Least satisfying cars...
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23 S580 Executive
Least satisfying cars...
This relates to our cars in that our brand is not without representation.
https://www.autoblog.com/amp/article...tisfying-cars/
https://www.autoblog.com/amp/article...tisfying-cars/
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Panamera, '63 Impala
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23 S580 Executive
To me the problem with both is that the value equation versus desirability factor is it out whack: Go that way you get a 3 pointed star on the cheap, buy something else for the same money you get more actual stuff.
My guess is that owners of the GLA/B are getting into significantly better equipped Santa Fe's (or whatever) and finding they don't like having the same hard plastics and less features in their car.
My guess is that owners of the GLA/B are getting into significantly better equipped Santa Fe's (or whatever) and finding they don't like having the same hard plastics and less features in their car.
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2019 C63CS
The A, CLA, GLA and GLB are all models that were introduced to capture market share from non-premium brands. I think it's a regrettable mistake, but all the German premium brands did it. These models are built on a completely different platform. They are FWD transverse platforms, so pretty much have nothing to do with the RWD longitudinal platform of all other MBs. It's the same with Audi's A1, A2, A3 and Q1, Q2, Q3 models. They are FWD with a Haldex AWD system that has nothing in common with what's typically known as quattro. Basically they are VW Golfs with an Audi badge. Not that a Golf is a bad car, but why pay more for a badge? The only exception is perhaps the BMW 2-series which like all other BMWs is based on an RWD platform. The BMW 1-series used to be a RWD layout, but now is an FWD layout as well.
I agree these are terrible vehicles. As far as the GLB is concerned, I find all SUVs terrible, but the GLB is the worst. I had it once as a loaner. Couldn't wait to return it.
I agree these are terrible vehicles. As far as the GLB is concerned, I find all SUVs terrible, but the GLB is the worst. I had it once as a loaner. Couldn't wait to return it.
Last edited by superswiss; Feb 10, 2023 at 02:13 AM.
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The A, CLA, GLA and GLB are all models that were introduced to capture market share from non-premium brands. I think it's a regrettable mistake, but all the German premium brands did it. These models are built on a completely different platform. They are FWD transverse platforms, so pretty much have nothing to do with the RWD longitudinal platform of all other MBs. It's the same with Audi's A1, A2, A3 and Q1, Q2, Q3 models. They are FWD with a Haldex AWD system that has nothing in common with what's typically known as quattro. Basically they are VW Golfs with an Audi badge. Not that a Golf is a bad car, but why pay more for a badge? The only exception is perhaps the BMW 2-series which like all other BMWs is based on an RWD platform. The BMW 1-series used to be a RWD layout, but now is an FWD layout as well.
I agree these are terrible vehicles. As far as the GLB is concerned, I find all SUVs terrible, but the GLB is the worst. I had it once as a loaner. Couldn't wait to return it.
I agree these are terrible vehicles. As far as the GLB is concerned, I find all SUVs terrible, but the GLB is the worst. I had it once as a loaner. Couldn't wait to return it.
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
It’s getting to a truly ridiculous point now, with the effect being the continuing dilution of the luxury experience, at least in the USA. You take your $135K++ S Class, Maybach, SL, etc. in for service and there you are in an absolute SEA of vehicles that are comparatively “econoboxes.” If the dealer in question is also a Metris/Sprinter store, you have those commercial vehicles in the mix as well. It seems that if one wants a true luxury experience these days, they need to go with a Bentley, Rolls or possibly even a Porsche to get a reasonably elegant dealer experience.
This is probably the umpteenth time I’ve said this, but it’s time to split the dealerships up: Mercedes-Benz dealerships for perhaps E Class and above, Daimler-Benz dealerships for everything below. Then, we can look forward to seeing the latest “Honda Civic Fighter” at our local DB dealer.
This is probably the umpteenth time I’ve said this, but it’s time to split the dealerships up: Mercedes-Benz dealerships for perhaps E Class and above, Daimler-Benz dealerships for everything below. Then, we can look forward to seeing the latest “Honda Civic Fighter” at our local DB dealer.
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It’s getting to a truly ridiculous point now, with the effect being the continuing dilution of the luxury experience, at least in the USA. You take your $135K++ S Class, Maybach, SL, etc. in for service and there you are in an absolute SEA of vehicles that are comparatively “econoboxes.” If the dealer in question is also a Metris/Sprinter store, you have those commercial vehicles in the mix as well. It seems that if one wants a true luxury experience these days, they need to go with a Bentley, Rolls or possibly even a Porsche to get a reasonably elegant dealer experience.
This is probably the umpteenth time I’ve said this, but it’s time to split the dealerships up: Mercedes-Benz dealerships for perhaps E Class and above, Daimler-Benz dealerships for everything below. Then, we can look forward to seeing the latest “Honda Civic Fighter” at our local DB dealer.
This is probably the umpteenth time I’ve said this, but it’s time to split the dealerships up: Mercedes-Benz dealerships for perhaps E Class and above, Daimler-Benz dealerships for everything below. Then, we can look forward to seeing the latest “Honda Civic Fighter” at our local DB dealer.
