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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

16091 messages,  Last post on May 25, 2013 at 9:20 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS, Volvo S60, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 361 of 1610

#3596 of 16091 heat/sleep by draknad

Jun 12, 2005 (8:47 am)

BMW's feeling the heat. (shown in design)
First, I remember hearing volvo as "box" on wheels.
But if you noticed and look at pre 1999 BMW's,
I think "box" on wheels was a tough race to call between volvo's and BMW 3's.
Then redesign of 3 series > 1998.
Then 7 series(2002), but I think this and Aztec competed for uglist car on the road.
It looks like a 3 is trying to hatch out of the 7 series trunk "alien" style.
Then I-drive. I am thinking these design changes are an attempt at product differentiation in a more competitive market.

#3597 of 16091 Re: 3 [blueguydotcom] by jrock65

Jun 12, 2005 (10:23 am)

Replying to: blueguydotcom (Jun 10, 2005 10:54 am)
You gotta wonder why BMW even bothered with this "insert the fob into the slot" idea.
 
I bet this Comfort Access becomes standard for the 2007 model.

#3598 of 16091 Sales by jrock65

Jun 12, 2005 (10:33 am)

BMW is still sales leader in this category.
 
In May, BMW sold 8185 3 series sedans.
The TL was second at 7032.

#3599 of 16091 Re: Sales [jrock65] by frisconick

Jun 12, 2005 (10:46 am)

Replying to: jrock65 (Jun 12, 2005 10:33 am)
In May, BMW sold 8185 3 series sedans.
The TL was second at 7032.
 
That's my point, without TL competition, how many TL owners would have bought BMWs 10 years ago? I think many. Market share is the point, and BMW no longer dominates like it used to. The BMW label means a lot to many, but Acura and Infiniti are cutting into BMW's sales.

#3600 of 16091 Re: Sales [frisconick] by kdshapiro

Jun 12, 2005 (12:41 pm)

Replying to: frisconick (Jun 12, 2005 10:46 am)
"but Acura and Infiniti are cutting into BMW's sales."
 
Of course, that's the way the market works. I'm sure the new 3-series will also take sales from Acura and Infiniti.

#3601 of 16091 Re: MPG and more [draknad] by irnmdn

Jun 12, 2005 (1:35 pm)

Replying to: draknad (Jun 05, 2005 10:03 am)
So why is a 184 hp BMW valued at $30K compared to a 298HP G35?
Why would someone pay $30k for 184hp, when they can get 298hp for equal price.
Why should anyone pay more inefficient german manufacturing process and costlier labor? Paying more doesn't always mean you are getting a better product.

#3602 of 16091 Re: MPG and more [irnmdn] by kdshapiro

Jun 12, 2005 (1:56 pm)

Replying to: irnmdn (Jun 12, 2005 1:35 pm)
Well the sales numbers indicate the contrary. People believe they are getting something that's more than horsepower. To a lot of people the horsepower and the commesurate gas usage are not a big draw, or else the 298 hp model would rule the roost.
 
So why do you think people buy into this?

#3603 of 16091 Why people buy BMWs by lmacmil

Jun 12, 2005 (3:36 pm)

1) Status
2) Performance
 
I'd be willing to bet that 75% of the BMW drivers couldn't tell the difference between the driving dynamics of their 3 series and the FWD Acura TL. They bought the Bimmer because 1) it's cool, 2), their neighbor/friend/relative has one, 3) it has more cachet than the Japanese competition, 4) it's a sign that they've "made it."
 
There's no economic rationale to buy a BMW over a TL or a G35. Let's face it, most of us spend most of our driving time just getting from point A to point B. All three of these will do that in comfort, luxury, and at speeds well above the legal limits.

#3604 of 16091 Re: Why people buy BMWs [lmacmil] by kdshapiro

Jun 12, 2005 (3:44 pm)

Replying to: lmacmil (Jun 12, 2005 3:36 pm)
To continue your argument there is no rational reason to buy a TL over a fully equipped Accord or even a Hyundai.
 
You've decided the line in the sand is the TL or G35. If you drove let's say an E46 and TL back to back you would find an amazing difference, if you are an enthusiast who can drive a car.
 
There are people who can't tell the difference between a GT3 and a 20 year old Yugo. These people are not the people that I would include in this conversation.
 
If's funny you think a person buys a BMW for status and performance.
 
Why do people buy a TL or R? Made by Acura the upscale division of Honda. Maybe for status and performance?
 
If there is no economic reason to buy a BMW over a TL or G35, there is just no justification for buying any of these cars. For they are all overpriced compared to other reliable vehicles to get you from point A to B.

#3605 of 16091 Re: Sales [frisconick] by jsamson

Jun 12, 2005 (4:08 pm)

Replying to: frisconick (Jun 12, 2005 10:46 am)
3 Series must have led in may due to the re-design, TL being second since its latest incarnation was in 03 and lastly the G35 with its current version released in 02. I think its safe to say the IS250/350 will be right up there as well when it comes out this fall. There's a certain appeal to being the first one to own or one of the first to drive any auto manufacturer's redesign.

Messages Page 361 of 1610

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