Why is there such a big gap in base price between mid and full size?

Compact (is it still called that?), meaning 3/c/a4, etc starts at around 35. Mid is around 50. Then full is between 80-95. Seems like something should slot in around 65.

 

I think the LS460 starts around $72K. What about the Acura RL?

 

You mean the RLX? The RL is history. Anyhow, it starts at 54K.

 

because full size are the flagships with state of the art features, max luxury and trim, and because they can.

 

But why not put something to fill that gap?

 

I didn't realize that. I guess they are targeting the hole that the Germans are leaving?

 

bmw and mercedes these days have tons of variations at all price points (coupes, sedans, 4 door coupes / high performance, cuvs, suvs...) so there isn't really a gap.

 

Although I was talking sedans, that is a fair point.

 

Higher trim has higher price, there are plenty engine/models of them to fill in every gap.

Base starts 50s but hardly any stripped model is available for sale, any options quickly

add up to the Msrp. Take 5 series, it has 50k 528i all the way to M5 comp pack which is 120k+.

flagship has less trims to choose from but a 7 series can be had for 85k to 170k when 760M

come out. Trust me, the manufacturers got every segments figured out and more! XD

 

coz' options on mid-size can get you past the starting price of full size

 

Mercedes has the CLS which takes up the middle spot at around 70K. In addition, a fully loaded E class will get into the mid to high 70s. And also because to keep the riff raff out of the S class, they need to

 

Opening prices mean little these days. Most cars are loaded up quite well, which is what inflates them into the next level. Without all the options, you'd have the starting prices you were wondering about.

 

Mercedes has the CLS to fill the gap, BMW has the 6 series GC, Audi has the A7. Acura, Lexus, and Infiniti have lower priced flagships but the RLX and Q70 compete more with mid size market cars then full sized flagship. Hyundai has a much less expensive full sized flag ship. I agree the price of a S class seems way too high but people do buy them at that price so they can get away with it. I can't believe people pay so much money for a 4 cyl 5 series or E class but they do.

 

The 6er Gran Coupe is actually the same price as the 7-series.

I agree that the pricing of these 4-cylinder mid sizers is asinine, but actually the 528 is priced very reasonably compared to the new E-class. Anyone who wants a well-equipped new E300 (240 hp 4 banger) is spending the same coin as a well-equipped 535 (300 hp I6). Sure the interior of the new E-class is flashier and more current, but the 5-series has held up very well and is more powerful, more enjoyable to drive, and in my opinion better looking than the new E-class.

 

Traditionally a GS460 or a BMW 545 or a MB E400 fill gap. Lexus has reduced the price of the GS and both the GS and E class are not offering 4 cylinders. Perhaps that small segment in the middle of the line up does not exist in these days.

Lexus is not targeting the hole left by the Germans, the LS460 is in its 11th model year coming up, it needs an update which is theory should get it to the $85-$95K starting price.