BMW Z4 best selling sportscar/roadster in Germany (May)

[Zafiro]

Compare to last year, sales are down 14,9% for sportscars/roadsters in Germany.
Last May, no. 1 topseller Mercedes SLK followed by Audi TT. This year, best sellers are Porsche 911 and new Z4.

Top 15
1. BMW Z4 (1099 cars)
2. Porsche 911 (767 cars)
3. Audi TT (716 cars)
4. MB SLK (695 cars)

and(no specific order)...CLK, Audi R8, Nissan GTR, Jaguar XKR Cabrio, Ferrari F430 Spyder,
Ferrari California, Ford Mustang, Maserati Granturismo S, Opel GT, Boxster/cayman

 

[Centurion]

Impressive sales by the Boxster given how much expensive it is than the competitors. Biggest loser is undoubtedly the SLK. Mercedes have been sitting too comfortably with their metal folding roof thinking that it's a big sales point. But since the first generation SLK, competitors are now more refined and makes the SLK look like a half baked roadster. Mercedes better have put more effort in exterior and interior design, possibly borrowing SLS cues for the next generation SLK. The SLK is a candle that has burnt out.

 

[Shining Star]

I hate how MB doesn't give big facelifts, especially in the case of the SLK. Although at the beginning, the design was fresh, it easily got old. As MB decreased production of the SLR, the SLK looked like a very outdated car. Then, all MB did to freshen the styling of the SLK was to put a break in the bumper and bump up the horsepower. The SLK IMO looks terrible next to the Z4. MB needs to step up its game, because most of their other cars are class leaders.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

I hate how MB doesn't give big facelifts, especially in the case of the SLK. Although at the beginning, the design was fresh, it easily got old. As MB decreased production of the SLR, the SLK looked like a very outdated car. Then, all MB did to freshen the styling of the SLK was to put a break in the bumper and bump up the horsepower. The SLK IMO looks terrible next to the Z4. MB needs to step up its game, because most of their other cars are class leaders.

Well thankfully the new SLK is on it's way. On the other hand with MB it depends on the vehicle. The S-class got the 5 star treatment for the facelift because it is the most profitable. The SLK really doesn't have enough numbers for a major facelift.

On the other hand I still don't like the look of the Z4. It might be better then the previous fish looking one, but I still have absolutely no interest in it. On the other hand it seems like the Germans do.

Guess only time will tell once the new SLK comes out. But I do agree that that design got old real quick. Thankfully the next one will look completely different. I do wish they make it longer though. It's good for weight purposes, but yet so tiny.

 

[Shining Star]

IMO the SLK is the one flaw in MB's otherwise flawless lineup.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

IMO the SLK is the one flaw in MB's otherwise flawless lineup.

Lol...I don't think it's that bad, just outdated. Z4 is brand new so of course it's going to get all the attention.

I do agree with Centurion, that it might take on the look of the SLS. That could be a good and bad thing. The huge grill on the SLS probably won't look good on the SLK. On the other hand it brings in buyers that want a SLS, but can't afford it. Then again it would be nice to see the SLK take on it's own original look. That is one thing I have to give BMW is that the Z4 look nothing like it's 6 series or any other BMW products.

 

[Zafiro]

I'm not a fan of SLK either, SL vs SLK is like beauty and the ugly. Both Z4 and TT looks 10 times better in every view than the baby SLK.
I haven't spoken or read on the internet that someone thinks the new Z4 is ugly, everyone seemed to be pleased with the design. Maybe the woman who designed the new Z4 should design all BMW's
I've driven new Z4 and TT head to head and Z4 offer a better Roadster feel. TT feels like A3 to drive while the new Z4 is different to drive compare to my babybimmer.

Surprising to see that so many germans buy the expensive 911 but there are many engines and model versions to choose between.

 

[Centurion]

Lol...I don't think it's that bad, just outdated. Z4 is brand new so of course it's going to get all the attention.

