thug_law

Does anyone know if the navigation is standard on the new E500?

vectra

My guess is that, as on the current E430, it will be optional. First of all, if MB is planning to keep the price of the car in line with the 2002 models even though they are adding AIRMATIC DC suspension, electronic brakes, and increasing the engine size to 5.0, including a 2k NAV system as standard would not likely be cost effective. Also, while the nav system is a neat idea, and I personally love it, there are still a lot of people who would rather continuing using a hard-copy map - even though it's a great feature, it's still a long way from receiving main-stream acceptance. Besides, if it were standard, some of the mag articles/reviews would probably have mentioned it - they would make a big deal about that!

vladi77

OF COURSE THIS IS JUST MY OPINION, BUT JUST LIKE MERCEDES DID WITH THE ML 430 WHEN THEY MOVE IT TO THE 500 THEY MADE THE NAVIGATION STANDARD. BUT THEN AGAIN, I DONT KNOW IF IT WAS ALREADY STANDARD ON THE 430.

Beltfed

I personally think its going to be optional on both the E320 and E500....look even Xenon lights are an option on the new SL500.

Silver_Lana

Well.... its kind-of a toss up right now....
When you compare the ML500 and the S430 which both have command as standard equipment, the E 500 is smack in the middle. The issue is now cost.. is it cost effective to add a $2000 option as standard equipment to a vehicle with substantial upgrades to its previous iteration while keeping its price in check?
We might have to wait till Fall '02 for the answer to that question.
IMHO, i think it will be standard..... (*crossing fingers*) but thats more wishfull thinking than anything else.

Beltfed

If the price remains the same as the previous E and the navigation system is standard.....along with the other mentioned upgrades, I sure hope quality doesn't suffer because of it (materials, etc). I would rather it be optional, rather than MB cut corners so they can stuff in lots of standard toys. We shall see.

njoyaz

The Command System isn't an expensive add on for the factory. When you
realize that the cars come with a complete GPS receiver, adding the control
display probably has a factory cost of no more than $100. We pay $2000 just
like when they charge the $1000 special order fee for only clicking another key on
the computer to add a standard factory option.
Whether or not to make the Command System standard is more of a
marketing decision than a cost one.
I have now had the Command on 2 MB's and certainly want it on my next
one. Hopefully MB Marketing leaders will realize they should make it
standard

KnightRider

I can only speak for the European spec, but if it will serve you as any guideline at all here it goes.
First of all SL 500 has Xenon lights as standard equipment, what is optional is BiXenon lights (main beam Xenon as well).
In Europe E 500 doesn't have satnav as standard and also you were right about the necessity of keeping the prices down. The competition will be greater than before as there will be a new 545i to compete with pretty soon (couple of years down the line?)

sungulent

i think it would be optional, however i heard u can hook up dvd to the nav monitor im not sure but if any knows post it up

i hope so i like to have a dvd player and yet keep my factory monitor

new e class ois phat i think ill trade my clk for that - -is it worth it?