Should You Buy a Brand New 2018 Mercedes, or Save with a 2017?

Is a 2018 model and a couple of new features enough to lure buyers away from juicy year-end clearance sales on 2017 models?

With fall in full swing, we’re entering a time of year when dealerships feel extra motivated to sell. In order to make room for a fleet of brand-new 2018s, they are ready to move every 2017 model. Armed with incentives directly from Mercedes-Benz and tempting bonuses to clear out slightly-older models, the last two months of the year are, in fact, the best time to buy a luxury vehicle.

New for 2018

In order to make an educated decision, you must know what’s new for 2018, and if it’s worth having over a lesser price or monthly payment. These are the most noteworthy changes for the entire lineup for the new year:

• S-Class: Features a thoroughly revised exterior and interior, as well as next-generation driver assistance and safety technology.
• E-Class: Coupe and Cabriolet models are now available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. New AMG E63 S Sedan and Wagon.
• AMG GT: Four new models including GT and GT C Roadster, GTC Coupe and GT R Coupe.
• GLC: New AMG GLC63.

While other models may see slight tweaks for 2018 such as new colors, wheel designs, and packages, they’re typically not enough to swing consumers one way or another.

2017 Year-End Deals

It’s important to know that almost every Mercedes-Benz dealership works independently, so what may be offered at one, may not at another. That being said, the current “Special Offers” page on Mbusa.com is always a good place to start. These offers typically apply to all official U.S. dealers and can sometimes be improved upon by result hungry sales managers.

Most of the specials listed are lease offers, although it’s not uncommon for Mercedes-Benz Financial Services to run APR finance specials from time to time. Remember that time is on your side, as truckloads of 2018 models will be arriving whether they like it or not, meaning that you have an upper hand while negotiating your future Benz.

In the end, it’s up to you to analyze the differences and incentives, and choose if driving the latest 2018 three-pointed star is more fulfilling than bringing home a year old car and keeping some bucks in your pocket.