Exactly; I suppose it is a cultural thing to some extent. For example, when I was last in the States, VW's seemed to be considered somewhat exotic / and like a true luxury brand... I might be wrong but that was the vibe I got. Whereas over here, VW's are simply everywhere - and while considered to be good, they are completely mainstream and considered to be one of the cheaper brands.

On the same note, there are everyday American cars that you Americans would probably not look at twice - but if driven here in the UK, would turn every head in the vicinity...

I suppose the mystique of a car is related to this phenom somewhat and for me, can't help but be a part of a car's character. Despite some poor reviews in the UK, for the Xfire; I still get stopped and asked 'who makes that?!' or 'what is it!?'... it's a car with a story. The ******* child of a failed partnership between two automotive giants from different ends of the cultural spectrum. I doubt we'll see anything as bold from such an odd pairing for quite some time.

Anyway, like I said before; BMW make great cars; there's no doubt about it but to compare a super-saloon (M5) with an Xfire is crazy... like Apple and Oranges really.