BMW Expects to Sell i8 to Many 35+ Year Old High Earning Tech Savvy American Men

Jason · 08-10-2013, 11:49 AM

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW Expects to Sell i8 to Many 35+ Year Old Tech Savvy American Men

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Who will be buying the upcoming BMW i8 hybrid sports car? BMW believes that the largest markets for it will be the U.S., UK, Germany and France. The car will be sold in approximately 50 countries worldwide.

"The U.S. will be by far the largest sales market for the i8," said Hendrik Wenders, the i8's product manager, to the Automobilwoche publication.

Wenders says that the i8's target customers are high-earning, technology savvy males who are 35 years old and up.

The production i8 will make its world debut at the upcoming Frankfurt IAA show next month, followed by its market launch in approximately 9 months time, where it will have a simultaneous rollout at dealerships worldwide.

But, like the i3 electric city car, the i8 also will be sold online (in addition to dealerships).

Wenders said the automaker is still discussing whether i8 customers will be offered their choice of another BMW model if they are planning a long journey. As part of BMW's 360 Degree Electric service program, i3 owners can borrow a 5 series for the weekend.

For full details of the i8, see BMW i8 Official Specs (Prelim) Released Ahead of Frankfurt Debut

Vervain · 08-10-2013, 11:59 AM

"Wenders said the automaker is still discussing whether i8 customers will be offered their choice of another BMW model if they are planning a long journey. As part of BMW's 360 Degree Electric service program, i3 owners can borrow a 5 series for the weekend."

It's nice for them to offer another car for long journeys, but this is exactly why I disagree with plug-in hybrids and EVs. Normal hybrids are the way to go..

mPlasticDesign · 08-10-2013, 04:36 PM

I <heart> i8!

mlifxs · 08-10-2013, 04:53 PM

Makes sense. Car and Driver is guessing 125k for a price. Not many under 35 will be able to foot that.

Fortyb · 08-10-2013, 04:57 PM

I still think this thing is ugly.. Bring the 8 series back in make it a hybrid.

matt_435xi · 08-10-2013, 04:57 PM

i wonder what BMW thinks "high-earning" is? $100k, $150k, $200k+ ?

Falafel Combo · 08-10-2013, 05:13 PM

I think BMW is dead wrong. Not sure how they compile these statistics or what kind of research they have done in order to help them define their target consumer. This press release/article seems like nothing more than a clever way to get said target demograph 's attention and maybe garner additional interest in the product. But for these 35+ year olds to actually cough up the money, and leap frog other much more qualified and technologically sophisticated "dream" sports cars will prove very difficult in my opinion.

How many of these are they planning on selling anyway?

Rob///M5 · 08-10-2013, 05:15 PM

No performance and no practical usability. Sadly, the i8 is going to flop.

For the same or less money, buyers can have a GT3 (2x performance) or M5 (2x usability). And if it's electric a buyer is really after, Tesla has put the i8 to shame before its even been released.

yousefnjr · 08-10-2013, 05:36 PM

Sounds like the target market for any BMW M product

:

Ashley Schaeffer BMW · 08-10-2013, 05:46 PM

Will be a hit in liberal areas like DC and SF and places where ppl need attention. Car enthusiasts will ignore this release.

nmehta211 · 08-10-2013, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_335Ci

i wonder what BMW thinks "high-earning" is? $100k, $150k, $200k+ ?

My guess--household incomes of 500k for a $125k car with limited practicality.

ADRQ0811 · 08-10-2013, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAM3S

Will be a hit in liberal areas like DC and SF and places where ppl need attention. Car enthusiasts will ignore this release.

+1.. This will sell in so cal no doubt

antzcrashing · 08-10-2013, 06:26 PM

oh so you mean facebook/apple/tesla engineers in silicon valley? Nope they already bought the Tesla S

bimmerjph · 08-10-2013, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAM3S

Will be a hit in liberal areas like DC and SF and places where ppl need attention. Car enthusiasts will ignore this release.

This.... Is pretty much reality.

And I mean its not even the 3 cylinder that kills it for me. Its those damned batteries. I mean they have to weigh as much as that husky RINO from New Jersey. If it were just a 3 cylinder in a car that weighed say 2,700 lbs. I'd be all over that.

surlynkid · 08-10-2013, 06:39 PM

For that money I am in a brand new 911GT3.

surlynkid · 08-10-2013, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmehta211

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_335Ci

i wonder what BMW thinks "high-earning" is? $100k, $150k, $200k+ ?

My guess--household incomes of 500k for a $125k car with limited practicality.

