Originally Posted by cawimmer430

They are targeting the same market, that's no secret. The only differences are in the type of people they're targeting in this market. As you said, the laid back approach that Mercedes has traditionally taken with the C-Class is something that appeals to a certain segment within this segment. The same applies to the BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS, Audi A4, Cadillac CTS etc. There are people in this segment that are won over by something a specific car offers or stands for.




Reality also dictates that not all cars are bought by their intended target market. I believe that 2/3's of BMW 3-Series buyers in America are simply after the badge, or desire a 3-Series because it is currently "hip" or "in" to drive one. The same applies to other brands.




Well they are competitors, but like I mentioned above, the appeal to different buyers within this segment. There are buyers who are purists and for them, the BMW 3er or Infiniti G are the only choices because they come with a manual transmission. Then you have luxury buyers, people who either want something comfortable or the badge. The list of different people in this segment goes on, and they're usually best served with one of these cars. Something in these cars fullfills their needs.

Originally Posted by Rob

You argued your points very well Chris

Originally Posted by Merc1

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.

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

Originally Posted by cawimmer430

Fact is though that car companies have to market themselves more boldly than ever in the face of increasing competition.

Originally Posted by Just_me

I have never tried A8, 7er,S-class so I cant say anything about them. I was more thinking of 3er,A4,C-class and 5er/A6/e-class.

I've driven various version of these cars and they are closer than ever. All offer something that the other also offer. All offer sport, comfort and luxury equipment, some of them are better on certain things but difference isnt like night and day (so to speak).

This is my "unbaised" opinion.

Originally Posted by Merc1

No the differences aren't night and day overall, but in some specific areas I think (and have experienced) some significant differences.

M

Originally Posted by Just_me

you have an answer for everything, dont you

Originally Posted by Rob

This article is obviously written by a Benz fan (which is fine) but seriously ....would you really choose this car over a 3er?

Originally Posted by Rob

This article is obviously written by a Benz fan (which is fine) but seriously ....would you really choose this car over a 3er?

Originally Posted by Rob

This article is obviously written by a Benz fan (which is fine) but seriously ....would you really choose this car over a 3er?