Mercedes S-Class Sales Decline
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 534
Received 199 Likes
on
131 Posts
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
Mercedes S-Class Sales Decline
https://www.nada.org/nada/nada-headl...tegy-bloomberg
I know this doesn't affect anyone here who already has an S-Class, but interesting article on a number of fronts. One thing I didn't realize is that MB had made a strategic decision to focus on the higher end of their lineup. I like that choice.
I know this doesn't affect anyone here who already has an S-Class, but interesting article on a number of fronts. One thing I didn't realize is that MB had made a strategic decision to focus on the higher end of their lineup. I like that choice.
The following 6 users liked this post by Mitch Alsup:
Donnymac (10-12-2023),
LTGTRNOLA (10-16-2023),
places (10-12-2023),
Stephen513 (10-15-2023),
Streamliner (10-11-2023),
and 1 others liked this post.
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: U.S.
Posts: 1,641
Received 612 Likes
on
404 Posts
Last 5 years: S560, X7, X5, Accord; Sold:15'S550, 20'BMW X7; 19'BMW 530e; 20'Lincoln Navigator,LS460
Am not surprised. Majority of Mbenz buyers are well informed, and most of us know that a facelift is due very soon. That is NOT the only reason for sure, but I bet it’s part of it. The current W223 is in desperate need for a facelift in my view (the technology is good but excellent as it used to be). Myself, as a potential W223 buyer, didn’t want to get the W223 right now first due to the issues am reading online and 2nd due to the fact a facelift is due soon. The article says that the decline had occurred (this year). The same is true for other manufacturers though; BMW isn’t doing as good as they were hopping with their new high-end car sales at all. Poor design decisions all around combined with complains by early adopters of high-end Mbenz and BMWs could be a factor. Let’s not forget the high interest rates…. Most people aren’t buying cars nowadays and prefer to keep their cars, unless they buy cash. I myself have never seen the value in financing the car at current rates nor that I will ever lease a car, paying cash and selling the car for the maximum amount possible privately is the smartest decision nowadays. With high interest rates and stupid lease offerings for some vehicles, most people aren’t moving forward with a new car purchase just yet as compared to 3 years ago. I see the sales decline being a result of a number of factor rather than just one that were all leading towards the negative side.
The following 5 users liked this post by S_W222:
carlosinseattle (10-11-2023),
LAWYER2 (10-12-2023),
Maciektx (10-15-2023),
places (10-12-2023),
retatt (10-16-2023)
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Corona Del Mar, CA
Posts: 7,311
Received 3,602 Likes
on
2,061 Posts
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
The W223 IS, indeed, underwhelming, but it's more than that. The car, at least for the 18 months I had my S580, is IRRITATING! From the pop-out door handles to the haptic controls, to the massive touch screen that constantly loses all your settings, to the black plastic all over the steering wheel, etc. The ride quality with or without run flats, with AirMatic or EABC is not as good as a W222 with AirMatic in my opinion. The W223 is a quieter car and the 4D audio is a bit nicer than the 3D in the W222, but THAT'S IT! The W222 is a much more elegant car in my opinion and in that respect, the interior is just SO much nicer than the interior in the newer car. And, one thing that came as a pleasant surprise when I moved from the W223 back to a W222 is that the ingress/egress is reasonably easier in the older car, at least for me with my bad back.
The following users liked this post:
YasS (10-15-2023)
#6
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 534
Received 199 Likes
on
131 Posts
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
The W223 IS, indeed, underwhelming, but it's more than that. The car, at least for the 18 months I had my S580, is IRRITATING! From the pop-out door handles to the haptic controls, to the massive touch screen that constantly loses all your settings, to the black plastic all over the steering wheel, etc. The ride quality with or without run flats, with AirMatic or EABC is not as good as a W222 with AirMatic in my opinion. The W223 is a quieter car and the 4D audio is a bit nicer than the 3D in the W222, but THAT'S IT! The W222 is a much more elegant car in my opinion and in that respect, the interior is just SO much nicer than the interior in the newer car. And, one thing that came as a pleasant surprise when I moved from the W223 back to a W222 is that the ingress/egress is reasonably easier in the older car, at least for me with my bad back.
Last edited by carlosinseattle; 10-11-2023 at 09:31 PM.
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Interesting, I just went by the dealer yesterday and looked at a W223. I asked the salesman how you open the door and he said "your fob makes the handles extend automatically when you approach the car"
So I asked, what if it's my wife trying to get something out of the car, how would she open it? He said, her fob works the same way. So I said ok, let's say it's my neighbor and he says, well you should give him your fob. So I replied, why would I do that, the car's unlocked. He seemed genuinely confused. The point ... obviously! ... is that the door handle on an unlocked car should be able to be opened by anyone!
What an idiotic design!
So I asked, what if it's my wife trying to get something out of the car, how would she open it? He said, her fob works the same way. So I said ok, let's say it's my neighbor and he says, well you should give him your fob. So I replied, why would I do that, the car's unlocked. He seemed genuinely confused. The point ... obviously! ... is that the door handle on an unlocked car should be able to be opened by anyone!
