The German trio of luxury Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi are all locked in a close battle for the title of world's most popular cars. According to the sales in the first half of 2010, BMW is currently in first place, although its advantage over its two rivals is negligible. Based on 2,000 vehicles, Mercedes' advantage over third place Audi is even thinner, although that number may have grown in recent months, thanks to strong sales for Mercedes in the U.S.
Nevertheless, all three German luxury brands are the race for first place. To accomplish this, they will be less after niche markets. According to Automotive News, the next segment that brands are looking to cater to the "green" or environmentally conscious, the owner of the car.
Mercedes recently announced it will debut a four-cylinder engine in the top-of-the-line S-Class modela.S250 CDI is expected to be available in several models of early 2011. Four cylinders are rare opportunities for luxury vehicles and the drivers usually want the performance of six or eight cylinders. However, Mercedes says that thanks to turbo technology, the engine delivers torque six-cylinder with low emissions and fuel efficiency of smaller engines.
"Green luxury is possible," said Verena Mueller, a spokeswoman for Mercedes. "We expect to attract environmentally conscious customers seeking the lowest possible CO2 emissions. In addition to private customers, which could, of course, the fleet buyers ."
From news reports that Audi will counter with a new version of its A8 sedan, which will probably see a few cars with four-cylinder with electric motor for hybrid A8, which is expected in 2012.
BMW also goes electric path, but is unlikely to move to four cylinders at any time soon. BMW is said to be developing a hybrid supercar based off his vision of the concept of Efficient Dynamics.
"I like selling 7-series car with six or eight cylinders," Norbert Reithofer said BMW chief executive news source for the Paris Motor Show. "What we need to offer these cars in the future electrification ."
Smaller engines and electric cars could save drivers at the pump, but luxury cars equipped with the latest in engine technology will likely be more expensive for many buyers. Motorists interested in saving money on buying a vehicle May want to shop for a used Mercedes, BMW or Audi.