99% of ppl will get base 530i over loaded G80 for same price.
It has to be better car, better service, facilities etc if they want to charge same price.

GS Fsport with V6 topped out around $60k which was substantially cheaper than Germans.

 

I wouldn't go that far. For one, you can't find base 530is. Base BMWs feel very austere, and once you start optioning them up to where they start to feel special, they get really expensive. Thats what's always kept me out of a BMW.

I don't necessarily think they are trying to get BMW and Mercedes buyers either. You're going to have that badge buyer who is going to drive a BMW or Mercedes no matter how inferior because of what it is. What I think they are after frankly, are Lexus consumers.

 

Regardless of loaded Genesis G80 II or base E Class/5 Series, the main obstacle post-COVOD19 will be the:
1) 2018-24 7ES which [pre-COVID19] in its first full year last year sold 51k/year USA.
2) 2016-23 E Class which was down to 39k last year.
3) 2017-24 5 Series which was down to 38k last year.

G80 II should be able to easily dispatch the:
1) 2018-25 Audi A6 which in its first full year last year sold 17k.
2) 2015-Onwards Jaguar XF which sold only 1.1k last year.
3) 2012-20 Lexus 4GS is being discontinued in a 3 months.

In most cases, peak sales are achieved in the first full year early on eg ES, GS, old Hyundai Genesis/Genesis G80 I and Jaguar XF.
While in other cases, peak sales are achieved later on with heavy discounting like old 2002-09 & 2009-16 E Class and old 2003-10 & 2010-17 5 Series.

 

I agree that a base 3series can feel downright cheap but 5series even in base models - the materials, wood trim etc are very high standard. The main options now are tech related for advanced driving features, high end stereo etc.

If they are going after Lexus clients then there is not much of consumer base left since GS and LS are sold in such small #s and ES is much cheaper. Also Lexus clients are used to dealership service and ambiance that Genesis currently lacks.

Again I think they are overly optimistic on the MSRP considering the overall market.
I predict huge incentives and lease specials if they want to have any tangible sales.

 

True, it's hard to beat that cachet the BMW logo exudes

True, though as a side note, you could also fully option a GS450h to about $73k before it went defunct. But yes for this discussion GS F-Sport is the better example

 

I thought these days, the greatest strength of the E Class and 5 Series is the blend of competent styling, appropriate size and spaciousness, good ergonomics, and the blend of performance, braking, economy, maneuverability, handling, ride, refinement, with decent basic equipment levels, and decent reliability especially during the warranty period - though they do lack fancy bells and whistles unless a bucket load of money is poured in for options.

 

I totally disagree about the base 5 series, they feel very cheap to me. Even the base 7 series feel very cheap to me inside, you have to have the leather and interior upgrades to make them feel special. Dakota leather is awful IMO, lacking stitching etc. Mercedes is the same in some models but it’s not as bad there.

Genesis and Lexus feel better in base models.

And huge incentives and lease deals are the way it is with any sedan. BMW is the same way.

 

No doubt that increase in cost is mostly attributed to the use of the outsourced aluminum vs in-house high strength steel they were using. Can't imagine the new engines added much cost since they will be used in every Genesis product as well as some Hyundais and Kias(2.5T). Overall the styling which some may be slightly put off about, definitely exudes an expensive price tag. Compared to the looks of the standard 5-Series and E-class it looks more in line with the 8-Series and CLS/AMG GT 4-door(even just as big as those). I still wish the 3.5TT started below $60k.

 

I think what you experienced was Sensatec which is not leather.
Dakota has contrast stitching on 5 Series.

Yes lease incentives are very common in this class but G80 would REALLY need to subsidize the lease as the MSRP price to start is so high.

Base 530i has these Standard Features, since 2021 will be LCI, expect for even more standard stuff.

• Live Cockpit with Navigation
• Frontal Collision Warning w/ City Collision Mitigation
• Lane Departure Warning
• Active Blind Spot Detection
• Comfort Access keyless entry
• Active Driving Assistant

 

Your going based on highest trim model with large wheels in promo pics.
Lets see how the base model looks with 18s.

Listen I welcome more competition and glad Genesis exists but they need to earn the right to charge these prices so far I haven’t seen the justification.

 

Whatever details - 7ES, E Class and 5 Series - are doing, the three are certainly selling well according to consumers; no doubt about that.
Aftermarket third party post-purchase surveys will provide all the nitty gritty details - which we can only guess and provide individual opinions.

G80 Mark II will have to really get its act together to compete with the three established class leaders post-COVID19, else G80 II will end up near the bottom of their classes like G70 & G90...
.

 

 

I root for G80 to be success and convince Lexus, Acura and Infiniti how wrong they were.

 

Strongly agree. I will say that the design of the E-Class interior makes for a good first impression, even in base models, but start looking closer, start feeling things, start pressing on areas, etc. and it's not impressive at all. To get a nice interior in an E-Class, you have to option it up near S-Class territory, at which point, you'd be stupid to not just move up to the S.

I'm not impressed with the materials in the base 2021 G80 either. The door panels particularly, but the plastic trim, like the one found on what covers the steering rack, looked a bit cheap.

 

I'm just happy there are more players in the luxury sports sedan segment. The greater competition will spur innovation and quality, keep prices in check and ensure the market leaders don't just rest on their laurels.

I hope Genesis makes a big splash, Acura and Infiniti make a resurgence and Lexus makes a concerted attempt to overtake the Germans in offering a compelling product.

In the final analysis, we the consumer, will be the ultimate winner.

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