What an idiotic design!
The following 5 users liked this post by Tom in Austin:
as.thompson (10-11-2023),
carlosinseattle (10-11-2023),
declo2000 (10-17-2023),
Mason.Safari (10-13-2023),
NbyNW (10-11-2023)
Trending Topics
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
IMHO, MB changed its strategy to focused on higher margin products but seem to not be able to produce the cars people want that are higher margin cars. I have been waiting for ever to see and experience the S63 AMG E Performance--but nothing (love my Euro Delivery 2019 S63 AMG by the way--absolutely love the car). Their execution is horrible! I am also waiting for a car that should replace the AMG GTR. Instead I have purchased two new 2023 Chevy Corvettes--one Z06 and one Z07. Even though GM cannot produce enough Corvettes, atleast they have released and produced cars people can buy AND Want to buy. I am a MB faithful but losing my faith in MB. And MB is focused too much on ugly EVs (IMHO).
The following users liked this post:
NbyNW (10-11-2023)
The following 3 users liked this post by C280 Sport:
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Maryland
Posts: 5,409
Received 2,676 Likes
on
1,716 Posts
2020 S560 4Matic
Honestly? The car is just too expensive, you have people returning to re-lease and being met with lease payments that are $1,000+ per month more and they aren't biting. This is an issue with all of MB's expensive cars, talk to dealers about it.
As much as I agree some things about the 223 are a disappointment, if I could lease one for a couple hundred bucks more than I am paying for my 222 I would do it. $1,000 a month more? Thats a hard sell...especially when I don't love the product over what I have. Wanna hear something crazy? I could keep my S560 AND lease a new Tesla Model S and the payment would be the same as just leasing a new S580, at least very close.
As much as I agree some things about the 223 are a disappointment, if I could lease one for a couple hundred bucks more than I am paying for my 222 I would do it. $1,000 a month more? Thats a hard sell...especially when I don't love the product over what I have. Wanna hear something crazy? I could keep my S560 AND lease a new Tesla Model S and the payment would be the same as just leasing a new S580, at least very close.
The following 2 users liked this post by SW20S:
ihamptonii (10-14-2023),
Quenthel (10-13-2023)
#11
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: U.S.
Posts: 1,641
Received 612 Likes
on
404 Posts
Last 5 years: S560, X7, X5, Accord; Sold:15'S550, 20'BMW X7; 19'BMW 530e; 20'Lincoln Navigator,LS460
if I could lease one for a couple hundred bucks more than I am paying for my 222 I would do it. $1,000 a month more? Thats a hard sell...especially when I don't love the product over what I have. Wanna hear something crazy? I could keep my S560 AND lease a new Tesla Model S and the payment would be the same as just leasing a new S580, at least very close.
The following users liked this post:
SW20S (10-12-2023)
#12
Senior Member
Things are getting tight.
many people have lost alot of wealth, alot of sales declines.
w223 does not do it for me. Sticking with my W222 until the wheels fall off.
new eq’s are underwhelming and im not interested in an ev.
They are not moving many cars because not many like what they are selling and lots of people holding on to cash.
many people have lost alot of wealth, alot of sales declines.
w223 does not do it for me. Sticking with my W222 until the wheels fall off.
new eq’s are underwhelming and im not interested in an ev.
They are not moving many cars because not many like what they are selling and lots of people holding on to cash.
#13
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Corona Del Mar, CA
Posts: 7,311
Received 3,602 Likes
on
2,061 Posts
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
Things are getting tight.
many people have lost alot of wealth, alot of sales declines.
w223 does not do it for me. Sticking with my W222 until the wheels fall off.
new eq’s are underwhelming and im not interested in an ev.
They are not moving many cars because not many like what they are selling and lots of people holding on to cash.
many people have lost alot of wealth, alot of sales declines.
w223 does not do it for me. Sticking with my W222 until the wheels fall off.
new eq’s are underwhelming and im not interested in an ev.
They are not moving many cars because not many like what they are selling and lots of people holding on to cash.
#14
Senior Member
W222 is the last of the great S classes before MB went woke and tried to be all ev.
my first benz i bought was a 2005 s430, still have it and still love it.
my first benz i bought was a 2005 s430, still have it and still love it.
I would fall into that category, but mostly because, for the first time since I got my first MB, a 1972 350SL, there is NOT ONE new MB I am interested in. IF the W223 were something reasonably better than the W222, I would probably go for another one, but it ISN'T! In my reasonably educated opinion on the subject, the W222 is a BETTER car in most every way.
The following users liked this post:
Streamliner (10-12-2023)
#15
High Prices + High Interest Rates ='s decreased sales. This is not rocket science, but I think manufacturers across the board have been testing consumer boundaries and are probably now discovering the limits.
