2 years, 1 month ago
What are the BMW and Mercedes entry level vehicles?
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M$1 Answer
The entry level BMW is the 3 Series, as stated by the Edmunds review (see http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3series/review.html for the full review):
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The BMW 3 Series is the company's top seller in the United States and a favorite in the marketplace for good reason: It's a well-built, premium compact vehicle endowed with world-class fit and finish, ample power, and a comfortable ride and handling trade-off that is unmatched by most cars at any price. No matter what model you choose, our editors generally agree that you'll be able to go about your weekday routine without feeling that you've sacrificed ride comfort for the sake of weekend thrills.
The current model, which represents the fifth-generation 3 Series, is slightly larger, heavier and faster than the previous 3 Series generations. An even better car overall, the latest BMW 3 Series has a bolder look, revised suspension and braking, more power and more interior space. It tends to cost more than the competition, but if you go easy on the optional equipment, we think you'll find that the price of admission is well worth it.
No matter what year you're looking at, however, the BMW 3 Series remains the unequivocal "ultimate driving machine" and popular favorite in the entry-luxury category.
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Of the series, perhaps the BMW 328i is most "entry" of this entry level line. According to http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29213-Honda-and-Acura-Examiner~y2010m2d16-Best-2010-entrylevel-luxury-Car--Audi-A4-vs-BMW-328i-vs-Acura-TSX-V6-vs-Hyundai-Genesis-V6 :
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In a sense, this lesser powered brother of the 300 horsepower 335i may actually be the purer BMW thanks in part to it probably being one of the last non-turbocharged models from this automaker. It may have a horsepower rating of “only” 230 horses but that is more than sufficient to keep any owner of this entry level Beemer grinning for years.
The turbo in the 335i also somehow blunts the unique melody that the standard inline-6 engine makes when being pushed to the rev-limiter by a snickety-smooth manual transmission or lightning quick automatic...
Starting at $33,150, the 3-Series styling may be starting to look a bit old-hat now but that still can’t take away from the fact that this rear-drive sports sedan is a hoot to drive. Steering, while heavy at low speeds, is laser precise and the handling is simply divine. If you are looking for fun and don’t need your luxury car to be insanely practical (thanks to a slightly cramped rear seat), you could do a lot worse than the 328i. Beware, however, the options list is massive and 328i models can turn expensive on you real fast.
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The entry level Mercedes is their C-Class. As stated by Edmunds.com in their review (see http://www.edmunds.com/mercedesbenz/cclass/review.html ):
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The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, or the "Baby Benz" as it is affectionately known, has been a favorite of entry-level luxury/sport sedan buyers for years... the C-Class provides the core strengths of the brand, such as cutting-edge safety features, lively performance and a feeling of solidity. Fans of ultra-high performance have been thrilled by the AMG versions, which boast blistering acceleration and tenacious handling along with tastefully sporty styling accents.
Style plays into the equation of the small Benz's appeal as well, with the C-Class drawing inspiration from bigger Benzes. The front and rear fascias are instantly recognizable as part of the Mercedes family...
Invariably, the C-Class is cross-shopped with its German rivals, the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. While the 3 Series is traditionally the most sporting of the trio and the A4 the more luxury-themed, the Benz offers a little of both personalities, along with superior technology features and more prestige for those concerned about such things.
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In short, the BMW 3 Series, and the Mercedes C-Class are two of the top three European entry level luxury vehicles, allowing a large measure of luxury for more money than more practical sedans on the market, but far less than the more typical $50,000 and higher price tag of more mainstream luxury models.
- quote -
The BMW 3 Series is the company's top seller in the United States and a favorite in the marketplace for good reason: It's a well-built, premium compact vehicle endowed with world-class fit and finish, ample power, and a comfortable ride and handling trade-off that is unmatched by most cars at any price. No matter what model you choose, our editors generally agree that you'll be able to go about your weekday routine without feeling that you've sacrificed ride comfort for the sake of weekend thrills.
The current model, which represents the fifth-generation 3 Series, is slightly larger, heavier and faster than the previous 3 Series generations. An even better car overall, the latest BMW 3 Series has a bolder look, revised suspension and braking, more power and more interior space. It tends to cost more than the competition, but if you go easy on the optional equipment, we think you'll find that the price of admission is well worth it.
No matter what year you're looking at, however, the BMW 3 Series remains the unequivocal "ultimate driving machine" and popular favorite in the entry-luxury category.
- end quote -
Of the series, perhaps the BMW 328i is most "entry" of this entry level line. According to http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29213-Honda-and-Acura-Examiner~y2010m2d16-Best-2010-entrylevel-luxury-Car--Audi-A4-vs-BMW-328i-vs-Acura-TSX-V6-vs-Hyundai-Genesis-V6 :
- quote -
In a sense, this lesser powered brother of the 300 horsepower 335i may actually be the purer BMW thanks in part to it probably being one of the last non-turbocharged models from this automaker. It may have a horsepower rating of “only” 230 horses but that is more than sufficient to keep any owner of this entry level Beemer grinning for years.
The turbo in the 335i also somehow blunts the unique melody that the standard inline-6 engine makes when being pushed to the rev-limiter by a snickety-smooth manual transmission or lightning quick automatic...
Starting at $33,150, the 3-Series styling may be starting to look a bit old-hat now but that still can’t take away from the fact that this rear-drive sports sedan is a hoot to drive. Steering, while heavy at low speeds, is laser precise and the handling is simply divine. If you are looking for fun and don’t need your luxury car to be insanely practical (thanks to a slightly cramped rear seat), you could do a lot worse than the 328i. Beware, however, the options list is massive and 328i models can turn expensive on you real fast.
- end quote -
The entry level Mercedes is their C-Class. As stated by Edmunds.com in their review (see http://www.edmunds.com/mercedesbenz/cclass/review.html ):
- quote -
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, or the "Baby Benz" as it is affectionately known, has been a favorite of entry-level luxury/sport sedan buyers for years... the C-Class provides the core strengths of the brand, such as cutting-edge safety features, lively performance and a feeling of solidity. Fans of ultra-high performance have been thrilled by the AMG versions, which boast blistering acceleration and tenacious handling along with tastefully sporty styling accents.
Style plays into the equation of the small Benz's appeal as well, with the C-Class drawing inspiration from bigger Benzes. The front and rear fascias are instantly recognizable as part of the Mercedes family...
Invariably, the C-Class is cross-shopped with its German rivals, the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. While the 3 Series is traditionally the most sporting of the trio and the A4 the more luxury-themed, the Benz offers a little of both personalities, along with superior technology features and more prestige for those concerned about such things.
- end quote -
In short, the BMW 3 Series, and the Mercedes C-Class are two of the top three European entry level luxury vehicles, allowing a large measure of luxury for more money than more practical sedans on the market, but far less than the more typical $50,000 and higher price tag of more mainstream luxury models.
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