Driving it home
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Benz wasted time trying to make the C Class a 3 Series & BMW softened the 3 to be more like a Benz. Both mistakes & a dilution of Brand.
Benz has returned to it's roots & DNA ~ building luxury motorcars. That is their brand positioning. The fact that they allow the level of configuration is a bonus.
AMG is the performance brand.
Benz has returned to it's roots & DNA ~ building luxury motorcars. That is their brand positioning. The fact that they allow the level of configuration is a bonus.
AMG is the performance brand.
Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: London
2013 C class Coupe 250 CDI
Benz wasted time trying to make the C Class a 3 Series & BMW softened the 3 to be more like a Benz. Both mistakes & a dilution of Brand.
Benz has returned to it's roots & DNA ~ building luxury motorcars. That is their brand positioning. The fact that they allow the level of configuration is a bonus.
AMG is the performance brand.
Benz has returned to it's roots & DNA ~ building luxury motorcars. That is their brand positioning. The fact that they allow the level of configuration is a bonus.
AMG is the performance brand.
That is true. C class should stop trying to beat 3 series in its own game. it should have its own identity and offer something different to what 3 series offers. however I do also think that as more technologies are bundled into cars, this might suit Mercedes a bit more than BMW since Beemers are losing their driving purity somewhat and that is where most complaints seems to be originating as their cars are getting heavier and bigger and all these electronic aids somehow interfere with a pure driving experience.
Last edited by Sol01; Dec 28, 2014 at 03:28 AM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 101
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From: Ontario
'13 C350, '13 GLK250
As far as luxury vs performance goes, I think Mercedes has struck a bit of a sweet spot with the C (equipped as I drove it) and there's nothing wrong with that IMO. For the money that I'll be spending this coming year I'm expecting nothing less than competence under almost any condition that I'll throw at the car which for me will include at least 1 HPDE event/year at Watkins Glen.
Now that requirement might be a bit of a stretch but I participate in these to sharpen my driving skills and learn the limits of my cars, not to "race". There are lots of participants with the same goals in mind and there's no requirement that you have to drive an AMG or an M car (although it helps lol). But I think that you at least have to have a car that's highly competent and won't scare the day lights out of you when pushed well beyond our daily driving requirements. Based on my extended driving impression of the C400, I think it'd work out just fine. And it would get you to the track and back home again in pretty fine style and comfort. The C450 might up the ante slightly so that'd be my bonus.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 787
Likes: 110
From: BNE, Australia
W205 C250BT
I participate in these to sharpen my driving skills and learn the limits of my cars, not to "race". There are lots of participants with the same goals in mind and there's no requirement that you have to drive an AMG or an M car (although it helps lol). But I think that you at least have to have a car that's highly competent and won't scare the day lights out of you when pushed well beyond our daily driving requirements.
I wish more people would think like you. Honestly, they should make that type of experience mandatory for young drivers especially who are yet to learn what you can get away with in a vehicle. No amounts of high tech wizardry will save you from the experience of loosing car control in a safe environment.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I wish more people would think like you. Honestly, they should make that type of experience mandatory for young drivers especially who are yet to learn what you can get away with in a vehicle. No amounts of high tech wizardry will save you from the experience of loosing car control in a safe environment.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 600
Likes: 4
From: Sunshine State
2015 C300 RWD
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Oh wow! good for you. I'm afraid SA has shocking death toll statistics on our roads. I try to protect myself & others by trying to remain as competent as possible & practice defensive driving. When I lived in Dallas & later the Bay Area, Marin County ~ I always found US drivers more relaxed than mad, aggressive South Africans. Road rage is all too common here.
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