lou1947

Deutsch100

That is really disappointing if Mercedes did this. It was nice knowing regardless if you got a 550 or G63, most amenities and features were standard. Same or higher price, and fewer features

pdeacon

The game has changed. The G now offers "options" like all the other MB models...some individually and some as packages. This seems to be a German manufacturers method for widening unit margins. I've always been amazed at the upcharge for items that should be standard on a six figure plus car. In my experience the worst offender is Porsche. Try building a 911. The non standard options can add 25% to 40% to a build. Stupid things like painted center wheel caps and embossed logo in headrests??? The G has historically been pretty straight forward offering limited options at extra charge. The times they are a changing. I guess we need to adjust to the new system. You need to pay to play.

Deutsch100

Pdeacon is right about Porsche. I had a 2016 911S....and the option list on the window sticker was longer than the printed info on engine, transmission, safety, entertainment, warranty, conveniences...LOL Porsche is craaaaaazy with nickel and diming options, but they make one helluva car with near flawless reliability and great resale value!! Besides the G-Class, most MBZ models are not the best in terms of trade in value or reliability!

lou1947

pdeacon

I have not experienced problems with reliability but agree that resale values for MB in general has suffered significantly. I don't know whether it is the number of units they are producing or the expansion on the model variants. The G seems to be doing better than the other models by far in terms of resale value. As a general observation I think that the exclusivity of the brand has suffered over the last several years. The negative effect seems to spread across the entire model range...from the S Class on down. I purchased a limited production anniversary edition E 400 cab about a year ago and in a discussion with my dealer determined it had depreciated about 40% in one year. Good thing I like the car!!

places

100% agree. Both production numbers and expansion have certainly not helped this brand. Once they came out with the CLA at 29,900 it was a game changer. Also, MB focus on technology (which is where the industry is and will be) as being the most important piece has turned some of the market. It's almost as if they are marketing technology with a car vs car first tech second. Now the rush is to get the newest interface with hardware. Also, with leasing becoming so popular it's a faster turnover, no one keeps cars as long anymore so the tech keeps moving faster making previous models obsolete to so many. Almost like the latest phone. It's a different business today.