Estate?
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From: Kirkland, WA
c300
Estate?
What are the odds the estate will make it over?
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/m...-class-estate/
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/m...-class-estate/
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From: Vancouver WA
'14 GLK250 Diesel
Virtually no chance whatsoever.
What we are going to get in the US market as a substitute for the W204 wagon is the "GLK" crossover that is based on the W204 platform, and which should be finalized shortly.
Personally, what I want is a diesel wagon, but there is practically zero chance we will see the wagon in the US market. The dealers were not enthusiastic enough, and the perception is that the W203 wagon didn't sell well enough....no, I don't know what numbers they were looking for that they didn't get.
What we are going to get in the US market as a substitute for the W204 wagon is the "GLK" crossover that is based on the W204 platform, and which should be finalized shortly.
Personally, what I want is a diesel wagon, but there is practically zero chance we will see the wagon in the US market. The dealers were not enthusiastic enough, and the perception is that the W203 wagon didn't sell well enough....no, I don't know what numbers they were looking for that they didn't get.
Last edited by jrct9454; Aug 31, 2007 at 05:51 PM.
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2008 C350 Black/Black Leather, P2, 18" AMG, Pano, illuminated door sills, chrome handles, long wait
Interesting you say that because I think there is no question that they WILL bring it over to the states.
My idea is that MB is trying to make so many different model lines that they can introduce refreshes and brand new cars at a fast rate, yet the body style still benefit from some of the longest refresh rates in the business. (your car won't look old in 5 years). Just look at their line up for the states. G-wagon, GL,ML,GLK,CLK,SLK,SL,CL,C, C-wagon(w203)E,E-wagon,S,R,SLR,CLS, thats just 16 that I can think of, then you've got 3 variants of each (at least) and more on the way.
My guess is...yes. You'll see it stateside in a year.
My idea is that MB is trying to make so many different model lines that they can introduce refreshes and brand new cars at a fast rate, yet the body style still benefit from some of the longest refresh rates in the business. (your car won't look old in 5 years). Just look at their line up for the states. G-wagon, GL,ML,GLK,CLK,SLK,SL,CL,C, C-wagon(w203)E,E-wagon,S,R,SLR,CLS, thats just 16 that I can think of, then you've got 3 variants of each (at least) and more on the way.
My guess is...yes. You'll see it stateside in a year.
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From: Vancouver WA
'14 GLK250 Diesel
Sorry, but the universal belief in the automotive press is that the wagon is not coming to the US market. This is also what my dealer says, but you can keep hoping....no reason not to....
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=122434
I've also read in Automotive News, among other sources, that MBUSA has no plans to put this car on the ground here.
MBUSA makes a lot of marketing decisions based on their perceptions of our preferences that often leave me scratching my head. They decided we wouldn't want to pay for the B-Class, which is actually the car I wanted to replace our W203 C....now they're making noises about "maybe" bringing in the next-gen B, sometime north of 2011.
They have this "thing" about the carefully crafted "image" of the Mercedes name in the US - everywhere else in the world, DBAG is considered a full line manufacturer, like GM or Ford...here, we're supposed to think of them as precious metal, worthy of precious feelings and precious pricing. When I bought my first Mercedes, nearly 40 years ago, it never occurred to me that there was anything prestigious about the name...I was focused on the disc brakes all around, independent suspension, 3-point seat belts, and outstanding long-distance comfort, all of which were uncommon at the time. Oh well....
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=122434
I've also read in Automotive News, among other sources, that MBUSA has no plans to put this car on the ground here.
MBUSA makes a lot of marketing decisions based on their perceptions of our preferences that often leave me scratching my head. They decided we wouldn't want to pay for the B-Class, which is actually the car I wanted to replace our W203 C....now they're making noises about "maybe" bringing in the next-gen B, sometime north of 2011.
They have this "thing" about the carefully crafted "image" of the Mercedes name in the US - everywhere else in the world, DBAG is considered a full line manufacturer, like GM or Ford...here, we're supposed to think of them as precious metal, worthy of precious feelings and precious pricing. When I bought my first Mercedes, nearly 40 years ago, it never occurred to me that there was anything prestigious about the name...I was focused on the disc brakes all around, independent suspension, 3-point seat belts, and outstanding long-distance comfort, all of which were uncommon at the time. Oh well....