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It’s getting to a truly ridiculous point now, with the effect being the continuing dilution of the luxury experience, at least in the USA. You take your $135K++ S Class, Maybach, SL, etc. in for service and there you are in an absolute SEA of vehicles that are comparatively “econoboxes.” If the dealer in question is also a Metris/Sprinter store, you have those commercial vehicles in the mix as well. It seems that if one wants a true luxury experience these days, they need to go with a Bentley, Rolls or possibly even a Porsche to get a reasonably elegant dealer experience.
This is probably the umpteenth time I’ve said this, but it’s time to split the dealerships up: Mercedes-Benz dealerships for perhaps E Class and above, Daimler-Benz dealerships for everything below. Then, we can look forward to seeing the latest “Honda Civic Fighter” at our local DB dealer.
This is probably the umpteenth time I’ve said this, but it’s time to split the dealerships up: Mercedes-Benz dealerships for perhaps E Class and above, Daimler-Benz dealerships for everything below. Then, we can look forward to seeing the latest “Honda Civic Fighter” at our local DB dealer.
So, this reduction of models in coming years might just have a side benefit of lifting the luxury experience up in their dealership?
Splitting up the dealerships to service ''E-Class and above'' and ''below E-Class'' is just not going to happen.
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E55
Streamliner has hit the nail on the head. When you spend that much on a car you should expect a different experience than those who bought one for 1/4 the cost. Dealers need to have special service options for their higher end customers. Mercedes has watered down the brand where it is no longer a luxury experience.
Why anyone would buy any of the lower end models vs getting a Genesis or other brands makes no sense besides being a name brand flaunter.
Why anyone would buy any of the lower end models vs getting a Genesis or other brands makes no sense besides being a name brand flaunter.
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2024 S580
I got a GS once! Only once in 22 years of driving Lexus cars. Otherwise it was ESs, RXs, NXs, ISs (very rare), CTs when they made those (I refused them like I refuse GLAs and GLBs at MB). And I actually have had Lexuses serviced at 5 dealers! All the same.
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2024 S580
Streamliner has hit the nail on the head. When you spend that much on a car you should expect a different experience than those who bought one for 1/4 the cost. Dealers need to have special service options for their higher end customers. Mercedes has watered down the brand where it is no longer a luxury experience.
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
The world just doesn't work that way. You have one dealership, just treat all the customers well and thats what matters. I find the self importance of some of you guys a little off putting, honestly. I am not so special that I can't sit in a waiting room with people who only spent $60,000 on a Mercedes...and neither are you. This is the kind of attitude that comes with the S Class I don't like.
Last edited by Streamliner; Feb 12, 2023 at 10:43 AM.
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That would be incorrect. Toyota built stand alone dealerships for Lexus and now Hyundai is going that route for their Genesis brand. It is definitely feasible and should be in the MB business plan.
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It’s not the caliber of customers you might share a waiting room with, absolutely not. It’s the idea that the $135K++ product you bought is being treated the same as a $30K product someone else bought. It’s the idea that someone who can afford these high end vehicles would appreciate an atmosphere where things are a bit more personalized, more sophisticated and less chaotic I know my W223 isn’t a Rolls, but it sure is a far cry from a CLA or GLB and I’d like my dealership experience to reflect that. Unfortunately, it doesn’t and it seems to be headed downhill at an ever increasing rate. MB seems to be trying to be everything to everyone and the customers for the high end models are paying a price for that, which to me is quite sad.
I personally am not interested in paying 3 times as much for service as I am now just to have some dedicated people and a different space. I can take that money and go spend a day at a spa to feel special.
And what about used customers? Is someone who spent $45,000 for that once $135,000 S Class allowed to service it in this special fanny patting space?
I find service at MB quite good. The people that work there are nice, and they treat me with respect and show me value. The facility is nice, they have loaner cars, its a nice upscale experience and its already really expensive. What more do you want?
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2024 S580
Mercedes does not need to have special dealers for high end cars, thats just silly.
I think the issue is more you changing than MB changing. You want more than what a mainstream luxury brand like Mercedes offers. If you want a Bentley or Rolls, go buy a Bentley or Rolls. Stop trying to make MB something its not. As a customer I don't want to pay for all that crap.
Last edited by SW20S; Feb 12, 2023 at 10:51 AM.
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23 S580 Executive
I think there is some expectation of a luxury experience when you buy luxury items. I do expect more than a lie flat seat and a better meal with my business ticket, there should also be a higher level of service. Same with the lodgings; I expect no service at a small hotel on the side of HWY 101, that luxury suite you mentioned, I expect something more, with more defined by how much I spent.
If you think about it you don't see Louis Vuitton at Walmart, decide you're going to pick up that Lange 1 you've been pining for and you won't be grabbing it off an end cap at Ross. Etc.
I think most people expect some kind of luxury experience with their luxury item: The question is more about defining a realistic expectation.
If you think about it you don't see Louis Vuitton at Walmart, decide you're going to pick up that Lange 1 you've been pining for and you won't be grabbing it off an end cap at Ross. Etc.
I think most people expect some kind of luxury experience with their luxury item: The question is more about defining a realistic expectation.
