I think the trend will be to move towards smaller luxury vehicles.

Up until now, the nicer and more expensive vehilces were always the larger ones. The X5 is not only bigger than the X3, it also offers more features, is more luxurious, etc. Same with the 3 series, compared to the 5-series, compared to the 7-series.

I just got rid of my X5 yesterday and I have a Mini Cooper on order. Last month, after the price of gas went up about 50 cents in a one week period, I decided I needed to get rid of the X5 and get something smaller and more fuel efficient. So I went looking around. Most of the cars that are small and get good mileage, are also very cheap-looking (inside and out), have no features, and drive like crap. But the Mini seems to be the exception. The Mini I ordered has all the same features and conveniences as my X5 did, plus it is very luxurious looking, and fun to drive. Yet it is small and gets 37 mpg. I hear the new Smart Car is another example of this. It's a tiny car, but has Mercedes-type luxury features. I would expect this trend to continue with other brands as well.

As for Mini, I would guess BMW is probably making more money right now from Mini sales than from anything else. The local Mini dealer has been crowded every time I have been in there -- even on weekday mornings. I pass by there every day on my way to work, and it seems like they have new cars in the showroom almost every day. On the other hand, right next door to them is a Hummer dealer, and that place looks like they are ready to die. My Mini salesperson told me that she heard the Hummer dealer sold only 5 new cars last month.

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