BMW spokesman: BMW X3 is Afraid of Mercedes GLK but not Audi Q5

hks786 · 06-09-2008, 04:08 PM

Just when it seems American SUVs and pickup trucks are in full retreat, the Germans are slugging it out in the premium segment. Since 2003 BMW took control of the segment, which is 7 percent at 395,458 units last year, selling 66,435 X3s and 52,466 X5s in Europe, and now the Mercedes GLK and Audi Q5 are set to hit the market this autumn.

According to Automotive News, a BMW spokesman said the company feels more threatened by Mercedes' GLK class than Audi's Q5.

"A typical BMW customer is not going to move down to a Q5. There is more chance that they would go for something like a GLK. Just because Audi will price the car in the premium segment does not make it a premium vehicle," the spokesman said.

An Audi spokesman said: "Audi makes premium cars so the Q5 is a premium SUV. We will see what the customers have to say."

Set to debut before the end of the year are two special edition X3 models containing new technologies. Then in 2010 the second generation X3 would make its debut.

hks786 · 06-09-2008, 04:09 PM

The X3 is a mess. The Q5 is a little predictable and the rear end isnt much, but the overall design and seems more of a "premium" vehicle than the X3...

hks786 · 06-09-2008, 04:11 PM

TheAcAvenger · 06-09-2008, 04:14 PM

BMW's attitude to Audi has always been obnoxiously arrogant. You'd think the R8, A8, and S5 would've woken them up a bit, but clearly thats not the case. As Bill Walton would say, the X3 is the biggest bmw atrocity in the history of western civilization.

hks786 · 06-09-2008, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheAcAvenger

BMW's attitude to Audi has always been obnoxiously arrogant. You'd think the R8, A8, and S5 would've woken them up a bit, but clearly thats not the case. As Bill Walton would say, the X3 is the biggest bmw atrocity in the history of western civilization.

You're right. I think Audi do sometimes make very predictable designs, but you gotta admit the R8 doesnt resemble any other car on the planet. I love the new A5/S5 too. I hate it's wavy character line in side profile pics, but on the road the car looks low, wide and so much classier than it's rivals.

iatacs19 · 06-09-2008, 04:39 PM

I'm feeling the GLK most out of those 3, the X3 looks like it needs some updating.

ArmyBimmerDude · 06-09-2008, 04:40 PM

As always, the Audi interior is second to none. The GLK looks mean, I love that. Then there's the redheaded stepchild also known as the X3. Terrible inside and out.

Hey HKS, was it the next S4 thats going to be F/I'd? Will it A S/C or TT?

Kev · 06-09-2008, 04:44 PM

GLK gets my vote amongst the three

Zeeman · 06-09-2008, 04:56 PM

i think the GLK looks like crap. It makes me think they farmed out the design to the same guys that designed the Jeep Compass.

the Q5 looks the best.

hks786 · 06-09-2008, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeeman

i think the GLK looks like crap. It makes me think they farmed out the design to the same guys that designed the Jeep Compass.

the Q5 looks the best.

+1

hks786 · 06-09-2008, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArmyBimmerDude

As always, the Audi interior is second to none. The GLK looks mean, I love that. Then there's the redheaded stepchild also known as the X3. Terrible inside and out.

Hey HKS, was it the next S4 thats going to be F/I'd? Will it A S/C or TT?

yep it's looking like it will be S/C. One source says it will be a great engine and should be quite economical. Time will tell.

ArmyBimmerDude · 06-09-2008, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hks786

yep it's looking like it will be S/C. One source says it will be a great engine and should be quite economical. Time will tell.

Thanks man. Too bad it'll be a S/C. I was really thinking about that car in a couple years. It'll look amazing.

ianbiz · 06-09-2008, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeeman

i think the GLK looks like crap. It makes me think they farmed out the design to the same guys that designed the Jeep Compass.

A bunch of women are going to buy it so it doesnt matter.

OverDrive · 06-09-2008, 06:01 PM

mercedes has the worst steering wheels ever!!
________
CHEAP GLASS BONGS
________
Synthetic weed
________
vapir oxygen vaporizer
________
Box Vaporizers

kpcoupe · 06-09-2008, 08:21 PM

if i bought anyone one of these it would be the q5.

vAnt826 · 06-10-2008, 04:26 AM

I'm going to have to agree with the spokesman from BMW. The Audi will pose little threat compared to the GLK.

x5love · 06-10-2008, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vAnt826

I'm going to have to agree with the spokesman from BMW. The Audi will pose little threat compared to the GLK.

+1

but i'm sure many will agree that the X3 is the ugliest of all.

Kudos to merc on the glk, it looks great. and bows to audi for the interior.

SunnyBoo · 06-10-2008, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iatacs19

I'm feeling the GLK most out of those 3, the X3 looks like it needs some updating.

+1

nd54 · 06-11-2008, 12:40 AM

Hahaha that BMW spokesman made me laugh so much, what a nice Audi burn. Basically saying they're not a 'real' premium brand and, well this is me talking, a tarted up rebranded VW.

5soko · 06-11-2008, 10:28 AM

they all looks horrible.
Audi makes some good cars, but there performance cars are lacking and need a boost.

bavarian19 · 06-11-2008, 04:14 PM

While I think the X3 is horribly styled, I kinda like the MB based on style alone...

darkcloud · 06-11-2008, 04:41 PM

The GLK looks like a pricey Subaru Forester to me.

Isn't the X3 about to get completely restyled soon anyways??

