Streamliner

For quite sometime now, I've felt that the MBUSA Configurator is WAY behind the times. Almost ANY other brand has one that looks SO much better. The Bentley one puts our MBUSA site to shame. So, I started checking out other MB websites around the world and the one I like best so far for the S Class is the one for Australia. Check out these photos I "configured" on their site. You can turn the image 360 degrees and the images really look like the real car, unlike the MBUSA site, where the images look like cartoons, IMO. Try it, you'll like it!
P.S. The sites vary as to model. The site for Dubai is much better for the SL models.
http://www.mercedes-benz.com.au/cont..._overview.html

Wolfman

Sure, if you want to configure the pre-facelift model

The configuration engine is the same for international MB sites. That includes hi-res images, 360 degree exterior and day/night view.

Just go to the German MB site and you are all set (mercedes.de). No need to venture to Dubai...

Streamliner

Well, Mr. Wolfman, since you always seem to be so wired into everything 3-pointed, perhaps you can tell us all why the MBUSA site is such crap. How come they don't use the same engine? And, with the wonder of the Internet, I can go to Dubai or Australia, where the text is in ENGLISH, just as easy as I can go to Deutschland.

Wassaby

On top of that, a lot of people don't know that right now most of the models on MBUSA.com are 2017 configuration and will give you an idea if you want to buy today but if you want to order, every model is already in MY18 and a lot of changes has been made which are not accessible on the website.

Wolfman

True. I am in complete agreement with you re. the MBUSA website. The site has been crappy as long as I can remember. Technically it has been terrible as well; just thinking of the owners section authentication, etc. Amateur hour...

That said, the issue with Mercedes in the US has been that for the longest time, their models have been somewhat different than the rest of the world.

On one side was the curation of the brand, choosing only select models and options deemed to be a fit in this country, the other DOT and EPA standards that had rules and regulations requiring slightly different builds.
The US has featured very different product warranties.

I assume that was enough differentiation that MB deemed the US should just to do their own thing...

hyperion667

That's my exact interior ha!

Ludedude

Any other brand? I disagree. Toyota's online configurator is a joke. Hell you can't even order the config you create with the crappy configurator. Compartively, MB's is leagues ahead even with the shortcomings outlined in the OP.

gr1nch

The UK configurator was pretty good when I used it to order, it had the 360° views and I really liked that the config had a unique identifier (and URL) that I could share with whoever I wanted, including the dealer I chose for the order.

Incidentally​ at the MB Sindelfingen factory tour yesterday (W222 sedan, coupe and Maybach focused) our hostess said the USA W222 comes with a secret button in the boot/trunk so that anyone finding themselves inside it can get themselves out. An anti-kidnapping measure? Am curious if anyone has seen this in their USA W222.

Socalsteve

All US cars have this latch in the trunk. It's not a secret, nor is it exclusive to MBZ.

Wolfman

Right. This has been a legal requirement in all cars sold in the US for 15 years. Has to be glow in the dark too.
Not for kidnapping but a general emergency release.