03-15-2004, 12:27 PM | #1 |
Western Anomaly
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: White Orca
Posts: 16,644
|
6 series --> you sure it's not against the 911?
i saw the stickers (was at the dealer again today).
$75k for the 645Ci and $80k for the 645Ci convertible. it seems as though it's right in the thick of the segment. 911 buyers these days (for the MOST part) are just a bunch of fair weather tiptronic driving fools, anyway.
__________________
|
03-15-2004, 12:52 PM | #2 |
Founder emeritus
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Maryland
Posts: 21,007
|
I completely think it's primary competitor is the 911. And I cannot imagine anyone selecting the 645Ci over the 911 for the same money.
|
03-15-2004, 01:32 PM | #3 | |
Western Anomaly
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: White Orca
Posts: 16,644
|
Quote:
i mean, here is what i perceive to be the competition: 1. jaguar XKR 2. CLK500 and/or AMB CLK55 3. porsche 911 4. cadillac XLR 5. BMW E60 M5 --since the E60 M5 will not be shipped with a manual, i see no compelling reason for someone to buy a 645Ci when they can have their cake and eat it, also, in the form of the inbound M5.
__________________
|
|
03-15-2004, 01:41 PM | #4 |
Jaded
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,100
|
For the money I rather have 911 or even a used E39 M5.
|
03-15-2004, 01:48 PM | #5 | ||
Solving problems
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4
Location: Metro Boston
Posts: 25,279
|
Quote:
At 80K for the Convertible, I'd just put up a few more $$ and get an SL500. |
||
03-15-2004, 01:58 PM | #6 |
195
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 24,632
|
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, 02:07 PM | #7 |
Western Anomaly
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: White Orca
Posts: 16,644
|
i was shocked at how much the 6 series cost and that is a lot of money to ask someone to spend on something with somewhat incongruous styling.
i agree that the whole 2 door thing is a mystery --but here, let me enter in antoher exmaple: the maserati coupe. it's about $85-90k. that isn't a lot more expensive, but if you had the money, which one would you buy? especially since the maso goes 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and has the heart of a 360 in it?
__________________
|
03-15-2004, 02:14 PM | #8 | |
195
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 24,632
|
Quote:
|
|
03-15-2004, 02:17 PM | #9 | ||
Western Anomaly
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: White Orca
Posts: 16,644
|
Quote:
my guess is that it's damn affluent and that this sort of car is the family 'halo' car. in that situation, i see someone who has a 3 or 5 as the commuter and this sort of car as the "one upmanship" car. that amount of money for a 2 seater is really, really high. i mean, the demographic for the 7 series is absurdly high in terms of wealth, and i would guess the 6 dovetails into that stratosphere. which is why i thought something more exotic for not much more money and badge presence.
__________________
|
||
03-15-2004, 02:21 PM | #10 | |
Crotchety
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: So. Cal
Posts: 1,114
|
Quote:
__________________
• SEMA 2004 • Leadership Matrix has been passed, Ricemus Prime Lives!!! |
|
Bookmarks |
|
|