1. Lexus: 15,517
2. MB: 15,158
3. BMW: 13,163

Lexus remained strong among the luxury brands even under the massive Toyota recall that’s currently going on and MB is a very close second. As for BMW… after the “supposed-to-take-over-as-number-one” year in 2009, the question now is where is it headed with all the niche products like the X6M, X5M and the 5-series GT.

Few interesting facts worth to point out…

1. The HS sales still isn’t as well as Lexus had predicted, maybe some “spice” is missing for this car?

2. The LS sales went up compare to last year… facelift and the addition of the sports model are working?

3. BMW sold 5,418 3-series in january… this thing usually goes for 8,000 – 9,000 units per month just not that long ago. BMW losing its magic or people are getting smarter?

4. Acura sold 1,986 TLs, considering that the previous generation was challenging the 3-series for the top entry luxury sedan spot this is just plain PATHETIC. Still think the beak and ugliness isn’t hurting Acura?

Following is the complete sales number break down for all luxury brands:

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It is the common knowledge within the automotive industry as well as the auto enthusiast community that the 3-series is getting softer with each generation. Thus there are critics from the auto publications and the so-called “purists” claiming that it has lost the “soul” (whatever that is…).

Personally I don’t think the 3er is “falling” per se, it is just that the competitors are getting better so it really doesn’t stand out that much anymore compare to say, 10 years ago.

Let’s see who were 3er’s competitors back in 1999:

• Audi A4 (the closest one in my opinion)
• MB C-class (luxury yes, handling… didn’t stand a chance)
• Saab 9-3 (what’s that again?)

Now fast forward to year 2009:

• Acura TL/TL SH-AWD (arguably the best FWD car up to date, the SH-AWD version can give the 3-series a run for its money handling-wise. If one can get past the looks then this is a great value)
• Audi A4 (still a formidable and worthy challenger, although getting fatter with each iteration)
• Infiniti G37 (need I say more? It’s probably the best value in the whole automotive industry)
• Lexus IS350 (this car is one pedal and couple more inches for rear seat away from being perfect)
• MB C-class (getting better with each iteration)

Now this just makes you go… Wow, how the time has changed!

Source: http://autos.msn.com

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Went to the Audi performance driving event several months ago so I had an opportunity to drive the A4 3.2 Quattro on the infield track at California Speedway in Fontana as well as its competitors (328xi, IS250 AWD and C300 4Matic). Overall I have to say that I am not impressed by the new A4 at all.

The interior material quality is no longer class leading, both the Lexus and Bimmer have better quality materials. Fit and finish is still top notch but which one isn’t in this segment? Okay, maybe not so much for the Infiniti…
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