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Mercedes-Benz R-Class

697 messages,  Last post on Feb 15, 2012 at 2:14 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Wagon

Messages Page 47 of 70

#458 of 697 R-Class by merc1

Apr 11, 2006 (9:23 pm)

It is very interesting as to how the R didn't become a hit considering all the marketing and auto show hoopla that it had for nearly 3 years starting from the original Vision GST days. That said Mercedes won't drop the R, but they'll likely re-package it for 2007 with lower prices and more standard equipment and if that doesn't work they'll just have to make do. In the end it really won't matter as much as say if one of the E,C or S-Class lines were bombing upon introduction. The GL looks to be a hit and the M already is and there are signs that the R is becoming popular in Europe. MBUSI will just adjust production from the U.S. to other markets and then the GL will take up some more capacity. Not a dire situation, but a significant blow to Mercedes' SUV/Crossover effort for sure.
 
M

#459 of 697 Re: R-Class [merc1] by chirp

Apr 12, 2006 (11:09 am)

Replying to: merc1 (Apr 11, 2006 9:23 pm)
No one is more bummed about this than me(ok, well maybe the executives at MB are...). I followed this thing from day one and read every email, poured over the video teasers, etc., etc. and then the INTRODUCTION and PRICING arrived in a preview email with a "This is for-your-eyes-only because you have been following the R from day one and you should get your order in before the rush" message.
It's been downhill ever since for me and alot of it has to do with what I thought was coming and eventually what arrived. I was looking for this beautiful, almost private jet-like interior with a seemless,flowing and unobstructed panoramic roof and all the goodies that go with it, so much so that it could never be compared to a MINIVAN and when I put down the big cash for this vehicle I would truly be in a situation wherein I knew I purchased another vehicle that truly EXCITED me. The excitement never happened and the minivan/crossover/pacifica comparisons just killed it for me. There isn't anyone I know(besides you folk here) that would look at a new R in my driveway and not make the minivan comparison. It is nothing special in the eyes of the consumer.
 
The funny thing is I would have paid the premium for what I thought the R was going to be. I will not pay the going rate for what the R eventually came to be and I feel duped by Mercedes for getting me all excited about something that has yet to be delivered, in my opinion. It really is sad.
 
I know for those of you who have purchased one it seems to work for you and that is fantastic. I just wish it was that dreamy, sexy, and ultra-comfortable cruiser Mercedes promised me. At this pont the price needs to be in the Toyota Sienna XLE Limited price range of $42,000 loaded with absolutely every option available from NAVI to the full entertainment package. In my mind that is the only way this thing will sell WELL.
 
True story(as much as I think I can make stuff up like this, I really can't...)- The woman who cuts my hair got a new Pacifica this past week and when I was in her shop yesterday she pointed out the window at it and said "that is the closest I will come to owning a Mercedes". I said what do you mean? She said "well, it's built on a Mercedes chassis". I didn't know what to say other than "That's nice"....

#460 of 697 Re: R-Class [chirp] by merc1

Apr 13, 2006 (3:54 am)

Replying to: chirp (Apr 12, 2006 11:09 am)
I understand what you're saying and agree with most of it. What can they do to "fix" the current R is the question. I think that if the upcoming repackage (rumors so far) of options, new V8 and diesel models will help some. Autoweek has an article about the R and how MB got the marketing wrong and how the've dealt with it so far. It is must unusual for a new Benz to not sell well so I'm sure they're burning the midnight oil in Jersey trying to come up with a better way to present/market this thing. The looks and interior, which have put many off are pretty much a done deal until the re-design which won't be until at least 2011...seems like forever at the current rate.
 
M

#461 of 697 Re: R-Class [merc1] by chirp

Apr 13, 2006 (6:35 am)

Replying to: merc1 (Apr 13, 2006 3:54 am)
I get Autoweek, but have not seen this article until you posted it. This statement from Turner reflects my sentiments exactly:
 
"In this market people expect Mercedes-Benz to be luxurious, sporty and just about anything that the R class isn't," Turner says. "It's too expensive for the styling statement that is has."
 
Funny thing is most MB owners will pay more for a high-grade product and I was willing to pay considerably more for a unique and high-grade product. Unfortunately, lowering the price is not a fix for me at all and I equate this to like buying something at OVERSTOCK.COM.
 
Thanks for that article link merc1!

#462 of 697 Re: R-Class [chirp] by albell

Apr 13, 2006 (7:06 am)

Replying to: chirp (Apr 13, 2006 6:35 am)
Someone (or more) in marketing at MBUSA should be canned over the R-class screw up.
 
I don't necessarily agree with Turner (or you Chirp) that the R is not luxurious. Maybe not CLS or S class standards, but it certainly is in line with many other MB products. I do agree that it is not sporty, per se, but what vehicles of this ilk are? Certainly not SUV's (Cayenne, SRX and possibly X3/5 excepted.) For a people hauler -- and I have no pretensions that it is other than that -- it certainly is the best drive and ride I have experienced.
 
