2014/2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Thread
12-23-13, 08:26 AM
#241
Lexus Test Driver
AWD in snow regions makes sense. Forcing AWD in the dry West and Southwest makes no sense at all and rarely sells when given the choice. It's going to inflate the sticker beyond competitors and make the C-Class look too expensive. Opening at $38k for a base model is way passed everyone else. I hope their own greed backfires with the sticker shock.
If u want RWD just wait a bit longer.
Launch with limited models and/or trim options is fairly normal practice for most automakers.
BMW did the opposite when they launched the 3 Series - only RWD models were available. If u wanted Xdrive, u had to wait a few months to get it.
Another point - MB is not a value brand. Their vehicles are usually priced higher than competitors yet they outsell every luxury automaker. The brand name alone requires a premium which ppl are happy to pay to get the 3 pointed star.
Last edited by RNM GS3; 12-23-13 at 08:31 AM.
12-23-13, 09:34 AM
#242
Not sure why ur so upset???
If u want RWD just wait a bit longer.
Launch with limited models and/or trim options is fairly normal practice for most automakers.
BMW did the opposite when they launched the 3 Series - only RWD models were available. If u wanted Xdrive, u had to wait a few months to get it.
Another point - MB is not a value brand. Their vehicles are usually priced higher than competitors yet they outsell every luxury automaker. The brand name alone requires a premium which ppl are happy to pay to get the 3 pointed star.
If u want RWD just wait a bit longer.
Launch with limited models and/or trim options is fairly normal practice for most automakers.
BMW did the opposite when they launched the 3 Series - only RWD models were available. If u wanted Xdrive, u had to wait a few months to get it.
Another point - MB is not a value brand. Their vehicles are usually priced higher than competitors yet they outsell every luxury automaker. The brand name alone requires a premium which ppl are happy to pay to get the 3 pointed star.
:-).
12-23-13, 11:18 AM
#244
Lexus Test Driver
They havent done anything lol.
The S class was released as RWD only and with only 1 engine option.
How come ppl are not saying MB is greedy there too?
Again its common practice to limit trim options when an ALL NEW Model is introduced before production fully ramps up.
The S class was released as RWD only and with only 1 engine option.
How come ppl are not saying MB is greedy there too?
Again its common practice to limit trim options when an ALL NEW Model is introduced before production fully ramps up.
12-23-13, 01:09 PM
#245
Lexus Fanatic
AWD in snow regions makes sense. Forcing AWD in the dry West and Southwest makes no sense at all and rarely sells when given the choice. It's going to inflate the sticker beyond competitors and make the C-Class look too expensive. Opening at $38k for a base model is way passed everyone else. I hope their own greed backfires with the sticker shock.
You can get a C Class RWD...just not at first. Many manufacturers delay rollout of certain options and configurations...Lexus included. This is hardly new.
12-23-13, 05:03 PM
#246
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I think what others are noting is that usually its the other way around. I am sure the RWD sales are much greater than the 4matic sales, so they are forcing people who really want the car to get 4matic and pay the premium
12-23-13, 11:47 PM
#247
Lexus Test Driver
When I look at a potential new car, I am always thinking, "how is this car built for me, how did the company go out of it's way to consider me and my needs, and how will this car serve me most efficiently over the next four years?" Forcing a pricey and uneeded $2000 option destroys any rapport between the consumer (me) and the maker. I'm sure others don't care as much, but $2000 is not comparable to required heated seats, for example.
12-24-13, 09:00 AM
#248
Lexus Fanatic
From your other posts I don't see any circumstance where you would consider purchasing a C Class...so what do you care? Is only having AWD to start going to slow down C Class sales? No. It'll sell very well. You're not going to be one of those buyers, so why all the anger?
12-24-13, 09:09 AM
#249
Or Camry is the best car in the USA as it sells the best so it shouldnt be criticized as market has spoken ... ok :-)
12-24-13, 09:23 AM
#250
so when Lexus was top only few years ago, we shouldnt have criticized any of their decisions (and we did that, a lot... even a lot more than today), because as long as they sell a lot, it doesnt matter what they do?
