Hot! Mercedes-Benz, What's Next?

[Mick Briesgau]

Mercedes is losing it. There is a decisive factor behind the decline of market share, brand perception and -reputation: the perceived imbalance between price and quality. Poor interior quality in the complete line up is really a nail in the coffin of the brand.

Another unfortunate choice, was axing the A class, the entry in the MB universe. Though they try to correct this misguided decision, damage is done. Furthermore correcting isn’t the right word. A dull crossover/van-like A class is not a proper replacement for the sporty A class we’ve been knowing for the last two iterations.

The design of lately, like the EQ models, wasn’t such a problem as some say it was. The main problem of for instance the EQS is it’s price; asking S class money for a non S class product.

Even if they succeed in correcting all the errors, I wonder wether it will help. Well, I can only speak for myself, but I am getting pretty fed up with it by now. Even if the new S is going to be great in every aspect, I’d still feel cheated because they sold me a non-optimal, non-focussed and not ideal W223 S class.

 

[kiki voinea]

asking S class money for a non S class product.

Well , with the recent facelift of the S class , it looks (interior wise ) more EQS , than EQS looked like an S.

Honestly , by this point , I really think that people that bought W223 were the people that missed to buy W222 due to different circumstances . Also , W223 gained huge traction due to the pandemic post auto boom.

 

[Merc1]

Mercedes is losing it. There is a decisive factor behind the decline of market share, brand perception and -reputation: the perceived imbalance between price and quality. Poor interior quality in the complete line up is really a nail in the coffin of the brand.

Another unfortunate choice, was axing the A class, the entry in the MB universe. Though they try to correct this misguided decision, damage is done. Furthermore correcting isn’t the right word. A dull crossover/van-like A class is not a proper replacement for the sporty A class we’ve been knowing for the last two iterations.

The design of lately, like the EQ models, wasn’t such a problem as some say it was. The main problem of for instance the EQS is it’s price; asking S class money for a non S class product.

Even if they succeed in correcting all the errors, I wonder wether it will help. Well, I can only speak for myself, but I am getting pretty fed up with it by now. Even if the new S is going to be great in every aspect, I’d still feel cheated because they sold me a non-optimal, non-focussed and not ideal W223 S class.

I only disagree about the EQ models. They were just too ugly and overpriced. As EVs they're pretty good.

M

 

[Mick Briesgau]

I only disagree about the EQ models. They were just too ugly and overpriced. As EVs they're pretty good.

M

Yes, that’s what people I know say as well — it’s a perfectly fine EV.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

Well , with the recent facelift of the S class , it looks (interior wise ) more EQS , than EQS looked like an S.

Honestly , by this point , I really think that people that bought W223 were the people that missed to buy W222 due to different circumstances . Also , W223 gained huge traction due to the pandemic post auto boom.

I see it differently. I think people that bought a W223 were for the most part the same that bought the W222. As is usually the case with S‑Class drivers. They are loyal to the brand, and even more loyal to the S‑Class.

 

[SKY]

Even if they succeed in correcting all the errors, I wonder wether it will help. Well, I can only speak for myself, but I am getting pretty fed up with it by now. Even if the new S is going to be great in every aspect, I’d still feel cheated because they sold me a non-optimal, non-focussed and not ideal W223 S class.

Woah, first time I see you write this poorly about the W223. I thought you were mostly pleased with it.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

Woah, first time I see you write this poorly about the W223. I thought you were mostly pleased with it.

From the introduction of the W223, I pointed out the cost‑cutting measures, especially in the interior. I also stated my opinion at the time that the focus, money, time and engineering effort had to be shared with the EQS. That did not benefit the W223.

Don’t get me wrong. The W223 S‑Class, taken on its own, is a fantastic car. Technically, it’s one of the best I’ve ever owned. But it could have been so much better — so much more of an S.

And if it turns out with the W224 that the cost‑cutting is no longer so evident, and especially that the (interior) quality has returned to a higher level, then I will indeed feel short‑changed with the W223.

 

[Esp5]

Mercedes sold 19,007 cars last year in India, approximately 1% of the brand's global total, to roughly 0.001% of the population. There is considerable room for growth if the country improves.

 

[kiki voinea]

Mercedes sold 19,007 cars last year in India, approximately 1% of the brand's global total, to roughly 0.001% of the population. There is considerable room for growth if the country improves.

Let's be real : India is not on the map for MB.

The gap between the rich , and the poor , is killing any possibility of investing .

19000 cars sold is peanuts for MB...

 

[leylandi]

 

[Swissbob]

Nice car, except this stupid glass roof, which was already put on GLB,GLC and CLA.

 

[Design FIRST]

Hmmm...not bad at all IMHO. Far better than I had anticipated actually.

 

[Design FIRST]

Elements that I can really appreciate:

a.) Designers/engineers did not f***up the visual flow of the sideglass with superfluous vertical partitioning pegs.

b.) The silhouette does not appear cab-forwards, FWD-like at all.

c.) Very little, if any, tacked-or clipped on ornamentation crap. Smooth and clean surfacing.

I really hope that the grill/shield and rear lighting units will "work".

For an "entry" M-B "Core" vehicle, not bad at all.

 

[Merc1]

Her expression says it all.


M

 

[Swissbob]

One question, who needs a C-Class EQ if there’s a CLA or vice versa.

 

[Merc1]

I have asked that several times. I don't see the point either unless this car is going to be far more luxurious or powerful or efficient or something. I don't see the point. The GLC EV appears more premium than the GLB inside so maybe that will be the case here, but with sedans not being in favor, will it even matter?

M

 

[Design FIRST]

One question, who needs a C-Class EQ if there’s a CLA or vice versa.

IMHO, from what I can see here so far, this C-Class EQ blows away the "Tricycle Syndrome Afflicted" MMA CLA in terms of the looks.

 

[Merc1]

Dare I (begrudgingly) say that there may be some hope for this car. The reveal must be getting close.


M

 

[Design FIRST]

Her expression says it all.


M

Constipation ?

 

[Design FIRST]

Dare I (begrudgingly) say that there may be some hope for this car. The reveal must be getting close.


M

As in many countries elsewhere as well, the "general perception" of Mercedes-Benz AG and it's vehicle has undergone some change. Not the most positive of which in several aspects.

As far as the general "private buyer/leaser" public is concerned, it remains to be seen how the C-Class EQ will be received. Price/rates/conditions will play a far greater role than what was the case not so long ago. IMHO, company fleet managers will have it quite way up top on their shortlists.