Last edited by jrct9454; Sep 1, 2007 at 10:00 AM.
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From: Nuevo México
2005 C230K Sport Sedan, 6 speed manual
BMW and Audi offer station wagons in the 3-series and A4 lines (respectively) in the US market. I think both of them are great cars. Unfortunately, they are not very big sellers here.
Traditional wisdom is Mercedes would not want to compete in such a small market. However, $3 per gallon gasoline is causing US customers to rethink their choices in personal transportation. A C-Class wagon might now seem more attractive than a Ford Excursion.
Yes, Mercedes wants to protect its prestige image in the US. Americans traveling abroad are often amazed by the great number of three-pointed star emblems they see; attached of course to trucks, buses, and taxicabs.
Traditional wisdom is Mercedes would not want to compete in such a small market. However, $3 per gallon gasoline is causing US customers to rethink their choices in personal transportation. A C-Class wagon might now seem more attractive than a Ford Excursion.
Yes, Mercedes wants to protect its prestige image in the US. Americans traveling abroad are often amazed by the great number of three-pointed star emblems they see; attached of course to trucks, buses, and taxicabs.
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From: Vancouver, BC
W221-S550
I am also interested in a wagon. Had an E500 and loved it. But can anyone tell me why in the world the Parktronic is not an available option on Mercedes estate in NA?? considering this is the kind of car which needs it
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.
Same here -- give me a C350T or C320TD and memory seats, and we'd be talking. The sedan is too small in the rear (not enough knee space), but the estate has several extra inches and would do the trick to replace the Passat.
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From: San Antonio
2008 C350
Everything I've seen or heard from MBUSA or dealers is that the Estate is NOT comming to the US market....
Of course that statement is worth about as much as the source when it comes to these issues.
Of course that statement is worth about as much as the source when it comes to these issues.
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From: Toronto, ON
2011 E350 4Matic Wagon, 2013 C350 4Matic Sedan
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From: Toronto, ON, Canada
MY2001 C320
... and all Estates worldwide will be assembled at Bremen... so you rest assured it is "Made in Germany" for those who care... and 51% of voters polled said "NO WAY" to South Africa W204.
See below official press for doubters...
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Bremen plant launches production of new Mercedes-Benz C-Class station wagon
Bremen, Sep 17, 2007
Last weekend, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class station wagon that was unveiled at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main celebrated its production launch at the plant. The first vehicle rolled off the assembly line during the Friday night shift.
“As our employees successfully mastered the launch of the new C-Class sedan last March, they are well prepared to also bring the station wagon version onto the road in top quality,” said Peter Schabert, head of the plant.
The predecessor of the new C-Class station wagon was phased out at the end of May. The plant’s staff had since then made extensive preparations for the production ramp-up of the new station wagon, which will be manufactured on the same assembly line as the sedan.
Whereas the Series 204 sedan is also manufactured at the Sindelfingen and East London plants, the station wagon will be produced exclusively in Bremen, from where it will be delivered to customers worldwide.
“We’re extremely proud that Bremen is the home for all C-Class station wagons worldwide,” added Schabert. Just like the new sedan, the station wagon version of the new C-Class has also been awarded an Environmental Certificate, which attests to its environmentally oriented development process that conforms with the international ISO standard.
The station wagon takes the trademark strengths of the sedan, such as safety, agility and comfort, and combines them with a significant increase in spaciousness and versatility. Motorists can begin to place their orders for the new station wagon at Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and dealerships following the IAA in September.
Copyright © 2007, DaimlerChrysler AG
See below official press for doubters...
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Bremen plant launches production of new Mercedes-Benz C-Class station wagon
Bremen, Sep 17, 2007
Last weekend, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class station wagon that was unveiled at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main celebrated its production launch at the plant. The first vehicle rolled off the assembly line during the Friday night shift.
“As our employees successfully mastered the launch of the new C-Class sedan last March, they are well prepared to also bring the station wagon version onto the road in top quality,” said Peter Schabert, head of the plant.
The predecessor of the new C-Class station wagon was phased out at the end of May. The plant’s staff had since then made extensive preparations for the production ramp-up of the new station wagon, which will be manufactured on the same assembly line as the sedan.
Whereas the Series 204 sedan is also manufactured at the Sindelfingen and East London plants, the station wagon will be produced exclusively in Bremen, from where it will be delivered to customers worldwide.
