In what it’s meant to be a breaking news article, LeftLaneNews “officially” announces that the new F11 BMW 5 Series Touring is not coming to the U.S.
Without quoting a credible source or a BMW official, LeftLaneNews goes on, in our opinion, speculating that the North American market is being the “step-brother” of the 5 Series Touring, or Sports Wagon, as we referred to it here on this side of the ocean.
If the news are indeed coming from BMW, then this is a decision that doesn’t really surprise us, nor many BMW consumers. Ever since the BMW 5 Series GT launched last year, the speculations around a 5 Series Touring retirement from the U.S. market have been amplifying every month. With sales that have been labeled as disappointing compared to a few years ago, the 5 Series Sports Wagon seemed to have lost its momentum in North America.
http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploa ... gt-021.jpg
Last year, BMW of North America sold 878 E61 5 Series Wagons. In comparison, the 5 GT sales exceeded 390 units, in the short period it was available in the marketplace. (Thanks for the numbers Bob).
If these news indeed become official, then this is a sad day for the BMW fans and also for one of the most classic vehicles in U.S. BMW line-up.
The first 5 Series Touring was launched in the late 1980s under the E34 platform. It was followed by the E39 and E60 models.
European customers will continue to enjoy the 5 Series Touring and the competition with Audi continues in this space.
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/04/05/specu ... on-in-u-s/