Hot! Mercedes-Benz, What's Next?

[Merc1]

In the USA for the 2027 MY you'll have the new CLA hybrid models, GLB, C-Class FL, S-Class FL, GLE FL, GLS FL, CLE63, possibly the C_Class facelift? That is a lot. Then the G-Class Cabriolet. I guess for 2028 model year E_Class FL, SL FL, E_Class EV. They're trying to reach 400K units a year here, but I think that focus on the numbers is wrong. Just build better cars and the sales will handle themselves.


M

 

[Swissbob]

The problem is only the interior quality.

 

[Merc1]

The problem is only the interior quality.

I agree and reliability. As much as everyone here complains about styling, I see no evidence of that being an issue OUTSIDE of the EQ cars. Mercedes' reputation for quality is in the toilet. I don't even think buyers will have a problem with the CLA, GLC and GLB EV model's looks. . I think some here, including me are jaded on this issue.........on what a Mercedes is supposed to look like and that everyone one in the world agrees.

M

 

[SKY]

I agree and reliability. As much as everyone here complains about styling, I see no evidence of that being an issue OUTSIDE of the EQ cars. Mercedes' reputation for quality is in the toilet. I don't even think buyers will have a problem with the CLA, GLC and GLB EV models. I think some here, including me are jaded on this issue.........on what a Mercedes is supposed to look like and that everyone one in the world agrees.

M

True. A friend of mine bought a CLA (the previous one) 5 months ago and already had two electrical problems. One made him stop the car on the go and wait there until a mechanic could come.

And that's happening on a model which had been 7 years in the market...

 

[Merc1]

True. A friend of mine bought a CLA (the previous one) 5 months ago and already had two electrical problems. One made him stop the car on the go and wait there until a mechanic could come.

And that's happening on a model which had been 7 years in the market...

This is what is killing them IMO. Now the taillights on a E_Class or the GLB.

M

 

[Swissbob]

I agree and reliability. As much as everyone here complains about styling, I see no evidence of that being an issue OUTSIDE of the EQ cars. Mercedes' reputation for quality is in the toilet. I don't even think buyers will have a problem with the CLA, GLC and GLB EV model's looks. . I think some here, including me are jaded on this issue.........on what a Mercedes is supposed to look like and that everyone one in the world agrees.

M

I have no issues regarding reliability.

But I drive as you know only the big ones.

 

[Swissbob]

Germany’s reliability report adds to Tesla's image trouble

The 2026 TUV Report reveals rising defect rates across the board, with the Tesla Model Y ranking as the least reliable nearly-new vehicle in Germany.

www.arenaev.com

Mercedes Benz is still very good.

 

[Swissbob]

True. A friend of mine bought a CLA (the previous one) 5 months ago and already had two electrical problems. One made him stop the car on the go and wait there until a mechanic could come.

And that's happening on a model which had been 7 years in the market...

That’s crazy

 

[Merc1]

Germany’s reliability report adds to Tesla's image trouble

The 2026 TUV Report reveals rising defect rates across the board, with the Tesla Model Y ranking as the least reliable nearly-new vehicle in Germany.

www.arenaev.com

Mercedes Benz is still very good.

Not here in the USA

https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-vehicle-dependability-study-vds

M

 

[Swissbob]

Not here in the USA

https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-vehicle-dependability-study-vds

M

That’s indeed really bad.

My personal opinion, they focused to much on China. ( including the 4L engines because of Chinese taxes)

 

[Design FIRST]

A fundamantal problem for M-B is that competitors have simply become so compelling in many aspects. M-B's forte remains innovative technologies and it's commendable R&D commitment. However, in other aspects such as fit, finish, assembly, material qualities, design, the "exceptionality" of M-B has become little more than a figment.

 

[Merc1]

A fundamantal problem for M-B is that competitors have simply become so compelling in many aspects. M-B's forte remains innovative technologies and it's commendable R&D commitment. However, in other aspects such as fit, finish, assembly, material qualities, design, the "exceptionality" of M-B has become little more than a figment.

I suspect all that tech etc PLUS exceptional materials and finish would make their cars prohibitively expensive? Those old 80's and early 90's Mercedes were decidedly low tech. Then again the R129 was both high tech and built like a bank vault, but then again it was hella expensive for it's day.

M

 

[Swissbob]

I suspect all that tech etc PLUS exceptional materials and finish would make their cars prohibitively expensive? Those old 80's and early 90's Mercedes were decidedly low tech. Then again the R129 was both high tech and built like a bank vault, but then again it was hella expensive for it's day.

M

They could charge the price If they’re like this.

The R129 sold well although it was very expensive.

The G-Wagon is essentially a medium size 4x4, but it sells for a very high price. Because of it’s felt quality.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

I suspect all that tech etc PLUS exceptional materials and finish would make their cars prohibitively expensive? Those old 80's and early 90's Mercedes were decidedly low tech. Then again the R129 was both high tech and built like a bank vault, but then again it was hella expensive for it's day.

M

The R129 in today's money would be a £150k car starting.

If the cars feel like they're worth the money, they'll sell though. But even BMW and Audi have started cheaping out on interiors.
It's all very frustrating.

The W214 is an improvement over the W213 interior wise. By a long way. It feels much more solid. Just need to bin the piano black plastic in areas. Need to carry that through all models.

 

[Swissbob]

W214 is unfortunately not available with the designo Package.

The W213 with designo is still ahead of the W214.

 

[Design FIRST]

I suspect all that tech etc PLUS exceptional materials and finish would make their cars prohibitively expensive?

Although the tech could also facilitate greater efficiencies in the manufacturing process. Component assembly and volume serial production (axial flux e-motors) will be an example of this. More raw material efficient skeletal, extremely rigid body structures as first seen on the Vision EQ XX. And efficiency is key. Of course, the brazen cash grabbing by manufacturers, especially German, must be contained.

Those old 80's and early 90's Mercedes were decidedly low tech. Then again the R129 was both high tech and built like a bank vault, but then again it was hella expensive for it's day.

M

The W116 S-Class was M-B's initial foray into the volume produced "High Tech Territory". It was much more than crumple zones and padded steering wheels. One of the most significant vehicles EVER for not only M-B. A tour de force in many aspects. And the W126 was a most competent follow up. Both of these cars represent an "exceptionality" that has been gradually escaping M-B. Of course, the R129 and C219 CLS can only be perceived as "exceptional" in their own right. The W140 could have been, were it not so obvious that it was Dr. Werner Niefer's "wet dream". For it's day, too gargantuan in it's exterior dimensions. Engineering overload that made things complicated but not necessarily better and often quite the opposite.

 

[klier]

The R129 sold well although it was very expensive.

The R129 was pretty much alone in the market at that time. You can now choose a bazillion cars similar or better.

 

[Uygar]

They could charge the price If they’re like this.

The R129 sold well although it was very expensive.

The G-Wagon is essentially a medium size 4x4, but it sells for a very high price. Because of it’s felt quality.

While G-Wagon is an iconic car, I don’t think there’s one single person that buys it because of its felt quality. It’s just a status symbol, nothing more.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

While G-Wagon is an iconic car, I don’t think there’s one single person that buys it because of its felt quality. It’s just a status symbol, nothing more.

Indeed and it's felt quality is in fact mediocre. Keyword: rust.

 

[Swissbob]

Indeed and it's felt quality is in fact mediocre. Keyword: rust.

Not an issue on the 463a and 465.

I don’t care about status TBH.