I beleive BMW prices for all markets, "AT THE FACTORY", are about the same,,,,,,what distinguishes them, one market to the other, is each country´s tax "racket", I mean tax structure!!! In Europe we are overburdened with taxes!!!!!! In my country an import tax is added to the price of the cars, and then a final sales tax ( 23% at the moment, and rising) is added on top of that!! Damn politicians didn´t invent the wheel, but came up with a "tax on a tax" (Bunch of crooks!!) :t-wild:
Two months ago, bought for my son a BMW 320 D Coupe, metalic paint, leather seats, M sport package and a few other options , for the nice sum of 53000 euros (sales tax at the time was "ONLY" 21%!!), that, in dollars is about $72600. How do you like them apples??? Should we also talk about the price of gas????? Stop complaining, Americans!! :jpshakehe
That's true inside the EU for most manufacturers. However, BMW Finland lists the price for a 535i at €51,290 without the car tax which means it's €41,700 without VAT. The retail price is €71,177 (~$98,700). In the US, the same car has a retail price of $50,100 (~€36,500). And that's not accounting for the fact that the US car probably comes standard with quite a few features that are optional extras here.
Car prices in US are much better than Sweden at least. We have many imports from US. Buying a Ford Mustang from US is like half the price compare to the price in Sweden. Speaking of fuel prices. Fuel cost half the price in US compare to Sweden. No wonder you guys drive all the big cars over there.
One thing to note is that many of the countries with heavy taxes on cars (Finland, Portugal, Greece, Denmark, the Netherlands) have little in the way of domestic car industry. At least in Finland the car tax was originally clearly intended as an import tax, controlling and limiting the flow of currency out of the country. The result is that the average age of cars is much higher than in most European countries.
Well, at that tax rate no government will survive here; remember the American revolution. And if we don't complain we certainly will be facing higher taxes, because politicians will think we are content. So we have to complain it is in our DNA to do so.
Several years ago, a highly publicized survey was conducted in which it was determined that the Danes were the most content and happiest of all citizens from the many countries surveyed. They ascertained that despite the high rate of taxation, much was given back in return in the way of benefits. It appears as though Danish politicians were not culprit to the wanton misappropriation of tax revenues as seen in so many other countries (I know, living in Germany :eusa_doh. Maybe it's simply that in countries where a large part of the population get around via bicycle, they don't worry too much about the price of cars ! But fun aside: I thought that the results of the survey were quite interesting. Mind you, this was several years ago. And those who are seriously in the market for an automobile such as the 650i cabriolet don't really need to count their pennies, methinks.
Wow. So the Coupe, I'm assuming, will be in the low-mid $80's (Base)? I think being such a car nerd ruins a lot of these cars me, in regards to "whether they're worth it". For example, unless the styling of a CLS truly blows me away so much more, I could never pay the asking price for a brand new one, knowing that it isn't technically superior to an E-Class, aside from a few things here or there, etc. It's basically the same car, and what you're paying for, is to move up to a "more exclusive" club, because less people are forking over that money over the thing. Also, the subjective styling factor certainly plays a part in the price increase, which is an interesting thing to pay for, considering the very fact that it's subjective. Same with the 6'er, as I know what chassis it rides on, and I know what lies underneath it. Those slightly prettier materials, and more-rare-factor don't really justify the price difference to me. So basically, to me, no, it's definitely not worth it. A car like a 6'er is one that I would only buy Used.
I think the price of the new 6 cars is in line on a cost for what you get basis. This doesn't mean I am happy with currency valuations. Whether it is taxation, as in some countries, or steadily eroding currency values, or both, it does seem like a lot. Wait till you see what the next generation of 6 series cars costs, in the US and overseas!!
In driving and looking at the 650i Cabrio, I would have to say its overpriced IMO. It simply isn't worth 100K+, which is what a 650i will cost with the goodies on it. They did this to make room for the 640i. I get 75-85K maybe 90K tops when driving a 650i convertible, but with options its already like 103K and this is before the M-pack and LEDs become available on the droptop here in the U.S. That said it is still the front runner for my next car, dealer is willing to "work with me" on price, we'll see exactly what that means when the time comes. M
I agree, Merc. Sitting in the 6-Series, seeing it next to other Bimmers, it just isn't worth that price to me at all. The fact that it sits on a 5-Series, and uses the same powertrains and tech, further that. Basically, there is a lot of badge-engineering factored into that price.
Yeah, your negative view towards BMW make you feel that way. Because you could have easily have said it's based on the 7er platform with 7er tech, and with toys not even available at the competition. Because that is true too.
Agree with Klier--the new 6s are certainly no more overpriced than any model in the current Benz lineup. This is more woe about currency valuation and national tax structures, not the 6. Benz fans aside...I voted with my wallet, and my new coupe arrives in port in the US this am.
I think the same way about the CLS The 6 is more pricey than the CLS, so my views on the 6 are even more extreme in this aspect. Per the CLS, if I were buying, I wouldn't pay a dime more for it than I would an E550 (i.e, I'd buy an E-Class brand new, but if I wanted a CLS, unless they discounted the sh** out of it, I'd have to buy Used). Same car, less headroom, less functionality, worse drag coefficient, same exact drivetrain and tech, same engineering, different sheetmetal, and some more leather bits here and there around the interior = $20K more?
K/A I think you're too caught up on what a car is based on, instead of just taking the vehicle for what it is. To the BMW folks, I like the 650i a lot, may buy one if they open up the options list for the cabrio, but this car is overpriced for sure. A 100K for a 650i, the CLS550 doesn't reach 100K, only the AMG model does. BMW has priced the 650i high for 2 reasons, to better compete with the CL/SL/XK etc and to make room for the 640i here in the U.S. This isn't a 100K+ car in 650 trim, M6 yes, but not the 650i. M
