For me, I dont even think a MB is that "prestigous".

In middleastern countries and asia they are used as taxicabs. How prestigous is that? With the new mercedes marketing campaign, they are pricing there cars to compete with Honda Accords. Whats the new price now? $23,000 or so for a new C220 or whatever. There are plenty of high school kids driving MBs, I for one was one of them. How many high school kids do you see driving Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls Royce, Bentleys, etc.?

I been driving a mercedes since I was 16, so its just another ford to me. I drive it through rain, snow, sleet, mud, whatever the challange is.

People are right about one thing here, they are safe cars which is why i still drive on. And reliable and make good diesels too. Volvos do NOT look sporty or all that great for a younger person, so thats why I didnt like them.