I would have to agree with you guys for the most part. Very nice written perspectives. The only thing I would like to point out is that it's really the japanese market's fault that things have turned out the way they have. As mentioned they are coming out with such rival cars for so much cheaper... and for reasons that concern quality. Now that the efficiency war created by the japanese market is going on, MB has been dragged in to fight a game they're not used to... a game I'm sure many of us wish they do not have to fight. Honestly I find it sad that MB has to stoop top such low levels, but that's how the business works.
Look at BMW... it's affecting them too. Although I am an MB guy, I still love the Bavarian cousin. You can see how things have progessed.. for example in the Bimmer world, the E30 is a legendary classic built on performance and qulaity. The E36 as well, it's a high qulaity car that has been very successful and popular.. once again with a simple design. Then you get into the E46 which has started to tumble. Remember all the problems with the E46 M3 engines? I have been hearing a strong crowd of voices from the Bimmer side admitting that the E46 isn't what it should be and that it has turned out to be more of a dissapointment. Unfortunately even with high hopes, the truth speaks loudly and the problems are progressing... look even at the new 750's... I won't even start with their problems.
It may be a matter of pride, but I still can't even imagine myself driving a Lexus anytime in the near future... the name itself makes me shudder and the only thing it brings to mind is "wannabe mercedes". Right now for me, a good ole W124 suits me just fine
