Is Mid-level luxury sedans really a tough segment?
Is Mid-level luxury sedans really a tough segment?
Yesterday while servicing my iPhone at Americana Manhasset which is like the Rodeo Drive of Long Island , NY I could not help but notice the large amounts of Mercedes-Benz E-Classes and BMW 5-Series , with everything else in it's competition including the new GS and Audi A6 slim to none. Is it people don't really pay attention to anything other than those two really or people in the market rather say the Lexus ES 350 is more than enough for me because I saw plenty of those as well. Or would they say I rather get an RX 350 or Audi Q5 instead because I saw many of those as well. It makes me wonder is this crowd a real tough for these luxury car makers. Seeing for example the Acura RL and Infiniti M-Lineup aren't fast movers as well or buyers end up usually buying the SUV that is in the same price range if not a little more or less. Just my observation yesterday.
mid-size luxury sedan is a big group, good size while priced accordingly. 5 and e are kings in this group because of their history and heritage. that's just how it is, people are getting these cars no matter what anyway (whether they are actually good or not). look at the sales numbers and they are insane, way ahead of any other competitors.
personally i really don't consider es a competitor in this segment, it's common because of the price and it's one step below. same with rl and m. gs and a6 are really the close competitor, but it's a big up hill fight
personally i really don't consider es a competitor in this segment, it's common because of the price and it's one step below. same with rl and m. gs and a6 are really the close competitor, but it's a big up hill fight
the gs isn't a big mover because lexus also has the es. but as we know the es is no 5/e class, but it IS a nice car, and less expensive.
so, for many who want a 'nice ride', there's a spectum like this...
something like this.
plus, badge-sensitive crowd likes to upgrade pretty often, and bmw/mb get this and that's why they offer aggressive leases.
so, for many who want a 'nice ride', there's a spectum like this...
Code:
price badge
sensitive sensitive
<------------------------------>
es 5/e
gs??
plus, badge-sensitive crowd likes to upgrade pretty often, and bmw/mb get this and that's why they offer aggressive leases.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I think a better case, Henry, for the 5 and E's popularity is simply their superb chassis engineering. Few cars combine ride, steering, handling, and noise-control better then they do. BMW and M-B do chassis engineering better than just about any other U.S.-market automaker.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: NYC/ATL
Most of the Eclass and 5series on the roads in NY are leased by badge *****s who over pay and have cars that are about as well equipped with features as a 1996 Camry, but they get caught up in the badge and in the end all they say is I drive a BMW/MB.
The GS/ES and M and even the Genesis sedan are way more well equipped for the price you pay, much better buys and you don't feel like you got screwed 6 months into ownership
The GS/ES and M and even the Genesis sedan are way more well equipped for the price you pay, much better buys and you don't feel like you got screwed 6 months into ownership
I think a better case, Henry, for the 5 and E's popularity is simply their superb chassis engineering. Few cars combine ride, steering, handling, and noise-control better then they do. BMW and M-B do chassis engineering better than just about any other U.S.-market automaker.
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Lexus Test Driver
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^Resurrect the cressida and it shall decimate all! 
but yeah i gotta say 5/E does so well due to badge's and enticing leases. Not knocking the product, I see them alot, and drive em and they are nice. Me personally I like the A6 and Infiniti G better.
but yeah i gotta say 5/E does so well due to badge's and enticing leases. Not knocking the product, I see them alot, and drive em and they are nice. Me personally I like the A6 and Infiniti G better.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: California
I can guarantee you the majority of those who get into a 5 or E care much at all about a stout chassis. In that class, it's all about prestige, heritage, styling, and pricing. The 5 and E have had it covered for a long time. The others fill in the cracks with their various attributes and exclusivities.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
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I can guarantee you the majority of those who get into a 5 or E care much at all about a stout chassis. In that class, it's all about prestige, heritage, styling, and pricing. The 5 and E have had it covered for a long time. The others fill in the cracks with their various attributes and exclusivities.
My friends,relatives and urologist who have a 5 Series or E Class and have little or no interest in the new GS.Same goes for the LS vs S Class.
CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Canada
... and I agree it's mainly the heritage and the aggressive lease deals, and people's buying habits will not change drastically overnight once one or two brands have firmly established themselves in the market place no matter what ...
i try to give credits where it's due. 4gs drives far better than e and 5 (apple to apple, not 550i), but e and 5 will sell no matter what (as mike said)
reviewers....
yup, it's way too tough given the difference in history. that's why all along i have just asked for more consistency in lexus sales numbers. if they can do that, i think it's HUGE already