I believe MB still considered by most a very prestige car. Even with the entry level C coupe selling at $25K, most people are still paying under $25K for a car. When they see a E Class with the price tag of $45K and upward, their reactions generally would rather like "holy smoke".

When I first got my ML a couple years ago; while leaving a parking garage the attendant made a comment to this date I still remember. "Wow, this is a car made for the riches of the rich". Of course I don't think much of it when you own one and you know how much you paid so its not a big deal. But for most people they will immediately associate MB with big $$$ naturally.

As far as quality is concerned, only us who own a MB know the difference. Bet you most people given a choice will take a MB any given day if it is free, before they will take a Toyota or Honda.

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95 R129
04 Infiniti G35.5 BS
10 X204