GLC ordered, just reserved Tesla model 3
I have been a long term Mercedes owner but I am concerned that Mercedes will resist making the transition to how automobiles are going to be built and used in the future and since I am in my mid sixties I want to experience the future ASAP.
The thing that intrigues me most about Tesla is its willingness to break with the paradigms of how cars are built, maintained (and upgraded), and sold. Every Model 3 will be built with the full suite of sensory hardware whether it is ordered or not. The buyer or subsequent owners will be able to turn on these features for a fee. Tesla is committed to keeping their cars as up to date as much as possible after they are sold. Tesla has consistently surprised its existing owner base with new and upgraded features via software updates just like Apple does with my phone.
I ordered my GLC with all the available sensory and safety equipment offered but within days Mercedes announced the new E class with an a more comprehensive system. I don't know whether the new features are software based or not but I don't believe that Mercedes intends (or is even able) to offer me software upgrades to make my brand new GLC as technologically up to date as the hardware allows.
I can't find any significant evidence in the forums or elsewhere online that Mercedes has used its announced ability (in 2014) to make software updates has resulted in any significant improvements.
The business model of the old line automakers is going to come under pressure by the disrupters of Silicon Valley. They need to wake up.

I have been a long term Mercedes owner but I am concerned that Mercedes will resist making the transition to how automobiles are going to be built and used in the future and since I am in my mid sixties I want to experience the future ASAP.
The thing that intrigues me most about Tesla is its willingness to break with the paradigms of how cars are built, maintained (and upgraded), and sold. Every Model 3 will be built with the full suite of sensory hardware whether it is ordered or not. The buyer or subsequent owners will be able to turn on these features for a fee. Tesla is committed to keeping their cars as up to date as much as possible after they are sold. Tesla has consistently surprised its existing owner base with new and upgraded features via software updates just like Apple does with my phone.
I ordered my GLC with all the available sensory and safety equipment offered but within days Mercedes announced the new E class with an a more comprehensive system. I don't know whether the new features are software based or not but I don't believe that Mercedes intends (or is even able) to offer me software upgrades to make my brand new GLC as technologically up to date as the hardware allows.
I can't find any significant evidence in the forums or elsewhere online that Mercedes has used its announced ability (in 2014) to make software updates has resulted in any significant improvements.
The business model of the old line automakers is going to come under pressure by the disrupters of Silicon Valley. They need to wake up.
In the interim I'm sure you will enjoy your GLC.
I bought my first electric - Nissan Leaf - in 2014. My wife and I have decided to always own an electric car in addition to our gas powered car, at least until electric cars become as convenient for long trips as gas cars. Our Leaf lease expires well before Model 3 release so we'll probably look into the Chevy Bolt for a 3 year lease. By 2020, there should be some very interesting choices in electrics.
In hindsight it's ironic that I canceled the Tesla because it was going to take too long...


