I visisted my brother in Germany who workd there in the automotive industry.
Through his job he knows people at Mercedes, one of which was the director of the Museum. We were taken on a personally guided tour and the history of this brand is truly awesome.
In the museum, they had the new E-Class - a beautiful car. Particularly interesting is the re-emergence of chrome accents in the interior. Never having been much of a chrome buff, but I have to say that the subtle use of it, in combination with the wood looks terrific.
During a lunch conversation, I raised the question of MB quality. He readily admitted that there have been problems, particularly with the new SL. Apparently there have been so many customer complaints about this car that the factory was actually considering an exchange program (yes, actually exchanging the purchased car for a new one).
On a seperate note, I also happened to see the new VW Phaeton with the
W 12 motor. Wow, what a beautiful car!!!! Look out S Class (if the world can get beyond the apparent branding contradiction of "the peoples' car building a super luxury flagship)