phred

From the August issue of Automobile:

"The recently introduced AWD versions of the 3 series aren't exactly selling like hotcakes. A BMW marketing expert says he knows why: 'For decades, we have been telling our customers and sales staff that good drivers don't depend on AWD. Today, we claim that AWD is essential for improved traction and handling. The trouble is, neither the customers not the dealers seem to be convinced.'"

It then goes on to talk about the success of the X5 and plans for a smaller version, the X3.

April

Yeah, I saw that. Guess they need some ABS QTR sales training ;-)

Finman

I doubt this conflict in statements has anything to do with it. I suspect that many people who buy BMWs have little interest in AWD and/or suspect the AWD system to decrease acceleration, increase weight, and do nothing to improve handling. The X5 does well because it is a BMW primarily, is an SUV secondarily, and it happens to handle extremely well for an SUV which I suspect has little to do with the AWD in particular, but because of good engineering on BMWs part as with all their cars--they handle great RWD or AWD. People think SUVs are supposed to have AWD, cars-not so much, esp BMWs.

Potomac-Greg

Not that I want to see Audi SUV's but it seems that they should have been able to hit the market faster than BMW or MB given the existing drivetrains. Even VW has remained out of the market.

Finman

before they gave in to the beast...I suspect, it is just not right for Audi (if not now, when...maybe never). Subaru also has had AWD drivetrains forever and no SUV from them either. They seem quite successful. I guess only the Audi brass really know the answer, but I don't miss not seeing any 8 foot tall 4-ring monsters driving around, although I bet they'd sell.

phred

And what are the Allroad and Colorado?

Bollinger

It's big and heavy. If they really want to do AWD, they need to put up or shut up.

Also, how about a 330ix wagon? Only the 325ix wagon is available in the US.

April

Our trainers said Audi is into making cars, not a farm utility vehicle

Kenny

BMW wants an AWD model, but still wants to maintain a 50/50 weight distribution as close as possible

Bollinger

They have more stuff up front than Audi. More driveshafts, more space taken up. The engine is already up there, is that supposed to balance things? They don't even have equal-length halfshafts in front.

Or was it an answer to the 325xi question?