What a shame!
#1
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
What a shame!
The headline when you go to the MBWORLD.ORG home page today, is a story about the price increase on the E Class. They use what must be a factory photo, showing both the “Sport” & “Luxury” trim sedans. How absolutely LOVELY, stately & refined that Luxury model is, but we mere peons in the USA are not allowed to even special one like that. MBUSA determined, back in 2021, that we no longer deserve to have a choice, so if we want a new E Class, it’s the “Sport” trim or nothing. You can have a Luxury model in Germany and some other countries, but not in the massive, American market. We would love to order a new E Class sedan or wagon, but without the “Luxury” trim, we will not be doing so. Mercedes-Benz: The Best or Nothing!
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#2
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Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
Agree SL, I will add that the newer Estate version of E class wagon on sale in Europe really captures my interest! Lovely car, sadly not coming here, just the cladded AT.
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#3
Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 225
Likes: 115
From: Maryland, USA
2022 C300 AMG-Line; 2020 E450; 2013 SLK350
Just wondering out loud, without an ED program, can anyone who really wants the Lux trim fly to Germany to buy one and have it shipped to the US? Will that work or not?
#4
In the scheme of things, the US market isn't that big a deal for Mercedes, which may help explain the limited model and engine choices imported here. Regulations may be a factor as well. See the link below for more info.
https://www.best-selling-cars.com/brands/2022-full-year-global-mercedes-benz-sales-worldwide-by-region-and-mode
Pointless but fun to speculate: Would the Estate outsell the All-Terrain (I never see any on the road). And how would the Luxury version sell compared to Sport if both were offered (it would be a nightmare for dealer inventory)?
https://www.best-selling-cars.com/brands/2022-full-year-global-mercedes-benz-sales-worldwide-by-region-and-mode
Pointless but fun to speculate: Would the Estate outsell the All-Terrain (I never see any on the road). And how would the Luxury version sell compared to Sport if both were offered (it would be a nightmare for dealer inventory)?
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Streamliner (02-11-2024)
#5
I doubt if MB would build a US spec vehicle with an EU luxury front end. You can buy a German spec car to import to the US however the car will require several modifications and be certified to meet US standards. Certification may include destructive testing so import two identical cars to have one functional car after the certification process is complete. The only thing certain is the exorbitant cost. BTDT
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Povitica3 (02-01-2024)
#6
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Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 225
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From: Maryland, USA
2022 C300 AMG-Line; 2020 E450; 2013 SLK350
I doubt if MB would build a US spec vehicle with an EU luxury front end. You can buy a German spec car to import to the US however the car will require several modifications and be certified to meet US standards. Certification may include destructive testing so import two identical cars to have one functional car after the certification process is complete. The only thing certain is the exorbitant cost. BTDT
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#7
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
Mercedes-Benz will import only those models that sell well. All but a few (dozen) 2016 models were SPORT models. I've seen fewer than 5 pictures of 2016 Lux cars here at MBWorld.
Pattern has been the same for all E-Classes since. You may want the luxury model, but you would be in the tiny minority. This has been discussed quite a bit in the W212 forum.
Pattern has been the same for all E-Classes since. You may want the luxury model, but you would be in the tiny minority. This has been discussed quite a bit in the W212 forum.
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#10
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 470
Likes: 94
From: New Jersey
MB W213 E300 4MATIC Luxury Model
The headline when you go to the MBWORLD.ORG home page today, is a story about the price increase on the E Class. They use what must be a factory photo, showing both the “Sport” & “Luxury” trim sedans. How absolutely LOVELY, stately & refined that Luxury model is, but we mere peons in the USA are not allowed to even special one like that. MBUSA determined, back in 2021, that we no longer deserve to have a choice, so if we want a new E Class, it’s the “Sport” trim or nothing. You can have a Luxury model in Germany and some other countries, but not in the massive, American market. We would love to order a new E Class sedan or wagon, but without the “Luxury” trim, we will not be doing so. Mercedes-Benz: The Best or Nothing!
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#13
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 642
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From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
We felt the same way, as our last five E class vehicles had the hood star; that being said, the deal that I got on my E wagon swayed my thinking, along with the transition to the AT. Now, I don't mind not having the hood star, but my wife? Well that is a different story!
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Streamliner (02-11-2024)
#14
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
We felt the same way, as our last five E class vehicles had the hood star; that being said, the deal that I got on my E wagon swayed my thinking, along with the transition to the AT. Now, I don't mind not having the hood star, but my wife? Well that is a different story!
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#16
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
#17
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Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Venice Florida
2018 S560 and 2019 E450 Wagon.
Thanks, trying to keep the mileage down on this car, only has 33K miles on it. Great driving car as you know from your wife's car. My only complaint is the ride is very firm on rough roads but here in Florida where the car is driven most of the time the roads are fairly smooth so not really a issue. I guess I probably should have got it with the air suspension option. I am surprised Benz Elected to run 40 series tires as they are lower profile than 45 series and the 45 series would have given the car a little bit better of a ride. I was gonna change it to 45's when I change the tires next time but I prefer to keep the car original, I know that would throw off the speedometer readings a little bit too.
