Taurian

So, I get a call from my dealer who we have been working with for well over 15 years, and as frustrated as I am, he tells me that I need to order the rear seat package and power side blinds if I want the Designo package. Now, I don't know how you feel, but when you price out a Designo/AMG/ with lots of options (sunroof, parktronic, etc.) you shouldn't then get raped for another $4K to build the car. For $107,000, I shoulde be able to have what I want. Should MB really demand another $4K for power rear seats????

I went back and reviewed the order guide for the S8 (i saw a copy at the NY Car show and copied it down), and for $95K, the car is FULLY loaded. And I mean loaded.

MB is just nailing customers for these extra's, and my dealer is very frustrated as well. Bottom line...if you have the $$$, go for the S600 when the AMG is available. OR, try and find a Launch Edition Designo, very well priced. My dealer tells me that MB has made big errors with the package pricing (P1, P2, P3), has changed the ordering format 2x, and can't deliver the most popular option (night vision).

As much as I love my S500, if MB can't accept my order for $107k, then i'm sure Audi will take my $95K. And the S550 will still look great...in my rearview.

blume

they are trying to roll you over!

Taurian

Well, I also spoke to Greg from Glauser, and he confirmed that the system won't accept an order unless you add this option. So, it's not just my guy...i did my homework...

Kar don

Have the dealer call MBUSA.

shoes

I am also trying to order an espresso designo S550, and I currently own a Black/Black S550. I have seriously contemplated the Audi S8 but here are my reasons for staying with Mercedes:

1. I owned a 2005 short wheelbase A8 and found the ride to be a little harsh with no benefit to handling. I fear the S8 will be even worse. The S550 offers the best ride/handling characteristics of any car, period.
2. Have you checked out the depreciation for A8's?
3. I am not a fan of Audi's MMI interface. I think it is worse than BMW's I drive. I do admit that the interiors look nice but I did not enjoy living with my A8.
4. The one big advantage for the Audi is 4wd, which is also available on the Mercedes, but certainly adds weight and reduces MPG.

kenstudios

When you buy a $25K chevy and they stick you with a $4K option, you can get mad and not buy. If your car cost $107K then a $4K option should not make you that upset about the deal. After all S550 is for the elite club. You will not be elite if you complain bitterly about a $4k option, after all you'll pay close to that every year for insurance.
Just a thought.

MrMBenz1

Although I am hopelessly devoted to Mercedes-Benz, I cannot deny that I am just a wee bit jealous of the optional Bang & Olufsen audio system offered on the Audi A8L W12...truly a work of art. Nevertheless, I think I will do just fine with Harmon/Kardon's 600watts!

sprink49

I am stunned that your dealer is not willing to bury the $4K somewhere to get you your car at your price!!

daygo718

I was thinking the exact same thing. At $107k the dealer is making more than enough profit on the car. I find it hard to believe they can't find a way to take care of the $4k especially since you are a repeat customer.

Nevada Jack

My discount on my S550 AMG at $104K MSRP wouid cover that option...call Greg again and see what he can do or call your own dealer.

silberrosa

In terms of the required options with designo, the reason is simple - Variants. The designo wood trims and interiors are made for a limited number of specifications. With this in mind, the spec for the car includes required options. I realize this does not solve your problem but it does hopefully explain that this is not simply a price grab on the part of your dealer or MB. It is simply the way cars are built. It does not make sense to make every conceivable option available in every conceivable configuaration - especially for things like designo. With this in mind, designo is typically built based on a high spec level (think S600) and therefore it is only possible in limited configuarations. Again, sorry this does not solve your problem but it does hopefully explain the why behind the what. Best of luck with your new car. You have some very nice choices.

Richard / E320

Taurian: I agree with Nevada Jack; even if they won't discount it the full $4k, at least give them the opportunity to come up with something mutually agreeable.

Sure, money is money, but no matter what, if you buy something other than the S550, will you always regret it as you put the key into that Audi?

Not saying the Audi isn't nice, but your post reflects being upset regarding Mercedes pricing, not that the Audi is the superior vehicle... pick up that phone and call your Mercedes salesperson back, give him another shot at putting a deal together for you!

blume

to me, $4000 is $4000. if i didnt want to spend the extra on that option and i had to have that option or not get the car, i would consider something else in a big way. the customer is the customer and mercedes knows that! (or will know that soon)

JLP

Like someone else mentioned in this thread, unless you lease the Audi, you are going to get stung very badly by how much the S8 is going to depreciate.
The Audis are amazing cars but unfortunately they depreciate like lead balloons. If you buy the Audi you will lose alot more than $4,000 overall.

