What is the Stinger Target Market?

[Dr_jitsu]

I've heard a lot of reviewers say that the Stinger target market is based on cars like the BMW 3 series.

However, these more "standard" cars generally do not have the performance of the Stinger and usually do not come with all the bells and whistles as the Stinger does. They are not really directly comparable.

I think that Kia's market was the guys (and gals) who also looked at the M3 and lower end AMG cars.

To cut to it, the M3 is a little faster and a touch better on the inside. But the point is, the Stinger is a legit comparison to the M3, more so than your average 3 series. It is legit and a massively less expensive car

The M3 wins a head to head comparison...but it was much closer than expected. The M is a little faster and a little nicer on the inside (but not by much).

Half a step down and half the price.

 

[Manaz]

Does the M3 have the same space inside? I haven't been in the back of a recent 3-series, but earlier ones were not exactly spacious in the back.

Even if so, would the Stinger be more aligned with something like a 335i MSport - a very potent car, but a step down from the M3?

Likewise in the MB world, a C43 perhaps, rather than a C63?

 

[Dr_jitsu]

Does the M3 have the same space inside? I haven't been in the back of a recent 3-series, but earlier ones were not exactly spacious in the back.

Even if so, would the Stinger be more aligned with something like a 335i MSport - a very potent car, but a step down from the M3?

Likewise in the MB world, a C43 perhaps, rather than a C63?

Yes, the C43 is may be a target. I have never driven one but I did have a c63. It is a great car. and double the price of what we are paying for our cars. For some reason, walking out to and driving my Stinger puts a bigger smile on my face than the C63 did. Maybe it is because I also saved $40k, LOL.

We have not even gotten into maintenance and repair. Way, way more.

Going back, I test drove a 550i. Twin Turbo w/400 hp and more room inside than an M3. The 550i is a great car but the Stinger is faster. Of course the 550i was 5 years ago and they may have upgraded, but personally, I prefer the Stinger.

I think the 335i might have been the target, but the Stinger is faster and better, IMO.

 

[MisterMac]

I drove the BMW 640i grand coupe M and the Porsche Panamera base in my search before landing on buying the Stinger. In my eyes, buyers of these two were the target market.

 

[Kamauxx]

Here's the competition according to Kia.com...

 

[Manaz]

I drove the BMW 640i grand coupe M and the Porsche Panamera base in my search before landing on buying the Stinger. In my eyes, buyers of these two were the target market.

I understand that they share size/some features, but really?

I get that SOME people looking at the Panamera may cross-shop to a Kia (as you did), but is that a common thing?

I agree that the Stinger is marketed as a GT, and that certainly those two cars you mentioned can be considered to be GT or GT-like (given BMW actually do a GT in the 6-series).

My thoughts here may be swayed by cost differences - in Australia, the Panamera range starts at over $200k, you can get a Stinger GT for $66k list. Not many people cross-shop those price points!

 

[MisterMac]

@Manaz I agree not many shop those too. However, I believe the goal was to bring that type of GT experience to the average Joe/Josephine, so to speak.

 

[Manaz]

@Manaz I agree not many shop those too. However, I believe the goal was to bring that type of GT experience to the average Joe/Josephine, so to speak.

Yep, I think it's almost to create its own market - GT motoring at a price that more can afford.

The expensive GT cars are aspirational - the Stinger is affordable.

 

[ktstinger]

I cross shopped the 440I, Q50 Red Sport, Audi S3, A5 sportback, Lexus ES350 Fsport and the G70.

I was looking for a fast and fun 4door sedan that was as big enough for clients to ride in comfortably.

I think the G70 is more the 3 series competitor than the Stinger.

The Stinger is a GT with room for luggage, the kids and dog. For me anyways it was the practicality along with the performance and options that sold me.

 

[KikoTheAkita]

I really never considered any European car because they all seem to have such poor reliability. I learned that lesson the hard way with my BMW 635.

 

[JVsGT]

Here's the competition according to Kia.com...



View attachment 29711

View attachment 29712

So are they comparing the Stinger GT to the A5 Sportback or the S5 Sportback? The editorial says S5 but the performance breakdowns reference the A5 ....

 

[ktstinger]

So are they comparing the Stinger GT to the A5 Sportback or the S5 Sportback? The editorial says S5 but the performance breakdowns reference the A5 ....

Performance wise I’d say it’s the S5 as the A5 is only 249Bhp.

 

[Kamauxx]

So are they comparing the Stinger GT to the A5 Sportback or the S5 Sportback? The editorial says S5 but the performance breakdowns reference the A5 ....

Both? It's cheaper than both (when comparably equipped), faster than both, bigger than both...

 

[JVsGT]

Both? It's cheaper than both (when comparably equipped), faster than both, bigger than both...

All I'm saying is, if they reference the S5 in comparison, then they should post the S5 specs (not the A5). I believe the S5 is posting 4.5 0-60mph.

 

[Kamauxx]

All I'm saying is, if they reference the S5 in comparison, then they should post the S5 specs (not the A5). I believe the S5 is posting 4.5 0-60mph.

Lol. Yea, advertising which cars are faster than the Stinger sounds like a great marketing strategy. Kia should hire you.

 

[ktstinger]

All I'm saying is, if they reference the S5 in comparison, then they should post the S5 specs (not the A5). I believe the S5 is posting 4.5 0-60mph.

Audi Canada site with all the options for the S5 sport back states 4.8secs. Doesn’t say 4.8 secs to what. Assuming they mean to 100km being Canada. I would guess the speed they are stating is for the S5 Coupe.

Also in Canada at least, to build a S5 sport back with all the options on my Stinger GT Limited (GT2) is $75,000. $28K more than I paid for my Stinger.

 

[JVsGT]

Audi Canada site with all the options for the S5 sport back states 4.8secs. Doesn’t say 4.8 secs to what. Assuming they mean to 100km being Canada. I would guess the speed they are stating is for the S5 Coupe.

Also in Canada at least, to build a S5 sport back with all the options on my Stinger GT Limited (GT2) is $75,000. $28K more than I paid for my Stinger.

Understood. Again, my only point was directly mentioning the S5 in the ad above but posting the A5 specs. I know the Stinger is a bargain compared to the S5 ... that's why I've purchased 2!

 

[StungBlueGT2]

Kia is comparing the Stinger to large luxury GTs that are similar in size, cargo volume & overall performance. Porsche Panamera & BMW 640M sport Gran Coupe.

It may be similar pricing to the smaller entry level BMW 430 & Audi A5, MB c300, but those cars are more comparable to our little brother the Hyundai g70.

 

[Dr_jitsu]

When you start approaching German cars that retail for $100k or more you will be getting things like a hand stitched leather dash and generally much more premium materials. The Kia dash is almost pure plastic, the materials are cheaper.

But here is the thing: Yes there is lots of cheap plastic, but this is an amazing cockpit regardless. Honestly, I have never sit upon the dash or anywhere else except in my seats, which are wonderful red Nappa Leather.

What I am saying here is that Kia had to use less costly materials in their cock pit but somehow someway it is a fantastic place to be. IMO, everything looks 100% right.

 

[Dr_jitsu]

Kia is comparing the Stinger to large luxury GTs that are similar in size, cargo volume & overall performance. Porsche Panamera & BMW 640M sport Gran Coupe.

It may be similar pricing to the smaller entry level BMW 430 & Audi A5, MB c300, but those cars are more comparable to our little brother the Hyundai g70.

I drove a G70 but bought the Stinger.