06-09-2008, 04:08 PM	#1
hks786 Major General 2280 Rep 5,364 Posts Drives: * Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	BMW spokesman: BMW X3 is Afraid of Mercedes GLK but not Audi Q5 Just when it seems American SUVs and pickup trucks are in full retreat, the Germans are slugging it out in the premium segment. Since 2003 BMW took control of the segment, which is 7 percent at 395,458 units last year, selling 66,435 X3s and 52,466 X5s in Europe, and now the Mercedes GLK and Audi Q5 are set to hit the market this autumn. According to Automotive News, a BMW spokesman said the company feels more threatened by Mercedes' GLK class than Audi's Q5. "A typical BMW customer is not going to move down to a Q5. There is more chance that they would go for something like a GLK. Just because Audi will price the car in the premium segment does not make it a premium vehicle," the spokesman said. An Audi spokesman said: "Audi makes premium cars so the Q5 is a premium SUV. We will see what the customers have to say." Set to debut before the end of the year are two special edition X3 models containing new technologies. Then in 2010 the second generation X3 would make its debut. __________________
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06-09-2008, 04:09 PM	#2
hks786 Major General 2280 Rep 5,364 Posts Drives: * Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	The X3 is a mess. The Q5 is a little predictable and the rear end isnt much, but the overall design and seems more of a "premium" vehicle than the X3... __________________
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06-09-2008, 04:11 PM	#3
hks786 Major General 2280 Rep 5,364 Posts Drives: * Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	__________________
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06-09-2008, 04:14 PM	#4
TheAcAvenger Brigadier General 137 Rep 3,132 Posts Drives: 2018 R35 GTR / 2007 E92 335i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: 757 > Nova > Denver iTrader: (1)	BMW's attitude to Audi has always been obnoxiously arrogant. You'd think the R8, A8, and S5 would've woken them up a bit, but clearly thats not the case. As Bill Walton would say, the X3 is the biggest bmw atrocity in the history of western civilization. __________________ 2018 R35 GT-R Cicio800 \| 2007 E92 335i - RB Turbos, TC Kline DA Coils, HPA M3 Suspension, Quaife LSD, Stoptech BBK, JB4, FuelIT, AR Downpipes, RDSport Quads, Stett OC, Helix IC, Volk TE-37, Vorsteiner V-35, OSS Headlights \| Retired - 2015 F82 M4
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06-09-2008, 04:39 PM	#6
iatacs19 Major General 479 Rep 5,319 Posts Drives: 2016 SO M4 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (8)	I'm feeling the GLK most out of those 3, the X3 looks like it needs some updating. __________________ If only BMWCCA Referral: 385628
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06-09-2008, 04:40 PM	#7
ArmyBimmerDude Major General 156 Rep 5,497 Posts Drives: Lola Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Georgia iTrader: (3) Garage List 02/2007 E92 335i [0.00]	As always, the Audi interior is second to none. The GLK looks mean, I love that. Then there's the redheaded stepchild also known as the X3. Terrible inside and out. Hey HKS, was it the next S4 thats going to be F/I'd? Will it A S/C or TT? __________________ 2007 E92 Montego Blue 335i
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06-09-2008, 04:44 PM	#8
Kev Critical Care Anesthesiologist 492 Rep 8,824 Posts Drives: SMB F83 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (24) Garage List 2009 Porsche 911 Ca ... [9.50]	GLK gets my vote amongst the three __________________ kev { divinum est sedate dolorem } "your friendly neighborhood critical care anesthesiologist"
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06-09-2008, 04:56 PM	#9
Zeeman Captain 62 Rep 661 Posts Drives: E90 335 SG Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	i think the GLK looks like crap. It makes me think they farmed out the design to the same guys that designed the Jeep Compass. the Q5 looks the best.
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06-09-2008, 06:01 PM	#14
OverDrive CHEAT TO WIN!! 153 Rep 1,347 Posts Drives: E92 M3, 718 GT4 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	mercedes has the worst steering wheels ever!! ________ CHEAP GLASS BONGS ________ Synthetic weed ________ vapir oxygen vaporizer ________ Box Vaporizers Last edited by OverDrive; 04-14-2011 at 10:24 PM..
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06-09-2008, 08:21 PM	#15
kpcoupe Captain 41 Rep 778 Posts Drives: 328i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	if i bought anyone one of these it would be the q5. __________________
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06-10-2008, 04:26 AM	#16
vAnt826 Major 65 Rep 1,417 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Seattle iTrader: (3)	I'm going to have to agree with the spokesman from BMW. The Audi will pose little threat compared to the GLK.
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06-11-2008, 12:40 AM	#19
nd54 Captain 79 Rep 649 Posts Drives: RDSport RS 46 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (6)	Hahaha that BMW spokesman made me laugh so much, what a nice Audi burn. Basically saying they're not a 'real' premium brand and, well this is me talking, a tarted up rebranded VW.
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06-11-2008, 10:28 AM	#20
5soko Brigadier General 351 Rep 4,633 Posts Drives: M5 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (4)	they all looks horrible. Audi makes some good cars, but there performance cars are lacking and need a boost.
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06-11-2008, 04:14 PM	#21
bavarian19 General 549 Rep 18,849 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	While I think the X3 is horribly styled, I kinda like the MB based on style alone...
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06-11-2008, 04:41 PM	#22
darkcloud Colonel 357 Rep 2,385 Posts Drives: 09 VW JSW Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: cleveland, oh iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	The GLK looks like a pricey Subaru Forester to me. Isn't the X3 about to get completely restyled soon anyways?? __________________ retired 06 E90 325i New: 09 VW Platinum Grey Jetta Sportwagen 2.0T SEL w/DSG, panoramic sunroof and Ipod adapter
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