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In the West, where domestic manufacturers now refuse to make sedans -- and sedan-based wagons -- the native station wagon is all but extinct. Not because there isn't customer demand. But because Ford, GM and Chrysler prefer to make a 100% profit with their SUVs versus a paltry 18% profit on unibody sedans. And they make the assumption: 1) that Americans are too stupid to know the scam, and 2) we don't mind driving overpriced pick-up trucks with extra windows, doors and seats. And they may be right.
In the East, the manufacturers haven't discovered the profitability of shoving SUVs down European throats. So, wagons still have a small (albeit shrinking) market.
At least we in America can buy imported "Estate" wagons from Europe. Plus European and Asian sedans.
I do not believe there is much of a demand for station wagons in the USA (less than 2%). Manufacturers are responding to lack of sales by discontinuing the production of same.
There are plenty of sedans available from Oriental and European producers. Most are not made in the US. I drive sedans. The last SUV I bought was in 1995. I would never own a station wagon. IMO they are an abomination. Not as useful as a SUV and not a substitute for a sedan. I would never show up at a social engagement in anything other than a sedan. Only the government can get away with using an SUV for formal occasions.
Disagree there is low demand for wagons. Don't look at the current sales of wagons, that figure is limited by choice/availability.
Wagons would cannibalize SUV and small pickup sales if a carmaker offered both. The price point and some features overlap.
It makes sense from a product portfolio perspective, for carmakers to do what they are doing. It stinks from the consumer's point of view, in terms of selection of the full vehicle menu available globally.
Look how long Ford took to re-fill the Ranger small pickup segment as a parallel to why wagons aren't offered. Ford print money on F-150 sales, and were concerned the Ranger would pinch a piece of the F-150's market. The change came because the small pickup market has grown in recent years, so Ford couldn't ignore it any longer. Filling the segment with the Ranger was a lesser evil than ignoring the segment, as they had done for several years.
I think if sales remain low or get even lower even MB and Audi will kill our two remaining luxury wagons that are left. I'm not sure if Jag is bringing their sportbrake back for 2021? Their sales have been abysmal. I want to go back to the 90's where there were lots of wagon offerings and less SUV offerings. Besides, in the 90's manufacturers were trying to offer products different to one another while competing. Today everything looks pretty much the same. YAWN!
I think if sales remain low or get even lower even MB and Audi will kill our two remaining luxury wagons that are left. I'm not sure if Jag is bringing their sportbrake back for 2021? Their sales have been abysmal. I want to go back to the 90's where there were lots of wagon offerings and less SUV offerings. Besides, in the 90's manufacturers were trying to offer products different to one another while competing. Today everything looks pretty much the same. YAWN!
05 SL55, 10 C63, 12 SLK3, 20 S560, 08Bentley GT Speed, 16 Aston Martin Vanquish
We recently acquired a e450 estate (wagon) and couldn’t be happier with it. This is our second estate. The first being a RENNtech 2012 e63 estate. The 2012 was flawless in the time we had it. So far the e450 has also been flawless. The wagons are great cars that some just don’t understand. They are extremely popular in Europe and I don’t see Mercedes stop production of them. Most estate owners have other Mercedes as well and remain some of the brands most loyal customers.
This is our e63 at Hilton Head. It received the William Hilton award. That award is for the car you would most like to drive.
This is the e450. We traded a Bentley Flying Spur in on this and it rides every bit as good as the Bentley.
Back to the beginning. That review of the Audi tall wagon struck me as remarkably poorly done. Other than it perversely highlights the goofiness of a tall wagon in LA. To handle steep driveways! The review did not make me interested in wagons in the least. Thankfully I’m done. I have no desire to replace E 450.
Maybe it’s that black cargo mat that turns ua off. Singularly inappropriate in a vehicle that can break 90K USD. I was at Weather Tech last week and he has a tan cargo liner that would be a no effort improvement. The macchiato interior is a work of art. Every time I am in the car I marvel at the two color stitching in the dash.
Maybe it’s that black cargo mat that turns ua off. Singularly inappropriate in a vehicle that can break 90K USD. I was at Weather Tech last week and he has a tan cargo liner that would be a no effort improvement.
I prefer the black cargo mat. Unlike the OEM floor mats (replaced with Cocomats) and the carpeting, I don't have to worry about scuffs and spills or dark marks. And when I want it to look better, just take it out. If I'd have had a choice of color of the added mat, I might have chosen blue (to match my Macchiato Beige / Yacht Blue interior), but I much prefer the black mat to another easily-marred and stained beige matching mat. And I've NEVER liked the WeatherTech mats; too soon, they look dull, stained and never look new again. I'd rather shampoo carpet.
The macchiato interior is a work of art. Every time I am in the car I marvel at the two color stitching in the dash.
Absolutely agree. Same with my Macchiato/Blue combination.
Weather Tech mats have their shortcomings. But they are an easy solution. I expect a Yacht Blue mat would be stunning. I have gotten used to cleaning the front mats, but when my energy level is up I still want to replace them. Saddle or sisal I think. Seaweed seems a bit bold.
I have used these cargo liners in my last five vehicles, both SUV's and wagons. They fit fantastically and are very durable protecting the cargo area. I use them as I have two Greyhounds in my car every day which is the reason I love wagons. One can also get the side piece covere as well.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
Love our wagon!
