Stroock639

BMW isn't as guilty as mercedes though... they at least stuck to the strict formula of: M + 1 digit = M car, it's easy to tell M550 vs M5 as far as "what is" and "what isn't"

for the AMG models it used to always be very clear: letters + 2 digits = the AMG model, but now they have 35, 43, 53, 45, 55, 63, etc... and only like 2 of those are "real" AMG cars

link13

Agreed here. Interior is your interface with the car the vast majority of the time. If you like it, get it and enjoy!

TangoRed

What constitutes “real?” If it’s that the engine needs to be handbuilt, then 4/6 you listed can count. The C43 now uses the same hand-built I4 as the CLA45.

Anyways, who cares? It’s not like the “dilution” has caused any downsides besides purists whining on the internet.

Striker223

Its blown as is typical of of D3s.....that was before they refined the suspension bag design.

Striker223

They have a 35 now? What is that, an A class or something?

Edit: Haha! Yeah I guess an A class with a average engine is an "AMG" now lol! Can't wait to encounter one in the wild and show it it's place in the actual hierarchy. That's just sad, AMG used to mean it just outright overpowers everyone else.....

TangoRed

For the U.S., that means CLA/GLA/GLB have 35 variants. They've been reviewed positively from a driving experience standpoint, but their price tag is overinflated.

Striker223

It's a 4 cyl joke of a car, people will only want it for the AMG badge lol

TangoRed

Seems to be enough takers (suckers?) to justify keeping them around, but that for price I just can't fathom it. The value prop just isn't there for any of those compact vehicles beyond their base versions imo, whether it be the S3/RS3, these Benz vehicles, or the M235i Gran Coupe.

AJT123

Enjoy the V8, those are powerful.

I'm rooting for you to get an LX, that would be great.

Stroock639

actually i need to backtrack for a sec... i forgot the current SL55 does actually use the full 4.0T AMG V8, just with smaller turbos than the 63 model

and yes now the current C43 does use the 2.0T AMG I4, but the W205 was literally called the C450 and then rebranded in 2017, basically just because

you're right though lol the whining purists (hello there) are probably the biggest measurable downside... for me at least i just think there's a coolness to exclusivity, and that it's unfair to the legacy of a once independent operation... it used to be that seeing 'an AMG' was an occasion and something worth getting excited about

i'm not trying to say any of the "real" ones are now somehow less fun to see but it's just like enough already show a lil respect to the former company

SC300Es

Cayenne? I know it's not 3-row but why not?

TangoRed

I suggested that earlier...if you're going to include the Q8 might as well add the Cayenne. And the Cayenne comes in PHEV. Panamera too if you want to stick to sedans.

Striker223

The Panamera is a weapon in GTS or turbo spec for sure, like a smaller A8....smallest of the 3 that use the platform really since the flying Spur is the big car in that lineup.

TangoRed

The A8 isn't on MSB though. Are you counting the Flying Spur and Continental GT separately?

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

to you who has not and won't ever buy one anyway.

plenty of takers of 'm' and 'm sport' still.

'real' as defined by you, arbiter of all today should be as it was 20 years ago.

exactly.

and yet, one of the guys at throttle house, definitely an enthusiast, just got a golf R and absolutely loves it.

all this 'cylinder envy' is pretty silly.