Are German Vehicles WORTH The Premium Anymore?

About a month ago, I took delivery of an all-new Honda Accord Hybrid for testing purposes. Over the past several months I've been very keen on the Honda Accord.

Simply put, I just think it's absolutely brilliant.

But just like every other vehicle on the road today, the price has increased over the years. You can certainly pick up a very nicely equipped Accord for $28,000-30,000 USD. For a comparably equipped BMW 330i, however, you're talking about, give or take, $45,000.

This is a significant premium when you really start evaluating the 3-Series. The Accord is much roomier, rides quite nice and has equally nice materials on the inside. The Bavarian will have better driving dynamics but it's not a profound difference unless you're comparing both, side-by-side, on a track.

After driving the Accord Hybrid for a week, I chalked up 41 mpg without even trying. I had a good time commuting to and from my Manhattan office in comfort and, frankly, there wasn't any reason to yearn for having a "more luxurious" German vehicle in my possession. Sure, the Accord Hybrid I was driving was on the pricier side, around the mid $30,000s, but there's no doubt in my mind that if I were looking for a daily driver I wouldn't even bother with the Germans automakers.

I just don't think their products have the juice anymore.

Having said that, I wanted to see if I was off base, Spies. So, what say you? Do YOU think that German vehicles are WORTH the premium anymore?

Runamukk - 12/15/2018 12:03:02 AM

-6 Boost

Say what you want but when you drive them it is quickly apparent which one is the machine and which one is the appliance.

F1_Driver - 12/15/2018 1:22:49 AM

+9 Boost

They're all appliances and don't give me this BS about soul. Cars don't have souls. Anyone driven a recent 3 series will tell you their steering feels numb compared to the old 3 series of yesterdays. Quite simply, the competition have caught up.

Agent00R - 12/15/2018 10:56:20 AM

+11 Boost

I am with F1 on this.

dumpsty - 12/17/2018 3:53:54 PM

+1 Boost

This is a funny but interesting subject. Well Google this...

Ralph Lauren is giving an elaborate interview about the man & the iconic clothing brands. Guess what he's wearing for the quaint interview? Plain jeans & a long-sleeve grey & turquoise flannel shirt from Kmart. And he loves it.

He probably purchased a Honda or Chevy for his kids & probably drives it more than they do!

Section_31_JTK - 12/15/2018 12:56:17 AM

+11 Boost

That's exactly it. The German cars are what you want to be in when you're driving at 8/10th and above. However most folks just drive 65-75 mph on straight roads and have to obey the local speed laws. So for that kind of duty, and having owned S Class MBZ to a Honda Odyssey, I'd say the Japanese cars are tops for daily driving. They're reliable, low maintenance, and fuel efficient. The German cars require costly maintenance, can be less than reliable, and can be nightmares after the warranty expires.

TheSteve - 12/15/2018 2:27:58 AM

-1 Boost

All German vehicles are not created equal. For example, Volkswagen has a lengthy reputation for not treating customers well, too many initial defects, too frequent repairs, and too expensive repair bills, all things considered. On the other hand Porsche has a reputation for making reliable, low defect vehicles with world-class fit and finish (but limited to folks with deep pockets). They also drive and handle extremely well, regardless if you get the "entry level" 718, or the top-end 911, or the big Cayenne SUV.

These two brands are both German, and yet they are very different. The contrast is even more shocking when you know that Porsche is owned by VAG -- The Volkswagen Audi Group -- with VW being the top owner.

Would I get a VW? Nope. A Porsche? Hell yeah!

MDarringer - 12/15/2018 9:59:55 AM

+9 Boost

Porsche most decidedly does NOT have a reputation for being reliable. That is pure invention.

wilfred - 12/15/2018 3:33:45 AM

+4 Boost

Actually the Accord is more like a 5 series size-wise and BMW, being the premium brand costs a premium. Just like a $20 Timex watch...

It’s all about what you want when it comes to premium brands & luxury cars...

Agent00R - 12/15/2018 10:59:07 AM

+6 Boost

Most folks don't compare apples-to-apples, they compare by crafting their budget and shopping accordingly.

And if it were to go up more squarely with the 5-Series, the delta only increases.

Here's the problem for luxury automakers: The most advanced technology has trickled down into normal vehicles and the standard automakers have upped their game considerably. If BMWs really drove like they used to — in this example — then I wouldn't feel so jaded by the Bavarian's rather lame products.

PUGPROUD - 12/15/2018 5:50:35 AM

+4 Boost

This question reminds me of an Oscar Wilde line..."The cynic knows the price of everything and the value of nothing." Worth is a nebulous term.
What's the worth of a college education...depends who got it and what did they do with it. Both a cheap suit and a Giorgio Armani suit will cover your body but how they make you feel and how you look varies their worth greatly. Everyone knows the price of every car based on the MSRP. You and you alone can decide what a particular car is worth to you.

