Topic: Obviously this is not a problem for BMW now.. but will it become one?

[aquadorhj]

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1311_2014_mercedes_benz_e63_amg_s_vs_bmw_m5_competition_pack_comparison/


Merc beat out BMW in a driving comparison.

i feel this is emblematic of the problem of modern BMWs.  when Benz provides better steering and more confidence inspiring driving experience, what's the point of BMW?  ..low lease rate?
Audi's are beating its fellow germans left and right for small sports sedan segment, too...     (S4!)


couple generations ago, they equated E39 M5 as THE SPORTS Sedan..   as close to a perfect car as anyone ever made.

not so anymore.

so what does BMW have now?   
more luxuious interior? no. (audi does better)
better reliability?  (....ummmm............they are all crap)
more brand recognition?  ...  this one is actually a possibility, but i still put Benz at the top in my ranking.

so my question is, ... will this put BMW in a situation like GM was in for a longest time? just in germanic fasion that is. watered down, over populated line up that just isn't as good as its competition anymore?..  just to pursue a bigger market share, it is sacrificing its reputation as the ultimate driving machine. 


i'm not sure if this will in fact damage BMW's sales in the long term....    i'm just curious what would happen if they continue becoming a german GM...

[sailor723]

Has BMW really gone down or have the others simply gotten better?

[rrocket]

^^What about Lexus IS beating out the 3 Series, their best seller?  If I were BMW, that would be more distressing.

Has BMW really gone down or have the others simply gotten better?

I think BMW has gone a tad softer to cast the demographic net a bit wider, while the competition has gone a bit sharper.  Combine the 2, and you have a minor changing of the guard.

No...I don't think it will hurt BMW too much.  As long as they keep putting the rondel on the hood, people will buy them.

BTW...it's not the first time an AMG has been chosen over a BMW M.

[mmret]

Has BMW really gone down or have the others simply gotten better?

Doesn't really matter which way it is.

[normancw]

I don't think so.  How many buyers of these cars (larger sport sedans) are looking for max performance?  If I were looking for max performance, I would be shopping smaller, better handling cars like the M3, RS-4, and C63 AMG. 

I suspect buyers of the M5, E63 AMG, and S6 are basing their decisions more on styling and brand loyalty than performance (since they are still pretty close on that front).

[aquadorhj]

Has BMW really gone down or have the others simply gotten better?

Doesn't really matter which way it is.

Exactly...   10 years ago, when BMW, Benz or Audi compete, you KNEW going in, who's going to win.. 

the bar is raised, and BMW isn't on it. 



I know that in the short and medium term, BMW won't be hurting...    but what about the long term?   it doesn't have a distinct advantage against its competition.   (and is therefore technically only competitive or even inferior product priced the same or higher)  can they continue in this way? and still keep its market share, let alone grow ..   i'm genuinely curious to see their direction for the future.

[Northernridge]

Have to be careful, I'm falling for the E63S right when I thought I was falling for the 911.

"...the actual crank numbers on this car are much closer to 676 hp and 636 lb-ft of torque. That's enough to propel the 4511-pound sedan to 60 mph in a crazy quick 3.4 seconds and through the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds at 121.8 mph. That's one big hammer."

And, everything I read about the RS7 drivetrain sounds as good as the MB!