If I am a decision maker in SM motors, or in fact any
distributors in singapore, I would be hesitant to bring in any cars
with a V8 engine when the same model has a V6 smaller cc engine.
Singaporean mentality is always a biggest car with the smallest
engine possible.
Therefore I always think that the process of launching BMW 6-series
is excellent in the interest of performance motors. Launch the V8
645 first, then a few months later than launch the 630. People who
like the car so much would probably go for the 645 while after the
demand has slowed down, then come out with a cheaper model to boost
demand back. I would say if is applicable only to those really
unique or new models / conceps which are really attractive.
The XC90 falls in the unique catagory of a seven seated SUV with
bascially no direct rivals. Other cars that I can think of in this
category is the Toyota Fortuner and the Suzuki Vitara XL-7, both of
which are exactly close competitors to the XC90. I mean if you are
looking at XC90, you would probably not consider the Toyota or
Suzuki at all.
Therefore personally I think they should bring in small volume of
the 4.4 V8. Picture this, imagine I have all the money in the world
and I want a car with that is a SUV as a statement but can carry
more than 5/6 comfortably, the only choice I have is an XC90
(Sorry...Cayenne Turbo out becos can only carry 5... 
) and I would probably go for the top-end V8 model,
with probably a smoother and more powerful engine as well as load
of equipements.
