Quote:
Originally Posted by John Mclane
(Post 816537)
The colors are probably available for a substantial extra. What I find weird is that the car is sold here mostly using packages while the UK version can be more individualized and they have more options, as you mentioned, on a car that is made here mostly to the american public...
I understand not selling the 5 door 1-series here or several wagons (I would buy a M5 wagon anyday-ultimate stealth), but the X5 should be available here with everything that is capable of. Just my 2c.
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I think that until US consumers are willing to pay more for their X5 vehicles, BMWNA is likely to continue to restrict the selection of options to keep their costs down. More variations means more costs in the distribution chain to dealers.
Look at the base X5 35i on BMWUSA, it starts at $47,200. The same vehicle, meeting the same emissions standards, starts in Canada at $61,800. Some minor configuration differences, but nowhere near that amount. Shipping doesn't cost any more than to US dealers. There are no import duties applicable. The Canadian dollar is worth more than the US dollar at the moment, so the vehicle should be cheaper, not cost more. On top of this, US customers typically negotiate from dealer cost, while we pay MSRP or close to it.
It fits that they need to use up old stock of halogen lights on the diesels in the US market, that they force you to buy NAV to get the apps package, and so on. |
