Tifoso48

So, I am German American and therefore have no problems navigating the MB Germany site as well as the Configurator.

I am truly astonished by the number of options available in what clearly is a much smaller market than the USA.

From paint colors over interior leathers, roofs seats etc - why are we being so restricted?

I have been unable to get photos of my " built" onto this siteI really think everyone would have enjoyed that but, - I really am technically inept.

However, I built a SL 63 in Rubillite red, exclusive rose grey leather and grey roof that is simply drop dead gorgeous.

I suppose, if I want something even resembling this I will have to go through the Manufacture program once active and pay a multiple of what the folks over there pay.

chassis

No surprise from the clowns running the clown show at MBUSA. I am in your wonderful country now and the home-market cars and options are far better than what the German car companies offer in the US. Quite sad.

I conclude that MBUSA is out of touch with US customers. Again, no surprise and entirely expected. Sadly.

Tifoso48

Tifoso48

I finally managed to get the image onto the site - I really, really, really love this look!

Mike P

I've been a hard core fan of the SL since I was in high school............so much a fan that I've acquired a set of SL cars starting at the W198 thru the R231. The R232 seems to be a mixed effort at best from MB. In addition, the MB attitude starting at the botched introduction and the lack of color and option choices for those of us based in the USA is distressing. The USA has always been the largest market yet we get treated like scum.

chassis

The clowns at MBUSA are to thank for this.

W205C43PFL

They realized their mistake and started giving heavy discounts via their conquest program when they realized consumers aren't stupid and not buying their inventory.

Mike P

The entire marketing staff associated with the R232 should be FIRED! Get previous clients involved early to ascertain consumer taste. The R232 has several silly *** features like the vestigial rear seat. Do they think copying a 911 will yield conquest sales?? The lack of color selection for interior and exterior is ludicrous. Charging extra for a blue soft top is almost funny.........why would a blue top cost more than any other color???

Poor sales from little attention to details and showing disdain for the previous clients. Sadly, I would not be shocked if this was the last of the formerly iconic SL series.

Ben M Johnson

I would agree with this. 💯

it’s pretty pathetic.

chassis

MBUSA, BMWUSA and their ilk decide "what consumers will buy" and make regional decisions on option content. Most input to MBUSA includes a healthy dose of commentary from greedy, slimy US dealers who want to juice transaction price and limit consumer choice and ability to cross-shop. It's a broken system, the automotive retail sector in the US.

It seems MBUSA in their negligible wisdom might have gotten things wrong with R232.

chassis

Inventory is an element of desirability + manufacturer ability to supply product.

Brands to the left of the chart have low inventory and are in high demand. On the other hand, brands to the right have higher inventory and are in less demand and moving more slowly.

Discount and promotions for MB (a brand on the right side of the chart) are not surprising.

Source: *** Automotive

Omega803

I wonder if their marketing people ever read these blogs? Are out there MBUSA?

drgek

I think that MB was out to target a different market than previous clients, so assessing consumer tastes by interviewing them may not have been the wisest idea. One can of course argue whether or not the product that was ultimately developed succeeds in attracting new buyers. It worked for me. I never had any interest in an SL until now.

W205C43PFL

not a fan of the entire team of MBUSA as well, marketing, accounting, product portfolio planning (oh and all that unsold 2022 stock and the 2023 being held for longest time ever at VPC) etc. etc. but it seems like the R232 was successful in attracting some Porsche buyers, I think the V8 was a big reason as well.
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ml#post8778012

chassis

Let's assume at least one MBUSA employee reads mbworld. Said hypothetical employee may do this on his/her own personal time, or during work hours as part of "work".

In any case, it is clear the reading of mbworld by MBUSA employee(s), if done at all, has had no meaningful effect.

Given the price tier in which MBUSA attempts to participate, they offer far less optionality than, for example VAG USA brands Porsche and Bentley. I am unfamiliar with Lexus USA and JLR USA option strategy to comment. Emphasis here must remain on regional clowns in each market, who make the decisions.

Modern car manufacturing technology and processes have the capability to economically produce customized vehicles one after the other. MBUSA chooses not to offer this to its customers.

BMWUSA has an MBUSA-like package-driven approach, similar to Ford and Dodge dealers. See a resemblance?

MBUSA is a clown show, led by the ringmaster and CEO P.T. Barnum in Stuttgart.

Ben M Johnson

In the middle of a buyback on a 2022 lemon and the sad thing is they can't even offer me a replacement with the same specs now.

I’ve held off with the hate and super used to getting things a year behind and watered down (many many audi rs) or fewer options, but seriously wtf.

In a loaner gle and everything works, drives fine, no panels are loose, electronics function, etc

California John

Can you give some thorough information about the buyback process with your 2022 lemon? How far along are you?

ILoveNY

Here in the US I have been always ok with less options, as long as we are cheaper than Germany

W205C43PFL

I see to each their own.

Tifoso48

please remember that prices in Germany are inclusive of 19% VAT (sales tax).once you back that out you get pretty close especially given current foreign exchange rates.

lastly, pricing should really have nothing to do with Choices. If a specific choice is too expensive, well, let the market make that decision and vote with its wallet.

Tifoso48

To follow up I took my US Market Car and replicated it in Germany on the Configurator and added the Manufaktur Exterior Color Rubillet, the Manufaktur Exclusive Interior Rose Grey and a Grey Roof.

My car ( CCB, High End Burmester) was $ 208 k. The upgraded ( paint, interior, roof) version in Germany was Euro 246,300.00 inclusive of 19% Sales Tax = Net Euro 207.000.00 = approx $ 230,000.00.

So the prices after compensating for tax and different package configurations is pretty close and I would be perfectly happy to pay $ 230 k to get the car with the paint, interior and roof that I want.,

Come on MB USA - get this done!!!!