Are luxury sedans a dying breed being replaced by SUVs? (new split thread)

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03-16-17, 08:03 PM

#46

mmarshall

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Quote:

Originally Posted by dseag2

Gas prices were high and we headed to the closest Mini dealership to buy a Clubman. There were so many people in the dealership that the salesmen were taking numbers to meet with buyers. They were all scrambling to trade in their low MPG cars.

That's interesting, given that unlike some other sub-compacts, the Mini, despite its very small size and weight, was not particularly designed for gas mileage. It was aimed more at driving enthusiasts, particularly with the Cooper S and John Works versions. Its boxy, slab, non-aero shape, performance-geared transmissions, large side-mirrors, and relatively wide tires all worked against maximum MPG.

03-17-17, 08:02 PM

#47

dseag2

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Quote:

Originally Posted by mmarshall

But they created the perception, that because they were small cars, the MPG was better than most.

03-19-17, 01:57 PM

#48

geko29

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Quote:

Originally Posted by dseag2

The industry is also morphing into coupe-like hatchbacks. The Audi A7 was the first, followed by the BMW 4 Gran Coupe.

The Mercedes CLS created the 4-door coupe trend. I don't think we know yet whether the "secret sauce" in that niche is the shape in general, or the shape combined with a hatch, ala the A7.