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Originally Posted by Just_me  Probably not. Today the three germans are so close in sport, comfort and luxury it comes down to small reasons which one you choose. The differences arent gigantic anymore. |
I'm not sure I agree with this. When it comes to ride comfort Audi for example is still way behind Mercedes. I haven't read a review of the A8 (a stunning car otherwise) that doesn't complain about it having a choppy or harsh ride. You never see this about a S-Class. Overall you're right, the 3 Germans are closer than ever, but in some areas, in some capabilities there still exists some sizeable differences like in the example I just gave. Audis have never, ever been praised for their ride, in fact it has been just the opposite.
With this whole BMW and Mercedes 3-Series/C-Class issue I think MB will come close enough to the 3-Series standard without turning off their traditional buyers. We all know that any one of these companies could match and/or beat the other in what they do best, IF they really wanted to do so. Mercedes either doesn't see the point in slot-car handling at the expense of ride comfort and BMW doesn't see the point of a little more plush at the expense of handling. That is why these two have been able to co-exist so long. This does however present an age-old problem for Audi though, but that is another thread. They've had neither the sportiness of a BMW or the comfort of a Benz, which is their real issue. Audi fans will deny this till the end of time, but this has been the case until cars like the RS4 came along. Problem is their everyday cars still suffer from this.
The simple fact that Mercedes has never offered a stick shift in a AMG car, and doesn't offer one on the C350 this time around shows you how "serious" they are taking on BMW when it comes to what BMW does best. The correct terminology here is that MB is offering an "alternative" to the 3-Series, sporty, but less sporty than the 3, but more comfortable.
M