The M5 is selling almost 50 percent in the Touring variant, and BMW is listening to what its M customers want. Recently, BMW surprised and delighted its hardcore US fans with the M3 CS Handschalter, combining performance-oriented goodies like titanium exhaust parts and carbon-ceramic brakes with a genuine three-pedal setup and manual gearbox.
Ever since the E36 M3, North America hasn't often received special M3 variants, but this CS model flipped the script, being only available on this side of the Atlantic. Add in the manual transmissions available in the rowdy old V-10-powered M5 and M6, and there's some exciting precedent here. Munich's product planners are nothing if not logical, but when it comes to either high performance or ultra-luxury, they're willing to bend the rules a little.
View Price on AmazonThe US being such a large and important market for M cars, BMW is willing to listen to its customers a little more seriously. Speaking to Michael Keller, BMW NA's VP of product management, Bimmerlife.com posed a question about how the M5 Touring's success might affect future product decisions. At the time of writing, the wagon variant of the M5 has a nearly 50/50 take rate compared to the sedan.
"We are seeing continuous demand," Keller replied. "We also saw customers petitioning on M3 Touring, bringing it to the US. There is momentum in the market." Keller hedged his bets, noting that these are indications for further internal discussion, not trends that BMW intends to chase after. However, he did add, "We will look into Touring concepts where it makes sense for the US market, because at the moment we are quite happy with the M5."
Mainstream wagon offerings aren't likely to return to the US in the near future; the closest might be the new Audi Allroad, bound for these shores next year. However, when it comes to performance, Mercedes-AMG has long found success with the E63 wagon on US soil, and the RS6 Avant has also received a warm welcome.
Source: caranddriver.com