I guess I am the correct demographic for the R: two young kids and the need for hauling flexibility. And when the pricing came into line, I was and remain, happy with the value.
 
Bottom line is that while I think MB could have done much better with the R in terms of content/pricing and marketing, I still think it is an exceptional vehicle.
 
Sorry, Chirp, but my friends' Siennas just don't match it on the drive/ride side. Of course, that's just my opinion, and for many the price difference between the two is so significant that the differences are moot.

#463 of 697 Re: R-Class [albell] by benzster

Apr 13, 2006 (9:23 am)

Replying to: albell (Apr 13, 2006 7:06 am)
I would agree with most everyone on this subject. But....
I think the ride is MUCH better than anything else with a similar configuration. The people that have driven/ moved it in the driveway, whatever, have all been extremely impressed. I have been around MB for 8 years now so I am numbed to interior levels somewhat. Others have said that it has a beautiful interior and is roomy and comfortable (the wife loves it so I am 1 to the good). Just look at a 98 ML compared to an 06 to see how far it has evolved.
 
 I have a CLK350 and feel it is the bottom of the line, but I received a very positive complement on the looks yesterday. I certainly fit the demographic, two kids, extra car pool riders, traded a MB wagon, drive to the lake/beach,etc.
I am still in love. MB has soooooo many models, and with multiple levels of engine choice, it is hard to think that MB is thinking they can corner the market with any one car. In fact, I believe it is just the opposite (something for everyone). That is why the sales comparisons are of little interest to me. Example: Others have how many sedan choices? MB has 15 4 door models.
I know what goes into the production of an MB. I have removed rear seats to compare how they are made. Did you know that BMW does not clear coat their trunk jambs for example. Remove the rear seat and flip it over on similar models of different makes. All these items are seldom brought into consideration but add to value. Services are not covered by MB, but 65% of every MB ever produced is still on the road at last check.
So, where do we go from here???

#464 of 697 Re: R-Class [benzster] by albell

Apr 13, 2006 (12:13 pm)

Replying to: benzster (Apr 13, 2006 9:23 am)
Where do we go from here?
 
Just enjoy the ride, baby! And the kibbitzing.

#465 of 697 Re: R-Class [chirp] by merc1

Apr 13, 2006 (11:15 pm)

Replying to: chirp (Apr 13, 2006 6:35 am)
Funny thing is most MB owners will pay more for a high-grade product and I was willing to pay considerably more for a unique and high-grade product. Unfortunately, lowering the price is not a fix for me at all and I equate this to like buying something at OVERSTOCK.COM.
 
This is true because Mercedes has never had a problem with selling cars at high prices when the car was worth it. The new S is a good example of that. It costs more than the W220 did when it came out and is selling better than it did and back then it was both the S430 and S500 doing the selling.
 
If Mercedes had just kept this R closer to the original concept in styling and interior design they wouldn't be able to produce enough of them. Ok the fancy doors and wheels would have to go in order to get to production, but that interior was stunning as was the first concept, the Vision GST. Seems they lost "sight" of that.
 
That said I've seen a few loaded R500s in that Alpine Rain color with the AMG package and they look good to me. Its the base models with the little wheels that don't looks so hot, IMO. I still the R can be fixed, but it may have to soldier on until facelift time for a real fix concerning the interior, but the price/equipment problem can be fixed for 2007 if MB gets serious about making this thing sell without so much "help".
 
M

#466 of 697 Re: R-Class [merc1] by chirp

Apr 14, 2006 (5:59 am)

Replying to: merc1 (Apr 13, 2006 11:15 pm)
I have seen, sat in, but not driven the new S. I think it is da bomb. Mercedes did everything right in my opinion and they should sell every one they can produce.
 
Once again, my disappointment comes from just what you have said about sticking closer to the concept and what they kept feeding me all along. I don't mean to rag on any of you who have bought the R at all and I hope I'm not coming across that way. I'm 51 with a 15 year old and a 9 year old and I thought I was in this targeted demographic.
 
Maybe I need to see an R63 to get excited. I just don't know... Sorry, guys.

#467 of 697 Re: R-Class [chirp] by wopel

Apr 15, 2006 (8:25 am)

Replying to: chirp (Apr 14, 2006 5:59 am)
I am with all those that feel duped by MB with the R. I had waited anxiously for the R to come out. I also read every, everything I could find. I was soooo hopeful. Then I saw it, drove it, was disappointed with so many aspects. Frankly, I need a car like the R, and if it had been the car I was waiting for, I'd have paid full dollar for it. At this point, they will have to pay me to buy it! I drive a 98 E320 wagon, and it's wonderful. I had a 300td before that. I'm not new to MB and my cars have been mostly trouble free. We also have 2002 E class that has had a few problems - none of which would stop me from buying another MB.
   What was MB thinking when they built the R? If they had certain people in mind, and I think I was one of them, why did they not ask us? They must read forums - if not they should.
   Thanks for letting me vent!

Messages Page 47 of 70

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