Or Camry is the best car in the USA as it sells the best so it shouldnt be criticized as market has spoken ... ok :-)
Or Camry is the best car in the USA as it sells the best so it shouldnt be criticized as market has spoken ... ok :-)
12-24-13, 09:52 AM
#251
Lexus Test Driver
Yes, EXACTLY. It's a big deal because it is extremely rare for any entry-level luxury sedan to be offered AWD only. If there has ever been fixed option packages or limited options during a release, it's the other way around... no AWD at first. No 2WD is almost unheard of. I think the A7/S7 is one exception. But that's a purposed niche vehicle, not a bread and butter entry level sedan that sells in huge numbers like the C-class.
When I look at a potential new car, I am always thinking, "how is this car built for me, how did the company go out of it's way to consider me and my needs, and how will this car serve me most efficiently over the next four years?" Forcing a pricey and uneeded $2000 option destroys any rapport between the consumer (me) and the maker. I'm sure others don't care as much, but $2000 is not comparable to required heated seats, for example.
When I look at a potential new car, I am always thinking, "how is this car built for me, how did the company go out of it's way to consider me and my needs, and how will this car serve me most efficiently over the next four years?" Forcing a pricey and uneeded $2000 option destroys any rapport between the consumer (me) and the maker. I'm sure others don't care as much, but $2000 is not comparable to required heated seats, for example.
MB has the CLA for volume so Cclass will be going up in pricing any way. It will be a more premium model.
If u dont like the AWD dont buy the car. Very simple.
Im sure if sales tank - MB will offer a cheaper
RWD model.
90% of cust have no idea about RWD AWD or FWD.
They like the benz star on hood and affordable pmt.
Last edited by RNM GS3; 12-24-13 at 09:59 AM.
12-24-13, 09:56 AM
#252
Lexus Test Driver
BTW good luck with getting any RWD Lexus in Snow areas.
Dealers will look at u like u have 2 heads.
The RWD Fsport models offer so much more enhancements than the AWD models yet are not offered at all.
Dealers will look at u like u have 2 heads.
The RWD Fsport models offer so much more enhancements than the AWD models yet are not offered at all.
12-24-13, 11:30 AM
#253
Lexus Fanatic
But...I love the car and I bought it anyway. As will be the case with the C Class. $2k is nothing. Like RNM said, if you don't like it don't buy the car.
12-24-13, 01:18 PM
#254
Yes, EXACTLY. It's a big deal because it is extremely rare for any entry-level luxury sedan to be offered AWD only. If there has ever been fixed option packages or limited options during a release, it's the other way around... no AWD at first. No 2WD is almost unheard of. I think the A7/S7 is one exception. But that's a purposed niche vehicle, not a bread and butter entry level sedan that sells in huge numbers like the C-class.
When I look at a potential new car, I am always thinking, "how is this car built for me, how did the company go out of it's way to consider me and my needs, and how will this car serve me most efficiently over the next four years?" Forcing a pricey and uneeded $2000 option destroys any rapport between the consumer (me) and the maker. I'm sure others don't care as much, but $2000 is not comparable to required heated seats, for example.
When I look at a potential new car, I am always thinking, "how is this car built for me, how did the company go out of it's way to consider me and my needs, and how will this car serve me most efficiently over the next four years?" Forcing a pricey and uneeded $2000 option destroys any rapport between the consumer (me) and the maker. I'm sure others don't care as much, but $2000 is not comparable to required heated seats, for example.
I think the AWD is a good thing because the new turbo engines put out so much torque, people unfamiliar with how cars actually work could be a danger in inclement weather, when the prior C250 was too anemic to really spin the rear tires.
The CLA is the new entry-level sedan, and guess what? It comes FWD as a base model.
12-24-13, 04:41 PM
#255
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^^ no way the C400 would be 55-65K... I will probably start at 41K for the RWD and 43K for the 4matic. With options is another story.
Just as another variable, its a shame that people will be buying more 4matics in terms of mpg and the extra environmental impact
Just as another variable, its a shame that people will be buying more 4matics in terms of mpg and the extra environmental impact