The following 3 users liked this post by LAWYER2:
#16
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 4,240
Received 990 Likes
on
725 Posts
2010 E350 4Matic
Things are getting tight.
many people have lost alot of wealth, alot of sales declines.
w223 does not do it for me. Sticking with my W222 until the wheels fall off.
new eq’s are underwhelming and im not interested in an ev.
They are not moving many cars because not many like what they are selling and lots of people holding on to cash.
many people have lost alot of wealth, alot of sales declines.
w223 does not do it for me. Sticking with my W222 until the wheels fall off.
new eq’s are underwhelming and im not interested in an ev.
They are not moving many cars because not many like what they are selling and lots of people holding on to cash.
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Maryland
Posts: 5,409
Received 2,676 Likes
on
1,716 Posts
2020 S560 4Matic
Things are getting tight.
many people have lost alot of wealth, alot of sales declines.
w223 does not do it for me. Sticking with my W222 until the wheels fall off.
new eq’s are underwhelming and im not interested in an ev.
They are not moving many cars because not many like what they are selling and lots of people holding on to cash.
many people have lost alot of wealth, alot of sales declines.
w223 does not do it for me. Sticking with my W222 until the wheels fall off.
new eq’s are underwhelming and im not interested in an ev.
They are not moving many cars because not many like what they are selling and lots of people holding on to cash.
People with higher incomes/net worth are not as impacted by all of this as middle class folks. Look at the sales numbers industrywide, this is an issue for Mercedes specifically.
#18
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 534
Received 199 Likes
on
131 Posts
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
I had a 2001 S600 V12, bought it off lease with less than 30K in 2005. I loved the look and how it drove, but hated all the money I spent on maintenance and repairs, which is why it was 13 years in between MB ownership. I'm hoping for more reliability this time as I intend to keep this car for another 5 years. But my next DD will be an EV, MB or other manufacturer.
The following users liked this post:
vinflouen (10-12-2023)
#19
Out Of Control!!
![](https://staticssl.ibsrv.net/autocomm/Content/MB/mbwambassador2.gif)
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: unbegrenzt
Posts: 13,345
Received 3,934 Likes
on
3,098 Posts
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
https://www.nada.org/nada/nada-headl...tegy-bloomberg
I know this doesn't affect anyone here who already has an S-Class, but interesting article on a number of fronts. One thing I didn't realize is that MB had made a strategic decision to focus on the higher end of their lineup. I like that choice.
I know this doesn't affect anyone here who already has an S-Class, but interesting article on a number of fronts. One thing I didn't realize is that MB had made a strategic decision to focus on the higher end of their lineup. I like that choice.
#20
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Maryland
Posts: 5,409
Received 2,676 Likes
on
1,716 Posts
2020 S560 4Matic
I'm tellin ya, its money. Redcuce prices and consumers by and large would still rather have an MB than a BMW.
#21
Senior Member
i see it from my clients.
yes, my income shot up quite a bit over the course of the last few years and events, but over all its a decline.
i domt know what specific investments etc, i am speaking to what i see in my clients figures.
sales are down in alot of industries and sales are up in supported industries.
yes, my income shot up quite a bit over the course of the last few years and events, but over all its a decline.
i domt know what specific investments etc, i am speaking to what i see in my clients figures.
sales are down in alot of industries and sales are up in supported industries.
#22
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 534
Received 199 Likes
on
131 Posts
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
i see it from my clients.
yes, my income shot up quite a bit over the course of the last few years and events, but over all its a decline.
i domt know what specific investments etc, i am speaking to what i see in my clients figures.
sales are down in alot of industries and sales are up in supported industries.
yes, my income shot up quite a bit over the course of the last few years and events, but over all its a decline.
i domt know what specific investments etc, i am speaking to what i see in my clients figures.
sales are down in alot of industries and sales are up in supported industries.
One thing is for sure; if I had bought a Tesla prior to the 20%+ price drops I would be really upset! People are able to buy some new Tesla models for less than 3 year old cars, definitely true after factoring in the EV tax credit some cars now qualify for.
The following users liked this post:
vinflouen (10-12-2023)
The following 4 users liked this post by Faast:
#24
MBWorld Fanatic!
I have a pristine 2019 S560 with 21k miles. If Mercedes offered me a brand new similar or better equipped S580 for free as an even trade for my 560- I would say no thanks. I LOATH that car. It is the most boring designed flagship in history. It is the first top line MB I DON'T want to own. I would literally be sad knowing I owned it...
#25
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: U.S.
Posts: 1,641
Received 612 Likes
on
404 Posts
Last 5 years: S560, X7, X5, Accord; Sold:15'S550, 20'BMW X7; 19'BMW 530e; 20'Lincoln Navigator,LS460
I have a pristine 2019 S560 with 21k miles. If Mercedes offered me a brand new similar or better equipped S580 for free as an even trade for my 560- I would say no thanks. I LOATH that car. It is the most boring designed flagship in history. It is the first top line MB I DON'T want to own. I would literally be sad knowing I owned it...