Aren’t the CLS and AMG’s GT 4-door Coupé in exactly the same market space? Apparently not, says Mercedes.
Last year, not long after the launch of the new CLS, AMG boss Tobias Moers told Autocar he didn’t “see the risk” of sales’ cannibalisation between the two. He said the two cars would have very different customers: “The AMG will be conquest, whereas the CLS is for a very loyal customer. The CLS is a little bit more conservative whereas the GT takes another step.”
All-new Mercedes-AMG guns for Porsche Panamera
The CLS won’t be offered above an AMG-badged 53 denomination. Previously, there was a CLS 63. That gives a little more space between the two, which is obviously strategic. Still, you can’t help having a nagging feeling that the new AMG four-door helps justify a much larger price on a not so different car.
Join the debate
80sXS
Hang on a minute...
you can’t help but have a nagging feeling that the new AMG four-door helps justify a much larger price on a not so different car.
You've just justified a £240,000 Range Rover just because it's lost a couple of doors!
Lanehogger
No different to McLaren's approach to the 650 and 570 then
While based on the same platform as each other, and conceptually appear the same, the GT 4-door and CLS are two totally different vehicles competing in different classes. The GT is a 4dr Grand Tourer in the same mould as the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide with traditional Grand Tourer features which is cross county comfort with performance and handling while the CLS is a 4dr coupe version of the E Class. Though things aren't helped when both look the same inside.
If criticising the GT 4-door as nothing more than an expensive CLS by overlooking the differences between the two models, then the same criticisms can easily be labelled at some other car companies that offer more than one model in their range that are conceptually similar to each other, and may even be based on the same platform too. The McLaren 570, 650 and P1 for example. Or the Range Rover Evoque compared to the Discovery Sport. Or the current Discovery and Range Rover Sport. Or how about a Ford Fiesta compared to the Ka+. Or a Citroen C4 Cactus and C3 Aircross......
eseaton
Two totally different cars?
Well that isn't very true is it?
They are somewhat different; but not as different as they seem, which isn't very.
I still wish there was a CLS 63 to potentially replace mine. The CLS 53 holds no appeal, and I'm not spending over £100k on what is ultimately an E63S in a sharper suit.
scrap
Hmm - I prefer the look of
Hmm - I prefer the look of the GT4 to the CLS, which looks a little weak at the rear to my eyes. I also prefer the five door layout (it’s a hatchback, right?). But the wilfull omission of a 5th seat is infuriating.
vishmehta
Not true... Mercedes offer a
Not true... Mercedes offer a proper rear bench option too... it just needs to be specified at the time of order.
Overdrive
Affirmative
Yep.
Roadster
Overpriced like all Mercedes
Whether the GT 4 door and CLS are in the same market or not, the GT 4 door is overpriced. Just like the CLS is and every other Mercedes. If they were genuinely great cars, which not felt like quality products but were also reliable, then yes, they could justify their high prices.
Rossy58
You're right, Roadster. My
You're right, Roadster. My 2008 CLS500 bought new and having covered only 47K miles has not exactly been fault free. Mercedes are no more reliable than a mass market car despite their perceived image.
vishmehta
But the wilfull omission of a 5th seat is infuriating.
Not true... Mercedes offer a proper rear bench option too... it just needs to be specified at the time of order.
scrap
Good news.
Good news.
It’s definitely a hatchback though. It should be called GT5
Pages
Add your comment