Good luck

Taurian

Great comments all, thanks. It's not really a matter of the money, as I was always leaning towards the S8. BTW, both cars are great vehicles, can't sell either short.

I am leasing, so depreciation isn't an issue, either is the monthly payment. $200 in either direction isn't a dealkiller. However, I spent 2 hours with the dealership, and to be told after that I needed to up the price is crazy. Greg from Glauser had to call me back to confirm, as I believe Designos are just realeased for order, and most dealers haven't had a request.

In my business, if I quote 6.25% for a mortgage, and then I tell my customer he must pay 6.375%, he walks, because he feels cheated. Thats it, plain and simple. I'm sure each car has it's pro's and con's...and who knows...maybe it's a blessing and next year I shell out for a S63?

Taurian

Great comments all, thanks. It's not really a matter of the money, as I was always leaning towards the S8. BTW, both cars are great vehicles, can't sell either short.

I am leasing, so depreciation isn't an issue, either is the monthly payment. $200 in either direction isn't a dealkiller. However, I spent 2 hours with the dealership, and to be told after that I needed to up the price is crazy. Greg from Glauser had to call me back to confirm, as I believe Designos are just realeased for order, and most dealers haven't had a request.

In my business, if I quote 6.25% for a mortgage, and then I tell my customer he must pay 6.375%, he walks, because he feels cheated. Thats it, plain and simple. I'm sure each car has it's pro's and con's...and who knows...maybe it's a blessing and next year I shell out for a S63?

Kar don

yeah but its not a rate increase with no added benefit. I am sure your clients or whoever is riding in the car will appreciate that rear seat package.

ohnoes

Very good point. Taurian, I would actually reconsider at this point. Especially in your business, first impressions probably mean a lot. And nice cars naturally convey good first impressions. If you ever have clients riding in the back seat, you might be thankful that you paid the extra $50-100/month or whatever for that rear seat package.

rkao

Taurian, I for one am going to be in the minority and say I support your decision.

My support is based on the assumption that 1) you are responsible and know what is best for your money because it's your money; 2) that you are intelligent and know the product you are getting because you have done your research; and 3) that you sane and are getting a car that has also received excellent reviews in European presses, along with the W221 S-class.

I for one do not believe that either one of the cars you're choosing is a 'bad' car and that somehow your client is going to see the S8 and say "Oh my gosh, you're not driving a Mercedes!" At least I hope not...I drive an A8L and don't have the space to carry people in my SL500!

Germancar1

I think if the primary concern is client-carrying capabilities he is making a mistake with the S8. The S8 isn't like the A8L in ride or room. Its going to be noiser (a good thing if you like that sort of things) and ride much stiffer than the S550 not to mention less stretch-out room in the rear. The S8 is more fun for the driver for sure, but I thought the emphasis here was on comfort, specifically for rear-seat passengers??

M

clkcadet

if you really dont need that gallardo engine in the s8 why not go for the plush A8L?

Taurian

I very rarely have anyone in the back seat (another reason I am turned off by spending $4K for power rear seats), and I very, very rarely have a client in my car. So, a luxurious rear seat is not of importance, nor is the legroom (my kids are 2).

MBZFAN55

So, has this story ended yet ? Has Mercedes lost a loyal customer because of a corporate decision ? Has Audi won because of their flexibility ? Most importantly, has Taurian gotten what he really wants ?

Taurian

Acutally...I have! I may pickup the new GL for my wife, but MB lost me on this deal. I am all over the S8.

coloradosclass

That' right my man it's were the MB will be. I went back and forth between the the A8 and S550 and aside from seat cushiness and a little more accelaration the "8" is much better. Now before MBworld posters flame me I am coming from an S so don't get to excited. I have seen lot's of picutes of the new S8 coming out in a few months and I must say that Car is Badass!!!!!
Car and Driver has the Gallardo powered S8 doing Zero to 62 in 4.8 seconds, that is freaking moving for a 4500 lb car. The V10 is detuned by 50hp so think of your potential at a very minimum price. I love my A8L and never thought second about my decision. Get the S8 for under 100K you are way better off.
I love Benz but I really love Audi.