I was going to guess a $400K household, but when I see new M3 leases going to people that earn far less than it costs while living in an apartment, you never know. Financially dumb people are always creating the flyer on the statistical model for what they can afford.

jadnashuanh · 08-10-2013, 06:50 PM

A difference between the Tesla and the i8 is that you don't HAVE to search out a charging station when things get low on the i8, whereas, if you don't with the Tesla, you'll be waiting at the side of the road for a tow.

jlstyle · 08-10-2013, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_335Ci

i wonder what BMW thinks "high-earning" is? $100k, $150k, $200k+ ?

Household income minimum should be at least 400k IMO to be able to really afford a toy like this. Of course you can buy it no problem with less than 300k household income, but I don't think that is wise.

Teutonic · 08-10-2013, 07:00 PM

If it will come with an inline 6 RWD (even AWD as an option) or a 4CYL with a similar power like the AMG 2.0 with over 350 HP, I will be very interested.

I think BMW has a winning car but the wrong power plant.

index1489 · 08-10-2013, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surlynkid

I was going to guess a $400K household, but when I see new M3 leases going to people that earn far less than it costs while living in an apartment, you never know. Financially dumb people are always creating the flyer on the statistical model for what they can afford.

Maybe in Texas where you can get a apartment for $400 a month, a decent apartment out here is 3k. I rather get a Tesla, this car makes me sleepy.

vladberca · 08-10-2013, 07:13 PM

GT3 is not so great as a DD, and for going from home to the office you might not need the extra space from the M5.
This car will have road presence and the fuel consumption is quite low. Decent performances too

24601 · 08-10-2013, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fortyb

I still think this thing is ugly.. Bring the 8 series back in make it a hybrid.

