Car makers offer a wide range of models today. Even supercar brands and ultra-luxury car brands are offering SUVs e.g. Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. These bandwagons may bring about profits, but they are not classic enough to represent their own brands, at least now. So which current models best interpret the essence of their own brands? Here are my picks for some German brands:
Audi RS4 Avant
A 2WD Audi is not a proper Audi. The spirit of Audi is “quattro”, a special 4WD system that debuted along with the Audi Ur-quattro model. We could say that the Ur-quattro set the basic elements of modern Audi with its 4WD system and the sleek hatchback design, which is then passed on to the “avant” models. I take RS4 Avant here because the A4 lineup is the spiritual successor of the Ur-Quattro, and the RS4 Avant is undoubtedly representative of the A4 lineup with its quattro system, “avant” design, and powerful performance.
BMW M2 Competition
In terms of nomenclature, the M3 should be on this spot; in terms of size and driving style, the 2-Series is virtually the successor of the 2002 and E30 3-Series. The 2002 was known for its “driving pleasure” at the time, which is the slogan of BMW today. Notable variants of 2002 are the 2002 tii and 2002 turbo. The E30 M3 pushed the concept even further with its 2.3 R4 engine producing 195ps and later 2.5 R4 producing 238ps. It was an incredible number at the time. As the 3-Series grows larger and the coupe version is renamed 4-Series, the 2-Series takes over the place of a small performance coupe now, and the strongest M2 Competition would be the best choice.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The predecessors of the E-Class were the basis of Mercedes. They got names like 200, 230, and 280, which only denoted the engine displacement. After the injection technology was introduced, the names became 200E, 230E, and 280E, the E of which denoted the injection in Gemran: Einspritzung. At the LCI of the W124 model, Mercedes switch to the new nomenclature that put the letter in front. Thus we got E200, E230, and E280, the “E” of which no longer carries specific meanings. The E-Class has always been the icon of success. Buyers are traditionally mid-age self-driving entrepreneurs.
How about the S-Class? The predecessors of the S-Class were named 300SE, 560SEL, the “S" of which stands for a special class in German: Sonderklasse. Also, the S-Class is typically more of a chauffeur, not for self-driving. The E-Class is thus no doubt the essence of Mercedes-Benz. I do not choose a Mercedes-AMG model here because Mercedes is considered a gentleman car traditionally, not a Ferrari-killing super sedan.
Porsche 911
This should be the least disputable choice among all brands. Its unique mechanic structure — RR layout and B6 engine — has not been changed since it debuted. Some iconic design elements — sleek roof lines and circle headlights — have been well-kept for decades. Though the brand has expanded into the SUV and 4-door coupe ranges, all models still bear similar exterior elements as the 911. Porsche did once try modifying the headlights on the 996 model, but the critics forced them back to the circle ones after the 997 model.
