Diesel X5 launch and pricing

[stockguru]

Is the $1500 tax credit in the US final? I haven't seen the news and saw that the mercedes ML320 only got $900. Also, I think the credit is limited to the first xxxx vehicles produced right?

[blackjd1]

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I too anxiously awaited the diesel news for the NA market. I have to say, with diesel being nearly 1.00 more per gallon right now, there is absolutely no way I can justify a nearly $5,000 premium over the 3.0. They missed the mark on this one.

I sent them a couple of questions during the webcast (1) about the 20" wheel option and (2) whether the NA hitch would be redesigned (the current cut out design is a joke). If they email back, I will post the answers here.

[DSE]

Originally Posted by blackjd1

I too anxiously awaited the diesel news for the NA market. I have to say, with diesel being nearly 1.00 more per gallon right now, there is absolutely no way I can justify a nearly $5,000 premium over the 3.0. They missed the mark on this one.

The pricing is about where I expected it given all the technology associated with new diesel engine, including twin turbos and extensive emissions controls. The torque is amazing. For me is has always been a choice between the diesel and the 4.8 gasoline engine, and it looks like the diesel base price is $3,000 less than the 4.8. (What remains unlcear is what will come standard with the diesel vs. the 4.8.)

As for diesel fuel prices, that is something that BMW obviously can't control, but I do think the gap will eventually close as more diesel refinery capacity comes online (e.g., the new Marathon refinery; but of course no one truly knows what prices will do). But I do not think it wise for BMW sacrifice proft margins and subsidize the diesel versus the gasoline engine to account for fuel prices differences. It wil be interestig to see how the U.S market reacts.

I was impressed with the conference and remain interested (but I'd like to know the answers to your questions as well, plus when it wil be available with the new iDrive).

[grover432]

Originally Posted by DSE

For me is has always been a choice between the diesel and the 4.8 gasoline engine, and it looks like the diesel base price is $3,000 less than the 4.8. (What remains unlcear is what will come standard with the diesel vs. the 4.8.)

You raise a good point. We'll have to see what the standard equipment is. For example, in Canada the 3.0si doesn't come with leather. If the 35d does, it would make the diesel option less costly on a comparable basis.

[tim-atl]

Originally Posted by blackjd1

I too anxiously awaited the diesel news for the NA market. I have to say, with diesel being nearly 1.00 more per gallon right now, there is absolutely no way I can justify a nearly $5,000 premium over the 3.0. They missed the mark on this one.

You're right on, although I don't think it's because of the price of Diesel, I simply call BS on the $4K US mark up.

This is not the first time I've waited for something from BMW only to say WTF are they thinking and then buy something from the competition.

Tim

[mwares212]

I do think this $4100 price increase over the gasoline 30i is a bit ridiculous. I was expecting something hovering around $50,000. Mercedes-Benz only charges a $2000 premium over their gasoline ML for their diesel ($47,000 vs. $49,000). It would be interesting to see if the option packaging between the two would offset the price difference.

[mtech8]

Originally Posted by mwares212

I do think this $4100 price increase over the gasoline 30i is a bit ridiculous. I was expecting something hovering around $50,000. Mercedes-Benz only charges a $2000 premium over their gasoline ML for their diesel ($47,000 vs. $49,000). It would be interesting to see if the option packaging between the two would offset the price difference.

But then you have to factor in the twin-turbo into the mark-up too.

I wish the diesel came out earlier. I couldn't wait. If anything, not having to go to the pump as often is really cool. For the average driver, the diesel is a much better option than the 4.8.

[AzNMpower32]

Folks, there's a €7600 (US $9500) base price difference between the X5 3.0si and the X5 3.0sd in Europe. Get over it, BMWs are not free. BMW isn't pricing nor allocating these diesels to be mass-market vehicles, just kind of testing the waters.

[rh71]

$5k over 3.0si and $3k under 4.8i... initial reaction is to say it's overpriced but in reality I think they can get away with it given the differences (still not impressed with the 0-60mph difference though). If it weren't for this long wait from January when I was in the market, I would definitely consider this one. Then again I'd have to wait for the new idrive too.

[Craig]

The options for the diesel are the same as the 30i. You won't be able to order active steering on the diesel.

Craig