Come on it is a minivan! MB making a Minivan! I looked at one at the car show on Tuesday and it isn't any nicer then the offerings from Honda or Toyota. I'm sorry but this creation doesn't deserve to have the star on it. MB should sell it as a Dodge, they probably are.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

You mean another minivan?

Well, they already produced the ugliest POS that you could imagine when they built the ML. How anybody owns one of them is beyond my comprehension.

So, why not follow that with a minivan?

It's for people that have to have that star on the hood, no matter what.

Oh but wait it gets better!

Take a look at the new G.

I think Chris Bangles pissed off blind brother is building them.

My Uncle goes up to the rep and says that thing is just stupid!

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I don't know -- I think the R Class is a station wagon, not a minivan. The M Class is a minivan.

just looks like a stretched out Golf.

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

M class is SUV
V class van and minivans?
A class kinda look like mini-mini vans

i quite like the R class, nothing exciting, but its a cool concept. what i can't understand is why people are going nuts over the CLS, i think its butt ugly.

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198? 300D ???K - Future DD
1989 300TE 285K - traded in '12
1984 300SD 186K - Sold in 08
1978 300SD 330K - Died in 05

Pics don't do the CLS justice, I thought it was ugly to until I looked at one and sat in one. It is prettty nice.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

This is nothing personal hatteras and no offence meant, but I would disagree.

I think there's nothing wrong with them making a minivan! If I was in the market for one, I'd like the choice of (if I could afford it!) a quality, smooth riding German minivan.. I don't think people should be deprived of that. "minivan"-type vehicles are slowly becoming the norm in Europe anyway, as we don't have the space to grow outwards, only upwards. With many aspects of the driving experience in a high-up van type vehicle being nicer than in a low down saloon, I can understand it.

I think the R-class is really really nice! Hmm I'd bet check some photos and stuff, make sure I'm not missing something here before I commit myself though!


In my opinion, no car doesn't deserve the star as long as it's a thoroughly engineered, quality vehicle ... I think MB can rise above badge snobbery! And hopefully most Mercedes buyers buy them for the car that they are, not for the badge on the front, so aren't put off by seeing Mercedes badged trucks and hatchbacks on the road.



I think the market's a bit different for us in Europe though - we've had the A-class a long time, and many many C/E-classes are taxis . It's nice to ride in a 210 when you catch a cab!


later

Russ

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190E's:
2.5-16v 1990 90,000m Astral Silver
2.0E 8v 1986 107,000m Black 2nd owner
http://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall.jpghttp://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall2.jpg

You're damn correct it makes a difference in Europe (and the rest of the world)!! Having spent most of my life growing up in various countries overseas, I can tell you that American customers seem to be the most fragile on earth. Mercedes trucks aren't sold here in the USA. They import those trucks here and re-sell them with badges of trucks brands under Daimler's Freighliner Group and under the Dodge brand (Sprinter anyone?) The reason? American customers who drive the "nice" luxury cars would be offended to see the plutocratic bagde on a dusty, nasty, truck! However, overseas in countries in which the MB name is considered about a million times more pretigous than it is considered in the USA, the people accept Mercedes badged trucks. In fact, in Thailand, Mercedes-Benz sells 60,000 brand new heavy duty trucks yearly but only sells 5,000 brand new cars there yearly. Still, MB is a very prestigious and aspirational brand over there.

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1999 Mercedes-Benz S600, 103K miles - garage queen
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL, 89K miles - daily driver
2007 Hyundai Sonata Limited, 31K - daily driver

In Europe, there's the Viano and Vito vans/minivans... along with Sprinters.

Bah, next time you are at a dealer sit in and check out an R class. It looks like a Toyota inside! It is a pos that doesn't deserve a badge from a quality(well...) make on the hood. I think it would fit into the Dodge lineup rather nicely.


All new cars do look the same. The Japanese rip off MB, Audi, BMW like crazy. Lexus just came out with a CLS clone. The new Acura's love BMW. And the American makes are not much better. I think Buick, and maybe Nissan have the only slightly original looks out their.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Hattie, I haven't seen an R-Class up close and personal. I tend to disagree with your views on the more contemporary body styles as you tend to applaud their design while I lean opposite. EG The CLS has a very high quality cabin, but the exterior does nothing for me, as well as the maximum 6 - 10 inch diameter side glass.

If YOU think it is similar to a Toyota,....I am seriously worried!

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1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)

I side with Justin on this issue. I do think the designs are really awesome inside and out, very classy and elegant looking. Trust me, in 20 years time all these BMWs will look old and odd. The Benzes will look good, and all their imitators (Lexus, etc) will also look good.

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1999 Mercedes-Benz S600, 103K miles - garage queen
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL, 89K miles - daily driver
2007 Hyundai Sonata Limited, 31K - daily driver

I like most of the new models MB makes, I think the new SL is one of the best looking cars every to roam the streets. However I just can't find anything I like about this new one. As I was looking at the dash and center console my first thought was wow MB is copying Toyota now?

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200