because of this key phrase you see in every advert. for cars in the US.

"Tax, Title, License and Registration Not Included"

If you bought a loaded X5 in Maine:
$67,000 for the car (if you buy it in Mass or NH, $7K "adjustment" at the one dealer we have)
$3,350 for sales tax
$2,500 for Excise Tax (approximation, a $45,000 car runs $1700)
$1,000 for bulls*it dealer fees
$250 for plates/registration fees
IIRC, in Europe, the car comes from the dealer with the VAT (granted ours is a lot less) paid, the Plates welded on and the Reg paid for for a year or two.
Also consider the exchange rate at the moment...