BMW 5-Series GT, Audi A7 - what's the point?

[paddyhasneeds]

Got overtaken today by a rather odd looking BMW. Turns out it's a 5 Series "GT. Also whilst at Audi I noticed (never paid attention before) that there is now an A5 and A7 "Sportback".

Now don't get me wrong, choice is a good thing, but I did find myself wondering around the Audi showroom thinking to myself "You make too many models".

I'm not sure quite what the word is that I'm looking for, but it's as if they're trying a little too hard to be all things to all people, but in Audi's case it's clearly working as I don't think I've seen a dealer so busy - they actually have a car park attendent complete with gatehouse/booth and it's Birmingham Audi so sufficiently out of town that traffic/congestion shouldn't be an issue.

[kambites]

What's the point in a saloon when you can buy an estate?

I assume people like them, even if they are extraordinarily ugly.

[davepoth]

To expand on that a little, the CLS has been a pretty big hit for Mercedes, and obviously Audi and BMW want a bit of the market. Of course they won't have something proper in the market for a few years, so they just slung something together and hoped the badge would be enough to sell it.

Edited by davepoth on Wednesday 29th December 18:45

[garynuman]

It's probably for Audi connoisseur's. It's a style thing. I think the back of the CLS, above, is a bit ugly. I'd rather have an Audi estate.

[paddyhasneeds]

Thing is I'm not saying they (all) look bad, they aren't my cup of tea but I wouldn't say they are ugly cars. It just struck me with Audi in particular that the reason they now have these aircraft hangar sized showrooms isn't because they're out of town so they're cheaper (though I'm sure it plays a part), it's because they now make that many models that they need it.

[hairyben]

davepoth said:

To expand on that a little, the CLS has been a pretty big hit for Mercedes, and obviously Audi and BMW want a bit of the market. Of course they won't have something proper in the market for a few years, so they just slung something together and hoped the badge would be enough to sell it.

Edited by davepoth on Wednesday 29th December 18:45

The CLS is exactly what a merc should be though*- big and comfortable with an elegance that elevates it over other mere cars. It's no surprise it's done well.... building cars like the c/e-class to be as much as possible all things to all men within x market segment (ie average) is where they lose their way.

• built properly would be nice too, but I digress (and fanticise)

[F1GTRUeno]

It's a shame the CLS was so popular, it's bloody hideous.

[kambites]

F1GTRUeno said:

It's a shame the CLS was so popular, it's bloody hideous.

Given their popularity, I suspect you're in a minority in that belief.

[Wills2]

I like the look of the new A7 it gets a good write up in Autocar this week, in fact its the only Audi I would think of buying apart from the A6 Allroad (that's best car Audi makes IMHO)

[Nickyboy]

What i don't quite understand is that the new CLS is going to be available as an estate as well. Correct me if i am wrong but aren't people buying it because it is a coupe? Why buy it as an estate when there is already 2 others in their range?

[AnotherClarkey]

The CLS has done well because it is the thinking mans' mid life crisis-mobile.

[Gompo]

The new CLS may lose out to the 5GT and A7 now, even though the original was quite nice in my opinion. Who have Mercedes asked who actually like that dire rear arch/quarter arrangement they seem to be making their signature?

[Beartato]

paddyhasneeds said:

I'm not sure quite what the word is that I'm looking for

Extemporaneous



PS I like the CSL.

[gizlaroc]

I like the CLS too, however it was not meant to take on the 5 GT or the Audi A5 Sportback, it came out nearly 7 years ago now.

It is just a saloon that looks a bit different, so coupe looks but still 4 door.

[Codd]

I saw an A7 on the road today, just looked like a flattened elongated A8 with less class.

I'm sure someone out there likes them.

[Zod]

kambites said:

F1GTRUeno said:

It's a shame the CLS was so popular, it's bloody hideous.

Given their popularity, I suspect you're in a minority in that belief.

I agree with him. It looks like a banana from the side. The front and rear views are worse.