The Z4 isn't the issue here, it just placed the final nail in the coffin. Both the TT and Boxster are very appealing cars too with clear product benefits unlike the SLK which has close to no unique competitive advantage now when it's no longer the only roadster with a metal folding roof. Both the Z4 and even the cheaper MX-5 had it. MB has been relying too much on the folding roof as an advantage and now when competitors have caught up, the SLK has pretty much nothing going for it except it's cute sweet 16 looks.

 

[far2000]

IMO the SLK is the one flaw in MB's otherwise flawless lineup.

IMHO Its way better than the R, A, and B Classes currently..Theses need 2 b replaced and redesigned....

 

[HighestOfHigh]

IMHO Its way better than the R, A, and B Classes currently..Theses need 2 b replaced and redesigned....

Now this is true...

R-class: Because of slow sales
A: Because it looks bad
B: Well MB is in the need of some exciting smalls cars.

As far as roadsters...anyone know when the SLK will doubt? Also, how much smaller will the Z2 be compared to the Z4?

 

[Shining Star]

IMHO Its way better than the R, A, and B Classes currently..Theses need 2 b replaced and redesigned....

Agreed. However, in the states the R-Class is the only really ugly car MB has, and the SLK is the only car that looks signifigantly dated when compared to other similar cars.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Agreed. However, in the states the R-Class is the only really ugly car MB has, and the SLK is the only car that looks signifigantly dated when compared to other similar cars.

You know I really don't think the R-class is ugly for what it is. My only concern with the car is the headlights.

The Z4 on the other hand looks better then the previous model, but those headlights and grill still seem odd to me.

 

[Merc1]

The SLK IMO, still has a lot of a appeal and Mercedes certainly hasn't just sat back and let it be competitive with its top only. It has the only 300hp V6 you can get in a Benz in the U.S. and the AMG version is to die for. The car is far from being dead as the tone indicates here. It has just aged like all cars do. The BMW is new so of course it will get the sales. Why on earth this is being touted as some type of heaven sent news/accomplishment is beyond me.


M

 

[Zafiro]

Why on earth this is being touted as some type of heaven sent news/accomplishment is beyond me.


M

I hope that sentence wasnt directed to my thread. This thread is no different from other threads about carsales. The sales numbers is presented from a german carmagazine. As BMW fan its nice to see the Z4 doing well in sales and being the bestseller in Germany.
Excuse me for creating thread, you have no intrest in.

 

[Merc1]

I hope that sentence wasnt directed to my thread. This thread is no different from other threads about carsales. The sales numbers is presented from a german carmagazine. As BMW fan its nice to see the Z4 doing well in sales and being the bestseller in Germany.
Excuse me for creating thread, you have no intrest in.

What else could it be directed too?


M

 

[HighestOfHigh]

I think the issue is people who are dismissing the SLK. The Z4 is probably a good car (I just don't care for the design). On the other hand people act as though since it came out the SLK doesn't exist anymore, which is more then harsh. The SLK is still an exceptional car and deserves more credit then it's getting.

It is great for BMW and it's followers that the Z4 is celebrating its successful selling pattern in Germany.

 

[zegerman]

SLK's folding roof is still more aesthetically pleasing to the eye than the competitions, atleast to my eye. Even the new Z4's folding roof doesn't flow with the design nearly as well as it flows with SLK's.

Nonetheless if I could keep my roof down I do find the top three a lot more interesting. If I couldn't, I'd get a car with a roof

 

[Mr Robert]

I think the new Z4 looks better with its roof up than with folded roof

Not so sure about the SLK, it looks more like it was designed for top down driving.

 

[far2000]

SLK's folding roof is still more aesthetically pleasing to the eye than the competitions, atleast to my eye. Even the new Z4's folding roof doesn't flow with the design nearly as well as it flows with SLK's.

Nonetheless if I could keep my roof down I do find the top three a lot more interesting. If I couldn't, I'd get a car with a roof

Lol, This has 2 be the lamest excuse i have heard recently......

 

[HighestOfHigh]

I think the new Z4 looks better with its roof up than with folded roof

Not so sure about the SLK, it looks more like it was designed for top down driving.

Honestly, both of them would look better with the top down.