C class hatchback like the BMW 3 GT
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Charlotte, NC
2008 Honda CR-V, 2013 ML350 on order
C class hatchback like the BMW 3 GT
Does anyone know if Mercedes is coming up with a hatchback version of the C class to compete against the BMW 3 series GT? I read an article on edmunds.com about this when the new C class was announced last year but I cannot find any more news or pictures of it. (Please note that I am not referring to the hatchback wagon that's currently available in Europe.)
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Ontario
'13 C350, '13 GLK250
The 4 GC and the 3 GT are two different animals. Agree with Laszlo on the 3 GT, it's horrific. If MB goes after the BMW GC (Gran Coupe) look for a C class variant, well that might not look bad.
Last edited by Mark's M; Jan 8, 2015 at 11:18 PM.
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From: Milan, Italy
W205 220 BT
BMW uses the same frame for countless models: 3, 3 wagon, 3 GT, 4, 4 cabrio, 4 GC and X3. Basically the same stuff, but with slightly different feelings.
Personally I'd buy the 3 GT in case of need of more space and if I don't like the wagon, the 4 GC for a more sporty looking car without the limits of a coupe. To tell the truth the 4 GC is really fascinating for me but I can not stand the huge cost difference with the 3: guys, in the end it's the same car!
As far as I know MB has only the C coupe in pipeline, nothing else (that maybe could cannibalize the CLA).
Personally I'd buy the 3 GT in case of need of more space and if I don't like the wagon, the 4 GC for a more sporty looking car without the limits of a coupe. To tell the truth the 4 GC is really fascinating for me but I can not stand the huge cost difference with the 3: guys, in the end it's the same car!
As far as I know MB has only the C coupe in pipeline, nothing else (that maybe could cannibalize the CLA).
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: San Francisco, CA
'16 GL550, '12 C350
Mercedes is tapping into the (GT-like) coupe trend with the upcoming GLE Coupe but it’s classified as a SUV. It's a very appealing SUV and looks fantastic; it looks far better than the new X6.
It'll be interesting though to see if this GT trend makes its way to the mid-sized car category, most notably the C-class or E-class. Although the X6 has opened up a successful segment in the SUV market, I don't think the GT 3-4- and 5-series are selling as well as BMW has hoped in the US.
But in all honestly, this particular opportunity gap really isn’t that wide to warrant an investment by Mercedes-Benz IMO. BMW's adulterated mind-set of “sell-as-many-cars-as-possible”, the Toyota-of-Germany philosophy, fill every single market segment gap imaginable, has its long-term implications and their portfolio has truly become terribly bloated and unmanageable.
Although BMW had strong US sales in December, which I feel was aided by channel stuffing, November sales were down ~3%, which for BMW, is extremely alarming. I believe their new adopted and misguided mind-set is finally starting to bite where it hurts. My prediction is we’ll see more of this for BMW in FY16.
It'll be interesting though to see if this GT trend makes its way to the mid-sized car category, most notably the C-class or E-class. Although the X6 has opened up a successful segment in the SUV market, I don't think the GT 3-4- and 5-series are selling as well as BMW has hoped in the US.
But in all honestly, this particular opportunity gap really isn’t that wide to warrant an investment by Mercedes-Benz IMO. BMW's adulterated mind-set of “sell-as-many-cars-as-possible”, the Toyota-of-Germany philosophy, fill every single market segment gap imaginable, has its long-term implications and their portfolio has truly become terribly bloated and unmanageable.
Although BMW had strong US sales in December, which I feel was aided by channel stuffing, November sales were down ~3%, which for BMW, is extremely alarming. I believe their new adopted and misguided mind-set is finally starting to bite where it hurts. My prediction is we’ll see more of this for BMW in FY16.
