carmudgeons.com - View Single Post - 6 series --> you sure it's not against the 911?

JST · 03-15-2004, 01:58 PM

As much as I dislike the new 6 (and I really, really do), I think you guys are underestimating the market a bit.

Compared to each of the cars that you mention, the 6 has a value proposition. It may not be compelling to you, but I'm sure that there are some folks out there for whom the 6 fits the bill in a way that none of the other cars do.

E.g.:

1. jaguar XKR--645 can be had with a 6 speed or SMG--XKR is auto only. XKR is built on an ancient platform, and while still a gorgeous car, is getting a bit long in tooth. I'm sure that the 6 will be a nicer driver.

2. CLK500 and/or AMB CLK55--These are probably the closest, but these "tweener" Mercedes are more traditionally compared to the M3. They also can't be had with a stick.

3. porsche 911--The 645 offers a lot more space; if you occasionally need to carry 3 adults, a 6 will work, but a 911 really won't. As bad as the BMW stigma is, the Porsche stigma is worse.

4. cadillac XLR--Only two seats, no stick, unknown suburban snob factor. Will this car be parked in front of the restaurant by the valets? The 6 probably will.

5. BMW E60 M5--Four doors. Some people, for reasons known only to Zeus, like 2 doors. If that weren't true, BMW wouldn't sell any 330/325Cis.

Honestly, as I've said before, the closest competitor I see to the 645 is the M3, and as (maybe pdz) pointed out, the M3 has a younger image than the 6.

For the older, wealthier enthusiast who (inexplicably) likes the 6er styling and wants to assert his midlife crisis by ordering a coupe, the 6 is a good choice. It fills a nice that is presently occupied only by something much more expensive (e.g., the AM DB7 and DB9) or much cheaper (the GTO, the 330).

But it sure is ugly.

03-15-2004, 01:58 PM	#6
JST 195 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 24,646	As much as I dislike the new 6 (and I really, really do), I think you guys are underestimating the market a bit. Compared to each of the cars that you mention, the 6 has a value proposition. It may not be compelling to you, but I'm sure that there are some folks out there for whom the 6 fits the bill in a way that none of the other cars do. E.g.: 1. jaguar XKR--645 can be had with a 6 speed or SMG--XKR is auto only. XKR is built on an ancient platform, and while still a gorgeous car, is getting a bit long in tooth. I'm sure that the 6 will be a nicer driver. 2. CLK500 and/or AMB CLK55--These are probably the closest, but these "tweener" Mercedes are more traditionally compared to the M3. They also can't be had with a stick. 3. porsche 911--The 645 offers a lot more space; if you occasionally need to carry 3 adults, a 6 will work, but a 911 really won't. As bad as the BMW stigma is, the Porsche stigma is worse. 4. cadillac XLR--Only two seats, no stick, unknown suburban snob factor. Will this car be parked in front of the restaurant by the valets? The 6 probably will. 5. BMW E60 M5--Four doors. Some people, for reasons known only to Zeus, like 2 doors. If that weren't true, BMW wouldn't sell any 330/325Cis. Honestly, as I've said before, the closest competitor I see to the 645 is the M3, and as (maybe pdz) pointed out, the M3 has a younger image than the 6. For the older, wealthier enthusiast who (inexplicably) likes the 6er styling and wants to assert his midlife crisis by ordering a coupe, the 6 is a good choice. It fills a nice that is presently occupied only by something much more expensive (e.g., the AM DB7 and DB9) or much cheaper (the GTO, the 330). But it sure is ugly.