+1

08-10-2013, 11:49 AM	#1
Jason Administrator 28140 Rep 20,482 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	BMW Expects to Sell i8 to Many 35+ Year Old High Earning Tech Savvy American Men BIMMERPOST NEWS BMW Expects to Sell i8 to Many 35+ Year Old Tech Savvy American Men 60 COMMENTS Tweet Who will be buying the upcoming BMW i8 hybrid sports car? BMW believes that the largest markets for it will be the U.S., UK, Germany and France. The car will be sold in approximately 50 countries worldwide. "The U.S. will be by far the largest sales market for the i8," said Hendrik Wenders, the i8's product manager, to the Automobilwoche publication. Wenders says that the i8's target customers are high-earning, technology savvy males who are 35 years old and up. The production i8 will make its world debut at the upcoming Frankfurt IAA show next month, followed by its market launch in approximately 9 months time, where it will have a simultaneous rollout at dealerships worldwide. But, like the i3 electric city car, the i8 also will be sold online (in addition to dealerships). Wenders said the automaker is still discussing whether i8 customers will be offered their choice of another BMW model if they are planning a long journey. As part of BMW's 360 Degree Electric service program, i3 owners can borrow a 5 series for the weekend. For full details of the i8, see BMW i8 Official Specs (Prelim) Released Ahead of Frankfurt Debut
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08-10-2013, 11:59 AM	#2
Vervain Colonel 160 Rep 2,142 Posts Drives: Mineral/Glacier White Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: - iTrader: (0)	"Wenders said the automaker is still discussing whether i8 customers will be offered their choice of another BMW model if they are planning a long journey. As part of BMW's 360 Degree Electric service program, i3 owners can borrow a 5 series for the weekend." It's nice for them to offer another car for long journeys, but this is exactly why I disagree with plug-in hybrids and EVs. Normal hybrids are the way to go..
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08-10-2013, 04:36 PM	#3
mPlasticDesign Major General 554 Rep 5,042 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Comp Pkg Only Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Astral Projecting: ∞ 23.516 -122 02.625 0242.101 ĕv'rē-hwâr' iTrader: (16) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 E90 [5.00] 2013 BMW M3 (Sold) [5.00] 2011 1M Coupe (Sold) [4.39] 2008 E90 M3 (Sold) [4.30] 2007 Z4 Mcpe (Sold) [5.00] 2005 BMW M3 (Sold) [5.00]	I <heart> i8! __________________
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08-10-2013, 04:53 PM	#4
mlifxs Diamond Geezer 182 Rep 2,392 Posts Drives: Jet Black 2007 328i Saloon Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Florida iTrader: (6) Garage List 2016 VW Golf Sportw ... [5.00]	Makes sense. Car and Driver is guessing 125k for a price. Not many under 35 will be able to foot that.
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08-10-2013, 04:57 PM	#5
Fortyb M-GAM3 176 Rep 1,248 Posts Drives: 2016 SO M3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Huntsville,Al/WHO DAT iTrader: (3)	I still think this thing is ugly.. Bring the 8 series back in make it a hybrid.
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08-10-2013, 04:57 PM	#6
matt_435xi Colonel 187 Rep 2,377 Posts Drives: Perfomance Model 3 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (5) Garage List 2015 BMW 435xi Gran ... [5.00]	i wonder what BMW thinks "high-earning" is? $100k, $150k, $200k+ ? __________________ '18 Tesla Perfomance Model 3 White on White Performance Upgrade Pkg & EAP RETIRED 2015 435xi GC [f36] \| 2012 335i [f30] \| 2009 z4 35i [e89] \| 2007 335i coupe [e92] \| 2001 325Ci [e46] RETIRED
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08-10-2013, 05:13 PM	#7
Falafel Combo Banned 3683 Rep 6,677 Posts Drives: X5 xDrive50i Join Date: May 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (3)	I think BMW is dead wrong. Not sure how they compile these statistics or what kind of research they have done in order to help them define their target consumer. This press release/article seems like nothing more than a clever way to get said target demograph 's attention and maybe garner additional interest in the product. But for these 35+ year olds to actually cough up the money, and leap frog other much more qualified and technologically sophisticated "dream" sports cars will prove very difficult in my opinion. How many of these are they planning on selling anyway?
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08-10-2013, 05:15 PM	#8
Rob///M5 Major 58 Rep 1,342 Posts Drives: 2013 M5 SSII Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M5 [5.00]	No performance and no practical usability. Sadly, the i8 is going to flop. For the same or less money, buyers can have a GT3 (2x performance) or M5 (2x usability). And if it's electric a buyer is really after, Tesla has put the i8 to shame before its even been released. __________________
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08-10-2013, 05:36 PM	#9
yousefnjr Colonel 1928 Rep 2,118 Posts Drives: 06 Z4MR, 19 i3S, 20 X7 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2)	Sounds like the target market for any BMW M product :
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08-10-2013, 05:46 PM	#10
Ashley Schaeffer BMW Banned 91 Rep 834 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Charlotte iTrader: (1)	Will be a hit in liberal areas like DC and SF and places where ppl need attention. Car enthusiasts will ignore this release.
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08-10-2013, 06:26 PM	#13
antzcrashing Colonel 1019 Rep 2,570 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW 440i GC Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Eastern MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW 440i GC xD ... [0.00]	oh so you mean facebook/apple/tesla engineers in silicon valley? Nope they already bought the Tesla S
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08-10-2013, 06:39 PM	#15
surlynkid Major 102 Rep 1,472 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: League City, TX iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 Porsche GT3 [0.00] 1988 Toyota 4Runner [0.00] 1995 Toyota T-100 4x4 [0.00] 2013 BMW M3 [0.00]	For that money I am in a brand new 911GT3. __________________ Stoptech 380mm/355mm \| PFC08 / Pagid RS-29 \| Akrapovic EVO - CF tips \| Benvo Tune \| MS UDP \| AA air filter \| MCS 2-way with 700/1000lb springs \| Solid bushings and adjustable links \| RD front swaybar \| Apex EC-7 18x10 square 275/35-18 NT01 \| Turner Race Studs \| GT4 Brake Cooling \| GT4 Power Steering Cooling \| Alekshop Oil Cooler \| Performance Steering Wheel \| \| CF Spoiler \| Varis System 1 Full CF Diffuser \| Extended Paddle Shifters \| Schroth Quick Fit Pro \| Turner Steering Rack Stops \| Vorshlag Camber Plates
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08-10-2013, 06:50 PM	#17
jadnashuanh Major 45 Rep 1,066 Posts Drives: 535iGT x-drive; i3 BEV Join Date: May 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	A difference between the Tesla and the i8 is that you don't HAVE to search out a charging station when things get low on the i8, whereas, if you don't with the Tesla, you'll be waiting at the side of the road for a tow.
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08-10-2013, 07:00 PM	#19
Teutonic Lieutenant Colonel 1387 Rep 1,771 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	If it will come with an inline 6 RWD (even AWD as an option) or a 4CYL with a similar power like the AMG 2.0 with over 350 HP, I will be very interested. I think BMW has a winning car but the wrong power plant.
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08-10-2013, 07:13 PM	#21
vladberca Major General 655 Rep 5,457 Posts Drives: '18 octavia 2.0 tdi dsg Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Craiova iTrader: (0)	GT3 is not so great as a DD, and for going from home to the office you might not need the extra space from the M5. This car will have road presence and the fuel consumption is quite low. Decent performances too
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