Agent00R - 12/15/2018 11:00:32 AM

+4 Boost

I hear where you're coming from but I think the analogies aren't exactly relevant.

A cheap suit and an Armani suit is hardly the gap we're talking about here.

TomM - 12/15/2018 7:03:22 AM

-3 Boost

IT has always been possible for mass market entry level manufacturers to produce cars that could compete in some ways with True Premium Luxury cars - But the reality is - the Honda is still mass market entry level car - and the Bmw isn't.

Prestige is something that takes a long time to develop - and is easy to lose.

Agent00R - 12/15/2018 11:01:15 AM

+7 Boost

Tom, I love you but you're way off.

BMWs are also mass market vehicles. These aren't hand built Rolls-Royce vehicles...

USNA1999 - 12/15/2018 8:05:28 AM

+1 Boost

Same can be said for pursues, homes, shoes and so on. Do you really need a Louis Vuitton purse, Arthur Rutenberg home or Prada shoes? People will always want brand names and items associated with luxury and will definitely pay more for them. I personally think car prices have gotten out of hand, $55K for a pick up? really? That is ridiculous. BUT if money is no objection do I want to drive a Honda Accord or a BMW? I will take the Bimmer.

Agent00R - 12/15/2018 11:05:28 AM

+1 Boost

Prices have elevated but, keep in mind, the level of technology has really exploded.

For example, think of the E39 540i, which had a 280 hp V8 and cost about $55,000. Today, the six-cylinder 540i makes more power is way more fuel efficient and has a ton more technology for about $60,000.

Truthy - 12/15/2018 9:47:34 AM

+3 Boost

I read an interview with the CEO of BMW several years ago in which he spoke at length about the challenge of the closing gap between luxury cars and mainstream cars. The gap is closing still.

MDarringer - 12/15/2018 9:56:01 AM

+8 Boost

The answer is No. In fact, mainstream cars are far more reliable then the premium Germans. The bigots here will sneer and fume, but a Hemi Charger, Stinger GT, Mustang GT, Camaro SS, G70, G80 are easily in the performance band with significantly less cost and decidedly more dependability and durability. The Z4 at $75K should be so gorgeous it hurts, but it isn't. It's performance should be so much higher than mainstream, but it won't be. It's reliability and durability should prove the stupidly high price, but that definitely will not be the case.

2ndbimmer - 12/15/2018 10:00:03 AM

-4 Boost

So, youre telling us you are aging quickly? The fit and finish is definitely not that same. The Honda's are loud at highway speeds. My wife cannot talk on her Bluetooth above 55. She said in my 3 series she didn't know she was doing 90 while on the Bluetooth. So yeah, my 2011 technology 3 series, I have a 2017, is still better than a new Honda Accord.
Yes, the "comfort" mode of the 3 series steering is numb, but if you turn off traction control, the steering feels of old. I have 5 3 series. So I know.
Don't kid yourself trying to justify boring.
Your favorite color must be "manila envelope".

MDarringer - 12/15/2018 11:24:23 AM

+2 Boost

BMWs are for old people who have lost all hope for living. They are the German Buick to Audi's German Oldsmobile blandness.

Agent00R - 12/15/2018 1:46:53 PM

+5 Boost

Which Honda are you referencing? Would be nice to know the specific model and model year.

The two all-new Honda Accords I drove had dual-pane glass in the front windows. Pretty damn quiet at 80 mph, which is the pace I am moving at when I drive on the NJ Turnpike daily. And yes, I've done the same drive in the 330i.

Having driven an E46 and the F30 the comparison isn't even close, traction control off or not. Hell, even my M2 can't compare to my E46 330Ci when it comes to steering feel/inputs.

I can't take you seriously when you say something so obtuse.

rgiorgio - 12/15/2018 10:26:13 AM

-2 Boost

A very vague question. Are you saying the Germans just charge more for the same quality vehicle? The sad part is most people dont realize the quality differences because we dont keep our cars long enough or drive under the same conditions. Its not about test track numbers. Has anyone done a comparison on the quality of the leather used, the quality of the paint job & ceramic clear coats, the quality of the metal itself the car is built from and so on. Yes cars are getting too similar and parts coming from same manufactures. It seems car companies are becoming assemblers of others parts, but not all vehicles are created equal. The Germans, mostly Mercedes, are giving you over engineered vehicles for 80k, while pickup trucks full of plastic parts, at the same price point are flying off the lots of dealers.

MDarringer - 12/15/2018 11:25:50 AM

+9 Boost

Reality: If you keep a German car for 100K miles, it will be horrifically expensive to keep on the road due to the poor quality behind it.

As for quality of leather, you do realize it's synthetic, right?

Lovesponge76 - 12/15/2018 11:35:24 AM

+3 Boost

Not that this will change anything, but the real difference between the Honda and BMW(perfect German brand for this comparison) is BMW's zero maintenance for 50k miles. If I had to compare BMW to a "Japanese" brand it would be Mazda. The 3 series does nothing to suggest it is a $50k car.

