If there's one thing you can be sure of, it's that a shinier and sleeker missile will be deployed every cycle in the see-saw arms race that is the premium executive sedan segment. While no longer the starting point, it continues to define the market in many ways, so a swanky projectile that offers excellent penetration is a must – the category is still the key one in pulling in buyers making their entry into the premium segment, bragging rights, brand clout, that sort of thing.
For the longest time, the segment has been led by the BMW 3 Series in Malaysia (globallly as well). The sixth-generation F30, which premiered back in late 2011 (local market debut, Q1 2012), stepped things up a couple of gears – its arrival on the scene swung things back from the Mercedes-Benz W204 C-Class, which proved it could more than hold its own in a slug fest with the E90.
Other competitors have offered their own solutions since then. The new Lexus IS appeared, and just a few weeks ago, the Infiniti Q50, a rather invigorating reinvention that takes Nissan's luxury brand closer to the leading pack, finally popped up. Both are very good cars, but haven't (the Lexus) and are not likely (the Infiniti) to halt the 3er's numerical progress. As for the B8 Audi A4, until Ingolstadt can get a fresh Minuteman out, the current one is well on its last legs.
The Tristar, then, has been the only one to keep pace, despite having to field the ageing car for the better part of two years now. The wait for a suitable weapon ends next week, when the Mercedes-Benz W205 C-Class finally makes its Malaysian market debut – the movement is about to get a very shiny missile, one that won't just restore parity for its maker, but redefine the entire game.
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