Otto

from automobile

naadp

It's because we're generally stupider than them, duh. Just ask any Frenchman.

cracker123

for us , we have a sequential way of life that would explain the complex control questions.

But I think the newer generations will find it much much easier to adopt these new technologies.

JosanK

There is a difference between "complex" and "poorly designed". From what I see of the German electronic user interfaces I would lean towards poorly designed.

Smiles

I certainly do. Personally, I can barely walk and chew gum at the same time.

LILRAJA

umm. we are the biggest market for MB so why not design it for us and let others learn. U don't hae to be rocket scientist for that. Why do it backwards and call americans challenged. For all i know,

Raja

Dema

Do it simpler and everyone will like it.

CE750

hate to sound un-American, but I frankly do... Americans tend to complain about having too much technology in a car. I would offer a US mode on most of these cars that removes 90% of the system menu, and just keeps the basics.

naadp

No way, I'm the great distracto. Only in America will you see people watching DVDs while they drive. I'd say Europeans are far more focused on the task of driving than Americans, and do so without many of the creature comforts.

lorinserbenz

Ironic comment since Americans buy up more technology than any other country. Maybe the Germans should stop making retarded systems that break and their customers woudnt complain.
Their comment alone shows how stupid they are... "complex controls" !!!??
I didnt know turning on headlights and adjusting your radio was supposed to be complex?!
Introducing an Idrive based system is a big gamble by MB.. BMW has gotten hammered by every auto magazine. With MB's current quality ratings a new complex system will only make things worse. Hopefully the comand system is more intuitive than BMW's idrive.

schwarzwagen

complaining does not make one stupid. having to ask the question, "will our CUSTOMERS be able to use our systems?" is stupid.

americans invented the internet (or was it Al Gore ), i think we can handle some backasswards german computer.

FThornton666

its funny that people ***** about idrive, yet 7 and 5ers are selling like hotcakes.

naadp

After driving them, iDrive wouldn't stop me from buying a 5, but it definately would keep me away from a 7. However, the fugly, banglized styling keeps me away from both

95AccordV6

Why does a car need so much "complex" controls? By controls I think they are talking about all computerized and/or electronics systems/components. I think the mechanical sections of the car are the most important, far far more important than those DSC, ABC, AYC, stuff like that.

Doctodd33

Different reasons....the average American is now living 10 years longer than even as recently as the 1970-80's....77 years old is now the average i think. This means the older population is driving more, and yes, things are more complex than what the older people are used to. Also everything is going retro....the new Mustang, the Charger, etc. People are wanting the return of simplicity and/or muscle cars. Also, too many parts means more stuff to break and fix.

Just my 2cents.

T

matsna

I think you need to check whether you are the biggest market for MB. I think you'll find that Germany is the biggest market for their own vehicles.

naadp

I'm willing to put money on the fact that the US market is a significantly larger market for their high end cars, including the S-class.

vraa

Taxi's don't count

lorinserbenz

Yeah the 7's are selling like hotcakes.... at the auction! You can pick up one for DIRT cheap.

BMW has some very strong lease deals, that makes a up a big portion of their numbers. Plus BMW's are cheaper than Mercedes....

SouthernSon

My oh my! Will someone please explain to the Deutschlander that maybe the systems that they have developed need a little better engineering before releasing to a savy public that expects the equipment to work?

Who was it, AUDI? that claimed no surge problems in their cars, that it must be the driver? I believe they held that company line so long that long after the detriment to their sales was first felt, they found themselves still hurting years later.

mbbodytech

I don't understand why everyone thinks the MB version is the exact same problem as the BMW version. Just because there is a know that looks similar doesn't mean that it is as fubar as the BMW. I have used both, and the MB version is extremely easy to use, even for the normal stupid american driver.

I am an american, but it disgusts me that the all people want in cars is a million cupholders. If that's what you want, go buy a Toyota!!!!

Maybe everyone should reserve judgement until they actually have had a chance to USE the system, rather than just see a couple of pictures!!!!!!!

Dvinn

We gotta be smarter than a Frenchman and we did that by kicking their asses and dumping their stupid tea into the sea. But compared to Asians and Germans, Americans do look like a bunch of red necks running around in loin cloths.

ajayz

Depends on the focus group. MB owners, or anyone with the money, are really diverse IMO. (i.e. Rappers..actors..businessmen..doctors..heirs..ect. ..). Perhaps it's because of the economics and social classes of the different countries. Maybe it's far fetched, but I don't know.

corgiman

I think that was British tea we dumped in the water. Actually Louis XVI sent us troops to fight the British.....

vraa

And then we pretty much backstabbed him by flowering the ideals of revolution into every nation's peasants in Europe.

I love history