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Streamliner (02-11-2024)
#18
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Thanks, trying to keep the mileage down on this car, only has 33K miles on it. Great driving car as you know from your wife's car. My only complaint is the ride is very firm on rough roads but here in Florida where the car is driven most of the time the roads are fairly smooth so not really a issue. I guess I probably should have got it with the air suspension option. I am surprised Benz Elected to run 40 series tires as they are lower profile than 45 series and the 45 series would have given the car a little bit better of a ride. I was gonna change it to 45's when I change the tires next time but I prefer to keep the car original, I know that would throw off the speedometer readings a little bit too.
One morning, I’m looking at AutoTrader and I see a luxury wagon for sale, but it is listed as Selenite Gray MAGNO, the matte finish, which I truly dislike. But then, I see that the car is at the BMW dealer that I pass every day on my morning walk. Having never even driven an E450 Wagon, I decide that this was too good of an opportunity to pass up, so I call and set up an appointment for a test drive. I walked down to the dealer and as I approached the wagon, to my great delight, I saw that the ad had been incorrect and the color was actually the lovely Selenite Gray METALLIC, not the dreaded Magno. In addition, the car had the Designo Interior. The dealer was short handed and simply took a copy of my drivers license and handed me the key.
I’m driving down a bumpy street that I’ve driven down a thousand times and I cannot believe how nice the ride quality is. I go another few blocks and I pull over and open the glove box. Sure enough, there is the original window sticker showing AirMatic and Acoustic Comfort. I continue driving and I yell to myself “I’m buying this car!” Long story short, the 2019 Wagon had around 9,000 miles and was SO close to exactly what I would have ordered, I just couldn’t believe it. My wife, who had said “I’m NEVER driving a station wagon,” drove it once and declared it hers. She adores it now and has come to love how unique it is. She lets me use it every now and then.
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#19
No more Mercedes for me
I have an 2019 E300 4matic luxury edition and from what I’ve read here and other places this will be my last late model Mercedes. I went
to my dealer that I’ve used for the last 30 years and they were so excited to show me the new W214 model until I asked about the luxury edition. I told them “Call me when you do” and walked out. My salesman called and tried to talk me into a three year old S class. I’d think about it but I don’t want the air suspension (had an S class with that a few years back and got rid of it as soon as the warranty ran out. Always in the shop!) or the fuel bills.
I'm glad I love my car! Only wish I had the MBUX and the 3D Burmester sound system.
to my dealer that I’ve used for the last 30 years and they were so excited to show me the new W214 model until I asked about the luxury edition. I told them “Call me when you do” and walked out. My salesman called and tried to talk me into a three year old S class. I’d think about it but I don’t want the air suspension (had an S class with that a few years back and got rid of it as soon as the warranty ran out. Always in the shop!) or the fuel bills.
I'm glad I love my car! Only wish I had the MBUX and the 3D Burmester sound system.
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#20
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7,538
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I have an 2019 E300 4matic luxury edition and from what I’ve read here and other places this will be my last late model Mercedes. I went
to my dealer that I’ve used for the last 30 years and they were so excited to show me the new W214 model until I asked about the luxury edition. I told them “Call me when you do” and walked out. My salesman called and tried to talk me into a three year old S class. I’d think about it but I don’t want the air suspension (had an S class with that a few years back and got rid of it as soon as the warranty ran out. Always in the shop!) or the fuel bills.
I'm glad I love my car! Only wish I had the MBUX and the 3D Burmester sound system.
to my dealer that I’ve used for the last 30 years and they were so excited to show me the new W214 model until I asked about the luxury edition. I told them “Call me when you do” and walked out. My salesman called and tried to talk me into a three year old S class. I’d think about it but I don’t want the air suspension (had an S class with that a few years back and got rid of it as soon as the warranty ran out. Always in the shop!) or the fuel bills.
I'm glad I love my car! Only wish I had the MBUX and the 3D Burmester sound system.
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Wig (02-07-2024)
#21
Mercedes-Benz will import only those models that sell well. All but a few (dozen) 2016 models were SPORT models. I've seen fewer than 5 pictures of 2016 Lux cars here at MBWorld.
Pattern has been the same for all E-Classes since. You may want the luxury model, but you would be in the tiny minority. This has been discussed quite a bit in the W212 forum.
Pattern has been the same for all E-Classes since. You may want the luxury model, but you would be in the tiny minority. This has been discussed quite a bit in the W212 forum.
This was mine
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Streamliner (02-11-2024)
#22
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
My opinion of the hood star requirement changed when we got the R231 a few years back, I came to appreciate the clean look of the vehicle. Still respect the hood star, however it was not a deal breaker for me after the SL. Then came the A238 E450 cabriolet, also sans hood star. Guess I have just gotten used to it.
I still miss this car!
Gone, not forgotten!
I still miss this car!
Gone, not forgotten!
Last edited by TennesseeZ4; 02-09-2024 at 01:02 PM.
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Streamliner (02-11-2024)
#23
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 5,378
Likes: 2,010
From: Maryland, United States
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
#25
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 5,378
Likes: 2,010
From: Maryland, United States
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)