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Originally Posted by cawimmer430  Also, the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series and of course the C-Class are all known as "grandpa cars" in Germany. The average age of the BMW 3-Series buyer is actually closer to the average age of the Mercedes C-Class buyer, 60 years+. Source: AMS. |
Chris ....doesn't this, in reality, show very clearly that these cars are targeting the same market?
I understand that the Merc has always had a more luxury/comfortable image than the 3er, but as you correctly said, even the 3er is bought by a conservative older market.
We can talk about brand values and image, etc.., but when it really comes down to the market realities, these cars are competitors.
In your first paragraph you say these cars are not competitors ....and yet the sales demographics would suggest they are. Traditionally, the BMW does appeal to younger buyers more than the Benz ....however, where the BMW wins out is it also sells well among Mercedes' older market demographic too.