BMW X3 is Afraid of Mercedes GLK

[Mr Robert]

Oh, you mean like Subaru Impreza?

Seriously though, I agree with you... symmetrical quattro is quickly going the way of the dodo. Only A6 and A8 range use it anymore and that too will change with the next generation.

But the symetrical quattro is great for making the driver feel like he or she is in control. Hence, I think Audi has more to loose by abandoning it than the possible gains in both the A6 and A8.

 

[SCOTT27]

Of the two I believe the Mercedes to be the biggest threat.
The German media has not been too kind to the Q5's design saying it is unimaginative and is simply a shrunk-to-fit Q7.

But dont write BMW off. we created the segment for the premium market, and offered a very appealing product at a younger demographic than the then E53 X5. We have sold more than we initially expected to ...
The X3 has been one of BMW's most successful products this decade.

Now for the second generation. Remember though Audi and Mercedes-Benz can only determine the success of the X3 for the Q5 and GLK as this is new ground for them. @ BMW we can now determine which approach to take for the second generation , focus on what customers like and improve on what they didn't. And introduce more defining and groundbreaking ideas and initiative to the next X3. We had the first shot and now it is somebody elses attempt. it's called progress.

Lets have this discussion again when the next X3 rolls out.

 

[EnI]

Also: be sure BMW will offer some special & attractive (equipment & trim & price) packages for X3 for the next MYs ... Offering more for same money. Especially in the last MY of the E83.

 

[EMpower]

Not sure why they worried about GLK. From what I read on America's reaction on various US BMW forums, people like Q5 more than GLK in looks. And looks weigh lot in America.
BMW is releasing next gen X3 ahead of schedule, aren't they?

 

[klier]

BMW is releasing next gen X3 ahead of schedule, aren't they?

They better. X3 doesn't belong in the BMW lineup anymore. Old tech and looks.

 

[dorcollaku]

BMW deserves a lot of credit for identifying the X3 market segemnt and commiting the funds to pursue it. Regardless, the so called first-mover-advantage does not always transalate in higher sales through the segment life cycle. Example, MB identified the premium SUV market with the ML but their first effort was to weak and timid, suffering from too many conceptual compromises. As a result they got beaten by RX and X5 in terms of image and sales (sales at least in the US).

As much important as the timing is, the overall product is very much crucial in the long term race. I think MB has done its homework better this time with the GLK and is well positioned to win SUV customers looking for a distinctive car. In this regard, I feel Audi should have gone for a bolder design that separated its SUV more from its sedans and stations wagons. Anyway, I think its to early to judge the overall products. (Even the sales numbers would not be a complete indicator as the overall brand appeal is an undetermined market factor that would easily skew our judgement.)

What I would like is for the german manufacturers to be more creative in identifying market segments and more individualistic in pursuing the niches. As they do, they are canibalizing sales from each other without expanding their overall market share to its potential.

 

[siko]

Seriously though, I agree with you... symmetrical quattro is quickly going the way of the dodo. Only A6 and A8 range use it anymore and that too will change with the next generation.

Music to my ears!

 

[cawimmer430]

"Just because Audi will price the car in the premium segment does not make it a premium vehicle," the spokesman said."


What is it with BMW spokespeople trying to make Audi look cheap?