“We’re extremely proud that Bremen is the home for all C-Class station wagons worldwide,” added Schabert. Just like the new sedan, the station wagon version of the new C-Class has also been awarded an Environmental Certificate, which attests to its environmentally oriented development process that conforms with the international ISO standard.
The station wagon takes the trademark strengths of the sedan, such as safety, agility and comfort, and combines them with a significant increase in spaciousness and versatility. Motorists can begin to place their orders for the new station wagon at Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and dealerships following the IAA in September.
Copyright © 2007, DaimlerChrysler AG
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From: Toronto, ON, Canada
MY2001 C320
Concur on diesel comment... don't know estate has more rear room than sedan. I thought they are same.
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.
Sorry, my bad. The leg space is the same -- what is different is head room, which is 22mm or 0.9in greater in the estate as seen here:
Sedan:
http://www.mercedes-benz.be/content/...ions.0002.html
Wagon:
http://www.mercedes-benz.be/content/...ions.0002.html
Here is another test drive, from 4Car:
http://www.channel4.com/4car/rt/merc...+estate/2622/2
Sedan:
http://www.mercedes-benz.be/content/...ions.0002.html
Wagon:
http://www.mercedes-benz.be/content/...ions.0002.html
Here is another test drive, from 4Car:
http://www.channel4.com/4car/rt/merc...+estate/2622/2
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2008 R350 & 2008 C300
I'll say a no go on the Estate wagon in the states as well. The Estate was dropped here due to very low sales and since a C wagon and GLK would have the same seating capacity and similar interior room, it wouldn't seem profitable to import a low volume of wagons. I also don't look for the GLK to be exported outside the United States, so those in Canada and other countries would most certainly see an Estate wagon eventually.
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.
Here are two reviews of the UK's C220 CDi Estate:
(i) AutoCar review (January 2008) of the wagon on British roads, in Sport form
(ii) Car Magazine review of the same car, around the time of its launch (September 2007) and hence likely not on UK roads.
Interestingly, AutoCar points out a certain "boominess" on coarse roads (highlighting in the process on the Sedan's refinement) whereas Car's review praises the estate's refinement. This divergence of opinions is likely due to the difference in Sport vs. Elegance, and the quality of the roads.
If the wagon comes to US shores, let's hope (gasp) it does in Luxury/Elegance trim.
(i) AutoCar review (January 2008) of the wagon on British roads, in Sport form
(ii) Car Magazine review of the same car, around the time of its launch (September 2007) and hence likely not on UK roads.
Interestingly, AutoCar points out a certain "boominess" on coarse roads (highlighting in the process on the Sedan's refinement) whereas Car's review praises the estate's refinement. This divergence of opinions is likely due to the difference in Sport vs. Elegance, and the quality of the roads.
If the wagon comes to US shores, let's hope (gasp) it does in Luxury/Elegance trim.
Last edited by ayilar; Jan 7, 2008 at 12:09 PM.
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From: United States
2008 R350 & 2008 C300
Someone found this picture on the GLK thread and I think it clearly shows the reason why the U.S. won't be getting the Estate. Finally a picture of someone standing next to it and you can see its very small, almost the same size as a C Estate.
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From: Toronto
2008 C300 Sport 4matic
how unfortunate, I would definately get the estate if it was available.
MB definitely needs a small sportwagon to compete with the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3-series wagon.
The GLK looks awkward and MB has too many SUVs, many of them not very good compared to the SUVs from BMW, Lexus, Land Rover, and Infiniti.
MB definitely needs a small sportwagon to compete with the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3-series wagon.
The GLK looks awkward and MB has too many SUVs, many of them not very good compared to the SUVs from BMW, Lexus, Land Rover, and Infiniti.
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From: Molde, Norway
C200TCDI Sports Edition
It's surprising how much extra room is in the backseat of the wagon, it's also easier to get into and out of. IMO the wagon looks a lot better than the sedan, in about 4 years time I will be replacing my wifes 2007 W203 with a W204, by then MB will hopefully have caught up with BMW's more powerful and efficient diesels.
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From: United States
2008 R350 & 2008 C300
Don't get me wrong the Estate looks very good, much better than the GLK is coming off as, but I still don't see it coming to the states. Maybe they can prove me wrong.
