jhb

All of the "design" related and "drive" related posts show that all of that is really subjective. That is as it should be and I think we should all appreciate each others' views and tastes.

It is really wonderful if you think about it that MB has differentiated the market with one model, the new E. You truly can have it "your way" with engine, suspension, trim, wheels, sunroof, equipment, etc. I noticed some grousing on some posts about the large number of options, as if that is a bad thing. What that omits to consider is that the base car, 320 or 500 is extremely well equipped as it comes. If you want to save money, you can and just get the base 320. The options just allow you to have it "your way"!!!!! That will be expanded even further when the AMG model is released.

Thank you MB for not forcing a "cookie cutter" on us!!! Way to go!!

rayscar

Very well put jhb. Thanks

Kassav

I could not have used better words.

karl k

Amen!

Fantastic product - the new E-Class.

northbenz

OK, but having to pay extra for the folding seat option is a bit much. It should be a no cost option which the customer can delete for credit at the minimum. Even the upper level Corollas offer this feature without a tack-on charge.

jhb

I think it is really a matter of what is "expected" in a car rather than something that may or may not be "wanted". An example: air conditioning has come to be expected while a V-8 may or may not be wanted. Until there is a general "expectation" of a feature, I think it should remain an option so the rest of us do not subsidize the others and pay for what only a few might "want".

Now, we may disagree with what is "expected" in the car versus "wanted". But that is what the marketing department is about. I imagine that it has been found that the buyers of a luxury car do not expect fold down seat utility as would the buyers of a Toyota Corolla. For example, BMW 5 series have and charge as an option fold down rear seats. Many other lux cars do not even offer them. I for one will be happy if I get the fold down seats on my E for an extra cost because I want them, but I didn't expect them.

karl k

There is no logic behind charge or not charge or credit for deleted items.

Porsche gives you the option of deleting the 911's sunroof and ordering it debadged.

Guess what?? NO CREDIT for either deletion!

jhb

I think that once a feature becomes "standard", the marginal build cost of that item decreases significantly. Apparently, the "cost" of deletion and the special build without a "standard" feature must equal that marginal cost. Alternatively, the manufacturer does not want to encourage modifications to the standard build by making it financially attractive with a credit.