CL's are particularly large, which has its benefits and its detraction's - parking being the latter
I'd not worry about what people think... People do treat you differently - as an example everyone loves and smiles at my smart car - although they really don't like being overtaken by it and can get aggressive. In the 911 they want to try and overtake, which on a motorway, go for it I'm in the 911 I've nothing to prove. Same in a nice Mercedes, you've nothing to prove let them go
If there's a problem it's they that have the problem.
I’m going to get all that put on a T-shirt buddyInteresting comment Stulc & from others here, and some interesting Psychological perspectives?
If it's of interest:
As a junior Main Dealer Mercedes Exec 35 years ago (how time flies!), I remember many newly-Retired (& new to Mercedes) Customers who'd previously owned other brands quite happily. But, often, owning & driving the Iconic three-pointed star seemed to be an Aspirational purchase more than anything else (e.g. despite arguably poorer reliability & higher running costs compared with other brands even then).
More than once, when Mr Retired was trying to negotiate 'The Best Deal' on a new C / E / S Class etc, Mrs Retired would whisper under her breath to me: "George has always wanted a Mercedes - but never thought he deserved one until he retired!". 'Best Deal' or not, George would invariably sign-up and drive away proudly after joining what he considered to be an exclusive motoring Club. And, no doubt, to the envy of his friends, neighbours, work colleagues or anyone who knew him.
Later in my career as a Senior Sales Training Consultant for MB UK in the late 90's / early 2000s, I heard similar stories from Sales Execs who would often tell me about their (new to Mercedes) Customers who had similar aspirations: whether older or younger, Retired, starting a new Job / Business, or just as an 'I deserve it Treat'.
Before you say it: Mercedes & other German car Brands (BMW / Audi etc) are increasingly far-from the top of the Reliability & Cost of Ownership ratings compared with many less Charismatic but ruthlessly efficient & reliable Japanese / Asian automotive brands (Toyota, Honda, Kia etc).
But IMHO the legendary & iconic Mercedes-Benz Brand still has an Aspirational appeal to many new (& existing?) Owners who want to perceive that they drive a car that's different and 'Special': despite the arguable downsides.
That's why I hang-on to my nearly 19 year-old timelessly elegant & immaculate / treasured 140k mile W220 S320L cdi SE which is has been 100% reliable (apart from a rogue battery drain which was easily fixed), incredibly economical for its size & power (up to 46 mpg) and a pleasure to own & drive - and often turns heads wherever it goes. Although with a commercial / trade value of Diddly Squat compared with an equivalent much newer W222 / 223 model costing £30-60k, it's good enough for me and feels like a new car apart from a couple of minor niggles which are Work in Progress but don't affect its daily reliability or driveability.
Not that I'm biased towards the Mercedes Brand of course..
MB
'The Best or Nothing'
Completely get that. I walk everywhere locally. About 1.5 to town if lots to carry, bus is 2 quid. Rather that than some nutter with 4 kids clanging doors into my motor . Where ever I park I am f careful and have been known to giv up n go home. If parking an issue.
With my tendency to brevity you'll need a size '2XL'I’m going to get all that put on a T-shirt buddy
It’s defo too much for a tattooWith my tendency to brevity you'll need a size '2XL'
It's true that Mercs are a far more common sight on the roads now, compared with 35 years ago. In around 1990 when I was sales exec, a 'basic' entry level 190E 1.8 retailed for about £18K (50% more than an equivalent but better spec Ford or Vauxhall etc) - and a radio cassette was a factory option costing £400!
. In those days, any Mercedes was considered 'a Rich Man's car'.
