Are Mercs the new Audis?
Discussion
The BS badge engineering has caught up with them.
I was in picking up my car and the dealer was laughing at the M-Sport options and how much buyers fall for things that are basically fluff. The buyer wants, the buyer gets. Personally I'd rather have a better car than a faux trim level.
I was in picking up my car and the dealer was laughing at the M-Sport options and how much buyers fall for things that are basically fluff. The buyer wants, the buyer gets. Personally I'd rather have a better car than a faux trim level.
they all do seem very gerish. the E class before the facelift was the best looking car in its segment, but now its ruined with its big blobby headlights.
they have fallen into the same car slightly different size category and they all look very melted.
i like cars like the X6 but the GLE just has so much body between the rear lights and bottom of the bumper. the A class hatch is ok but the cla is a bloody mess,
only reddeming car is the CLS, but that looks better pre facelift.
they've really lost their way, quality has improved but looks have failed. BMW are just about holding it together, but audis while conservative, are no way ugly, and are the best looking of the bunch now.
Bmws still look ok, but things like the 4 GC And 3GT just look pants.
they have fallen into the same car slightly different size category and they all look very melted.
i like cars like the X6 but the GLE just has so much body between the rear lights and bottom of the bumper. the A class hatch is ok but the cla is a bloody mess,
only reddeming car is the CLS, but that looks better pre facelift.
they've really lost their way, quality has improved but looks have failed. BMW are just about holding it together, but audis while conservative, are no way ugly, and are the best looking of the bunch now.
Bmws still look ok, but things like the 4 GC And 3GT just look pants.
its not all about looks but that is a big part of it. even in SE spec they still look melted and a bit pants.
i do admire merc for persevering with V8s and big engined ridiculous cars like the g class 6x6, i drove a e63 which was lovely but it doesnt look as good as a M5. it did before it was facelifted.
i do admire merc for persevering with V8s and big engined ridiculous cars like the g class 6x6, i drove a e63 which was lovely but it doesnt look as good as a M5. it did before it was facelifted.
CoolHands said:
D
But - the main point I'm making is they are all made to look aggressive now, and it has lead to owners thinking they are indeed the big I Am. They think they are successful. They think they are important. They need the aggressive nature of the car (and cheap lease deal) to project a tough, aggressive, brash image.
Whereas I'm an actual.
who drives a outwardly unassuming boring car. So when I cut you off, or block your pathetic attempts to intimidate me by fking you up, it makes me better. Comprende?
Oh dear, oh dear oh dear!! But - the main point I'm making is they are all made to look aggressive now, and it has lead to owners thinking they are indeed the big I Am. They think they are successful. They think they are important. They need the aggressive nature of the car (and cheap lease deal) to project a tough, aggressive, brash image.
Whereas I'm an actual.
who drives a outwardly unassuming boring car. So when I cut you off, or block your pathetic attempts to intimidate me by fking you up, it makes me better. Comprende?
You come across as someone who feels they have not done very well in life.
Why do you think they are trying to intimidate you?
If you feel intimidated I would argue you are probably doing something wrong.
LiamTurbo said:
I was on the edge of buying a GLA Amg Line but decided against it. Very nice interiors though
Was next to CLA for a while in a traffic jam the other day and I thought it looked weird - and the rear three-quarter view just looked wrong.I also think they've messed up with the GLK (which was never sold in RHD) replacement, the GLC - it's too much of a cross-over when what people want is SUVs.
Swordman said:
I remember, back in the '80's, Mercedes and BMW were considered to be more upmarket than Audi, which was (and still is) considered to be an expensive VW. In fact, the front runners were Mercedes, BMW and Jaguar. Slowly, Jaguars became the left-field choice, and Audi went on equal footing with Mercedes and BMW. In addition, Lexus came about and they're a smidge below the front runners (whilst also being a bit left-field).
The way I see it is like this:
Mercedes - Old man
BMW - Sporty drive
Audi - Ultra-conservative
There is obviously a lot of overlap. I don't think Mercedes will ever lose its footing in the car hierarchy stakes because of their history.
The way you see it is old, that was the case at the start of 21st century, those brands have moved so much in the past decade and a half.The way I see it is like this:
Mercedes - Old man
BMW - Sporty drive
Audi - Ultra-conservative
There is obviously a lot of overlap. I don't think Mercedes will ever lose its footing in the car hierarchy stakes because of their history.
Now... (The way I see it)
BMW - old man car
Merc - aspirational lease car
Audi - boring / mum car
I would have no problem owning a BMW or Mercedes, but I certainly don't ever hope to own one again. Had both brands in the past, SL55, M3, M6.
Though I should add that I still think quite a few Mercedes models remain proper 'aspirational' cars, I personally would be pretty excited if someone handed me the keys to a new G wagon, SL63 or an S coupe for the weekend! Can't say the same for BMW, not a single car in their line up that I'd be excited to have a go in, not even the i8. They are OK for hire cars on holiday/business trips, that's about it.
Just my view.
Just my view.
CoolHands said:
KFC said:
CoolHands said:
I don't have much interest in cars but I've noticed lately that Mercedes seem to have changed their model line up from boring old grandad to aggressive young wannabe stylee; al la noughties era Audi strategy. Lots of flashy bits, chrome stuff, aggressive 'aero' glued on trinkets, silly wheels & badges, more exhausts than you can shake a stick at, stupid LEDs etc
They (round here at least) are also now driven by complete wkers who want to look like they're amazingly more successful than yow. So just wondering really, have Mercedes taken on where Audi have left off? Is Audi becoming more grown up?
Every time I see a post like this I think "this poor guy must be a bit jealous and just lamely bashes x brand for no real reason, I bet he drives something sThey (round here at least) are also now driven by complete w
kers who want to look like they're amazingly more successful than yow. So just wondering really, have Mercedes taken on where Audi have left off? Is Audi becoming more grown up?t"profile clicked, stereotype confirmed.
But - the main point I'm making is they are all made to look aggressive now, and it has lead to owners thinking they are indeed the big I Am. They think they are successful. They think they are important. They need the aggressive nature of the car (and cheap lease deal) to project a tough, aggressive, brash image.
Whereas I'm an actual.
who drives a outwardly unassuming boring car. So when I cut you off, or block your pathetic attempts to intimidate me by fking you up, it makes me better. Comprende?Shame as I thought that you were a real 'bad ass', until then.
daytona365 said:
V8 M3 ? You have high expectations.
Me? Well yes it was a V8 M3 - and an absolutely fantastic car it was too, I still have a soft spot for them today. But unfortunately BMW doesn't really stand for M3 / sports car ... it stands more for 4 door 4 series (as in the 4 door version of a 2 door version of a 4 door car). Though I also had a V8 M6 - F12 Cabrio... waste of money and damaged my opinion of the brand.
CoolHands said:
I've noticed lately that Mercedes seem to have changed their model line up from boring old grandad to aggressive young wannabe stylee
Valid observation IMO. Most of their current stuff looks undignified, attracting the objectionable punters Audi wanted to seduce way back then. Ha, late night saturday, should have expected it on here.
Kolbenkopp said:
Valid observation IMO. Most of their current stuff looks undignified, attracting the objectionable punters Audi wanted to seduce way back then.
Yes, especially their 'entry' level models. I think their top end models are actually quite discreet given they are £100k+ cars, some as high as £150k+ (insane). Which is to say, no one would imagine they cost as much as they do.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff