E
echo200
Guest
Having just browsed the new 'C' Class price list, I put a number of questions to Mercedes-Benz and these are shown below, together with the relevant answers.
Automatic Transmission
Q. Can I assume that the option price quoted of £1,000.00 will be applied to your entire range, especially the CLK and 'E' Class (currently £1,450.00).
A. The SE package quoted will not be applied to the entire Mercedes-Benz range.
Low Pressure Tyre Sensors
Q. Are you planning to incorporate the low pressure tyre sensor into the standard specification of all models? As far as I am aware, this safety feature is not even available as an option on the CLK 200 K, costs £50.00 on the new 'C' Class and a whopping £470.00 on the current 'E' Class. A most unusual anomaly. This feature is fitted as standard in the BMW 3 Series range.
A. There are no current plans to incorporate this option into the standard specification on all models.
Metallic Paint
Q. Is metallic paint now a No Cost option? If so, will you be applying the same logic to the CLK 200 K (currently £600.00).
A. We will not be applying metallic paint as a no cost option to the CLK. There is no SE package available, or planned for the CLK range.
Rain Sensor Wipers
Q. Standard on a CLK 200 K and E200, but a £90.00 option on the new 'C' Class. Where is the logic behind that?
A. Different models have different standard equipment.
Seating
Q. Will you be extending the Leather Twin option to the CLK 200 K?
A. (no reply received).
Split Rear Seats
Q. Why do you charge for split rear seats on saloons and why do the charges differ for the new 'C' Class and the 'E' Class, £220.00 and £330.00 respectively?
A. Again, different models have different specifications, the E-Class is also a larger vehicle than the C-Class, hence difference in price.
Windscreen
Q. Do you have any plans to offer athermic windscreens? BMW offer this method of cabin cooling as an Option on the present 3 Series.
A. We have no plans to introduce athermic windscreens in the near future.
END
The general impression I get, when it comes to vehicle specifications, is that Mercedes-Benz are rather out of touch with reality.
To really see what I mean, just look at the specification on a Lexus GS300 SE and then try to find an equivalent Mercedes for the same money.
For a really extreme comparison, go to the opposite end of the spectrum to find a Skoda Superb 2.5 V6 TDi which, with metallic paint, comes in at under £22,000. And before you burst out laughing at this last suggestion, take a close look at the specification. It's enough to make any Mercedes-Benz owner weep!
Automatic Transmission
Q. Can I assume that the option price quoted of £1,000.00 will be applied to your entire range, especially the CLK and 'E' Class (currently £1,450.00).
A. The SE package quoted will not be applied to the entire Mercedes-Benz range.
Low Pressure Tyre Sensors
Q. Are you planning to incorporate the low pressure tyre sensor into the standard specification of all models? As far as I am aware, this safety feature is not even available as an option on the CLK 200 K, costs £50.00 on the new 'C' Class and a whopping £470.00 on the current 'E' Class. A most unusual anomaly. This feature is fitted as standard in the BMW 3 Series range.
A. There are no current plans to incorporate this option into the standard specification on all models.
Metallic Paint
Q. Is metallic paint now a No Cost option? If so, will you be applying the same logic to the CLK 200 K (currently £600.00).
A. We will not be applying metallic paint as a no cost option to the CLK. There is no SE package available, or planned for the CLK range.
Rain Sensor Wipers
Q. Standard on a CLK 200 K and E200, but a £90.00 option on the new 'C' Class. Where is the logic behind that?
A. Different models have different standard equipment.
Seating
Q. Will you be extending the Leather Twin option to the CLK 200 K?
A. (no reply received).
Split Rear Seats
Q. Why do you charge for split rear seats on saloons and why do the charges differ for the new 'C' Class and the 'E' Class, £220.00 and £330.00 respectively?
A. Again, different models have different specifications, the E-Class is also a larger vehicle than the C-Class, hence difference in price.
Windscreen
Q. Do you have any plans to offer athermic windscreens? BMW offer this method of cabin cooling as an Option on the present 3 Series.
A. We have no plans to introduce athermic windscreens in the near future.
END
The general impression I get, when it comes to vehicle specifications, is that Mercedes-Benz are rather out of touch with reality.
To really see what I mean, just look at the specification on a Lexus GS300 SE and then try to find an equivalent Mercedes for the same money.
For a really extreme comparison, go to the opposite end of the spectrum to find a Skoda Superb 2.5 V6 TDi which, with metallic paint, comes in at under £22,000. And before you burst out laughing at this last suggestion, take a close look at the specification. It's enough to make any Mercedes-Benz owner weep!
