Mercedes has devolved into "just another car."

Their legendary durability has evaporated as more and more electronics flood into each design...electronics which can't be serviced or replaced without dealer involvement...and GREAT expense. Also think aside from the star (which seems stuck on most models as an afterthought) the cars now look like most other modern cars on the highway. Still think the W123 body (and some of the larger versions) still has "classic" lines that are simple and don't "date" the car. In fact, many models built SINCE the W123's look more out of style than the chronologically older cars.

Have always thought Mercedes-Benzes fell into two categories..."smart" peoples cars, and rich peoples cars. Don't think anything built recently offers much for the "smart" group. Mercedes has finally begun to build "disposable" cars.