-results=5

Joe_Limon - 1/20/2012 10:23:39 AM

0 Boost

Considering that the 5 series sold 51,491 units last year, and the x5 managed about half of that, I don't think a x7 would sell that well.

FromThePassengerSeat - 1/20/2012 1:25:56 AM

+1 Boost

Yes. It's a fabulous idea... financially. But could a barge like that possibly drive like a BMW? Of course not. I hope this doesn't happen, but I know it will eventually, just as the X6 did.

But what I CAN hope for with some possibility of redemption is that at least there might never be an X7 M. When that's the bright side, it's time to give up on a brand. For the moment, the new 3-series seems like it retains the grace of its predecessors, and the M5 (and, therefore, the upcoming M6) is exciting, but with a front-drive 1er and the death of the naturally-aspirated M car on the horizon, it seems like those three will be remembered as the last stand of the remnants of the 2002's spirit.

Aw, who am I kidding? Go ahead, BMW. Make as many X6 Ms as you want. You'll never manage to ruin the 3-series, no matter how many bean counters are in favor of it.

Yonder7 - 1/20/2012 7:55:41 AM

+6 Boost

enthusiastx11 : I know you like BMW but please get info...the S Class is the king on that category, the numbers said that , even the new 7 series was unable to dethrone the OLD S class in this year. So imagine now that the new is coming. Most of the cars of the MB sales are luxury cars , most of the sales of the BMW comes from 3 series, facet it. I know that case C class does not reach the levels of popularity of the 3. Finally a new X7 might be a great counterpart for the GL and the LX470.

PUGPROUD - 1/20/2012 8:18:34 AM

+2 Boost

These luxury SUV's have many reasons for their great appeal...I just wish for us older folks they would make the suspension squat when parked to ease entry and exit. Bought a BMW 5GT which while not selling well (though a great driver for what it is because it is higher than a sedan but lower than an SUV. I gurantee more seniors (bad knees) would buy SUV's
if only at entry and exit it would lower itself to appropriate height.
We all get older or we don't...you yutes will eventually prefer the former.

FromThePassengerSeat - 1/21/2012 1:14:57 PM

+1 Boost

Instead of an SUV, which you complain is too tall (if your mobility is limited, it's a valid concern), or the traitorous 5GT, did you consider a Panamera? It has all the interior and storage space of the 5GT but handles much better due to its lower height.

BondMI6 - 1/20/2012 12:44:51 PM

+3 Boost

Will an X7 sell?

I thought the same thing when Mercedes brought out the GL when they already had the ML. I thought- no way! That thing is too big and ugly.

Was I wrong! The GL has been a success and is the number ONE goto SUV's here in L.A. for rich soccer Moms.

That being said- the new X5 due in 2013 (F15) is going to be longer and more Q7 sized than before. This should rectify the needs of those who want a true 7 seat X-model from the Munich boys.....

-Bond........happy 50th to 007.