I had the new 3 that I inherited from my wife, and I hated it. The fit and finish is good but the car is boring. This 3 was equipped with the M-package with upgraded brakes and suspension and it drove like the last generation Toyota Camry.

If I would had to price the C and A4 their base price should be $35k and the 3 series should be $28k.

Agent00R - 12/15/2018 1:50:08 PM

+1 Boost

BMW's zero maintenance program is dead. It hasn't been offered for I think like two years.

cidflekken - 12/16/2018 3:42:20 PM

+1 Boost

But you have to specify which 3 you had. The 320i is a pathetic little turd that should never wear a BMW badge.

HoustonMidtown - 12/17/2018 7:16:50 AM

+2 Boost

@Agent - BMW still offers free maintenance - I just bought a 2019 X3 and it has 3 yrs covered

valhallakey - 12/15/2018 12:17:51 PM

-2 Boost

Might depend on your drive to work. Maybe in NYC it does not matter much, but if you have a nice winding country road drive to work that difference may be more pronounced.

cidflekken - 12/15/2018 12:38:47 PM

+8 Boost

The gap is certainly closing between premium and non-premium brands. Actually, I feel Honda is one company that has closed the gap, almost too much since they have their Acura brand.
I test drove the Accord 2.0T Sport w/ 10spd auto several times last year and thought it was an absolutely brilliantly executed car. It felt like my 435i Gran Coupe in Comfort mode. And I loved my GC. Yes, you still knew the Accord was FWD, but, to me, that was its only shortfall. For the $34K Accord to feel as good as a $62K BMW, that's astonishing. Not to take anything away from BMW. Because in Sport mode, the 435i just ran away. BUT, imagine if Honda decided to make a Type-R Accord. WHOA! That would be amazing, esp. with AWD.

Now, this means a lot for Acura. Granted the TLX is a much older car, but the Accord felt two levels better than even the 6-cylinder TLX. The next TLX really has to up its game to not be overshadowed by its non-premium cousin.

Agent00R - 12/15/2018 1:51:28 PM

+7 Boost

This is what I was waiting for.

Someone who's actually owned and driven both to weigh in.

Thank you!

MDarringer - 12/15/2018 1:26:18 PM

+7 Boost

The Audi A4 is expensive, but you don't get anything of value in return. I find the new Accord to be ugly from the hideous nose to the crooked fake exhaust pipes, but I'd rather be in an Accord than in the sheer dullness of the Audi. As for quality, the Honda obliterates the Audi.

Agent00R - 12/15/2018 1:56:08 PM

+4 Boost

Good share!

MrEE - 12/15/2018 1:29:05 PM

+7 Boost

Purely a image premium.

MarathonBob - 12/15/2018 4:21:01 PM

+4 Boost

I don't think the BMW sedans are worthy of a premium compared to Japanese and American brands. I had two BMW sedans, test drove newer ones and thought they weren't worthy of the premium pricing and maintenance. When they wore out, I sold them and didn't look back.

My Porsche's however are another matter. I have an '06 911 and its never needed anything but oil changes and tire replacement after 15k miles. I had a '11 Cayenne S and it was magical. But my wife drove it into the dirt with nearly 200k miles. When the brakes and other parts needed replacement it was very $$$. If she didn't do such high mileage I would have got her another one.

I think Porsche is worth a premium but not so with BMWs and Mercedes. They will not be reliable and have poor resale values because of the reliability and maintenance costs.

Agent00R - 12/16/2018 8:21:51 PM

+1 Boost

I think you may be onto something...

Truthy - 12/15/2018 4:52:43 PM

+4 Boost

I am on my 2nd and last German car, a MB 300 C. I do not have space here to list all the issues. The latest was the inside driver door handle disengaged requiring a $1,000 repair.
We have owned an Accord and two Acuras all with flawless service experience.

GermanNut - 12/18/2018 9:28:04 PM

+1 Boost

The analysis breaks down to both the Honda Accord and BMW 3-Series will get you from A to B. Both can have similar levels of technology and comfort. Interior material quality differences are probably negligible. BMW, Audi, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, etc. are mass produced vehicles not some hand stitched and assembled Rolls-Royce that took 50 hours just for the steering wheel.

Reliability is also about even. A BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz etc. will have as many problems as the Honda Accord.

At the end of the day, is that German premium of $15K worth it? I would say not really. Both cars get you from point A to point B in comfort, with similar technology, similar materials quality and are about as reliable as each other. 99% of people will never exploit the magical handling of a Porsche 911 Turbo because all they do is drive it on the highway or local roads.

YoCarFanto - 12/20/2018 10:22:55 AM

+1 Boost

As an Inline-6 engine fan, I'm partially biased towards BMW. I do the repairs myself so their reliability issues for me means more time working in the garage.
Roadtrips however, we do them on the japanese vehicle.