Lotus99

Audi RS 4 Avant spotted in the USA though... Who knows what they're up to!

Audi RS 4 Avant spotted in the USA | QuattroWorld
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norsecarnut

too funny you posted that. I was going to but you beat me to it. Audi actually will entertain listening to market response to things like gauging demand for a car they are considering. Such as the TT RS which mostly happened due to an online poll. Every BMW lover should go vote for the Audi RS4 or other high end Audi wagon so that BMW will compete

zio

Interesting. I would just love an option for regular two wheel drive or switchable 4wd for the wagons here in the states. I was told that BMW and MB both load up the options on American versions for maximum margin.

Imagine being able to choose like the rest of the world... Fuel economy will rise and the price point should decrease.

I have seen similar requests on edmunds for people wishing they could buy non-AWD X3s and X5s. At the end of the day if you don't live in snow country, what is the use?

norsecarnut

AWD is better for most conditions except dry pavement with the right tires and the right driver.

AWD is better on gravel, rain, etc.

Danstouring

AWD serves more of a purpose than just good in snow, Just look at the Audi's that were banned from touring car racing due to the unfair AWD advantage. Or how the "Quattro" on the new LMP1 Audi E-tron has electric motors on the front wheels and the rear are driven by the motor. When all 4 wheels grip, chances are you will go faster around any circuit. I am not talking feel, just lap times. Personally, I haven't minded the X drive on my e61. It has a nice rear bias and with the traction off you can still have some fun by grabbing by the scruff.
Would I rather have the option to pick RWD vs AWD and decide for myself, definitely, but unfortunately, SUVs rule the roost here now over wagons and giving us options vs packages isn't as good for their bottom line. At least I was able to get a 6MT in this one. The flappy paddle only option on the new 3 makes me sad even if it is faster than I am, I still like the 3 pedal interaction.
I have looked at the new three space wise though and it is only 1.7 cubic feet of less space than the e61 in terms of cargo capacity, just FYI.

Lotus99

Well, you can blame Americans and their love of the SUV for that inability and the slow death of the wagon...

Lotus99

Is that with the seats up? What are the numbers? I thought the 5 series is in the low 30's cu. ft. or so? Our 2009 XC70 was ~33 I'm pretty sure, and the BMW's is close, though I'm guessing a bit less. It's a hard stat to come by...

On MSN cars though it lists the wrong value for the BMW, as 17.6, which can't be right. In an article I found, it says the new 3 has 495 liters of cargo space, which is equal to 17.5 cu. ft. only. But in another one on Motortrend, it is estimated at 27 cu. ft.

That's the real usable space comparison I'm interested in. I've got two car seats strapped in, I'm not about to remove them every time, and 99% of the time, my cargo area usage is with rear seats up.

norsecarnut

Well, on the new F11 3 wagon, I do know they added a good amount to the 2nd row space for more leg room so most of the new cargo increase is there as opposed to the actual rear cargo area.

Although the rear cargo area did also grow a little in length and width from what I've read.

I though BMW website had some way of finding specs on older models? I've got an E61 brochure if you need it's specs.