Mercedes-Benz is all about quality and exclusivity. In many circles, driving a Benz is a sign of prestige. It is a brand that appeals to status-conscious people. Those who buy a Mercedes prefer owning a vehicle made with high-end materials and state-of-the-art technology. The automaker delivers “the Best” when it comes to products, services, and technology.
Mercedes brought out the S-Class in 2013, which the company considers to be the world’s best car. The car company intends to expand from three S-Class models to six. The class will eventually consist of the sportiest, the most efficient, the most intelligent, and the most beautiful vehicles.
If you want a quality vehicle that exudes sophistication and the finest available materials, you’ll find it in a Mercedes. The automaker sells them at a variety of price points and in many different vehicle styles.
Price/Value
Starting at $32,500: A-Class
The most affordable Mercedes-Benz you can get is the A-class sedan. Even at the low price of $32,500, the car company is equipping the vehicle with high-end features like torque-vectoring brakes, ventilated seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. It’s easy to increase the price point by thousands with the many options you can add to the car model. The Parking Assistance Package featuring a surround-view system is an available option for $1,090 while the Multimedia Package with MB Navigation will increase the price by an additional $1,150.
Starting at $41,400: C-Class
The car company’s C-Class comes in a convertible, a sedan or a coupe. The AMG C 43 sedan starts at $55,950, and it has a 3.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers 385 horsepower. Paired with its nine-speed automatic transmission, you’ll love the power that the vehicle emits out on the road. For fuel economy, this model achieves 19 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon when highway driving. The vehicle’s safety features include emergency calling and Active Brake Assist.
Starting at $73,750: AMG GLC 63
Mercedes also manufactures a line of SUVs. The AMG GLC 63 is one of them. The model comes with features like AMG Performance front seats and a multimedia system. It also has a navigation system, a forward-facing camera and smartphone connectivity.
The SUV includes tech gear like the automatic lane change system and adaptive cruise control. This feature allows you to take your hands temporarily off the wheel, and the vehicle will notify you after a certain time period.
Depreciation
When it comes to vehicle depreciation, it depends on the model and the year. For instance, if you get a 2017 model, then you will see a 14.76% year-over-year price decline, while a 2013 Mercedes has an 11.30% decline. Currently, the 2015, 2016 and 2017 models offer the best value. These years have a predicted low risk of depreciation over the next few years; plan to pay around 54% of the vehicle’s original cost.
Reliability
While the yearly cost maintenance of a Mercedes-Benz varies based on the vehicle’s year and model, estimates show that the average annual cost to own one is just over $900. One of the most common problems is an internal component failure. When this causes a problem, the vehicle may experience rough shifting. Some models suffer from camshaft adjuster failure, and this affects the variable valve timing system. As with most car models, Mercedes has experienced vehicle recalls for things like air bag issues and folding seat back problems.
Mercedes-Benz Models
Mercedes manufactures a range of vehicles including sedans, SUVs, and sports cars. You can get eco-friendly models as well as vehicles that are all about the power.
- CLA The CLA is a four-door coupe with a streamlined body and plenty of power under the hood. Mercedes is equipping the vehicle with a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine, one that generates 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The model also includes tech gear like an adjustable suspension, a rearview camera, and adaptive-braking technology.
- CLS: More powerful than the CLA, the CLS is a four-door coupe. For this model, Mercedes combines luxury and performance. The vehicle features a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo engine, one with an EQ boost. The engine produces 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
With this engine, you can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in only 5.1 seconds. The vehicle model gets good gas mileage. It also comes with the carmaker’s PRE-SAFE system, which tightens the seat belts in the front and closes the sunroof and windows when it senses a collision.
- E-Class: Starting at $54,050, the E-Class is one of the most luxurious sedans that you can buy. It comes with a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine that achieves 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It has a 9G-Tronic 9-speed transmission. The vehicle features technology like a programmable exterior light. It also has massage programs for the front seats.
Maintenance
The approximate cost to maintain and repair a Mercedes ranges from $80 to just over $12,700. This makes the average repair and maintenance costs around $324. To make sure that you keep your Mercedes operating at its best with as few repairs as possible, consider purchasing a maintenance plan through the company. Prepaid maintenance plans are available for new and pre-owned vehicles. The automaker takes each vehicle through a 27-point checklist, and you can even request express service for when you’re short on time.
Environmental Impact
Mercedes is taking steps to decrease its environmental impact, and it’s doing so with its new EQ vehicle. It will be the first vehicle that combines 100% electric power, smoothness and torque with the elegance, comfort, and confidence of a Mercedes-brand SUV.
Proving its ability to deliver the kind of quality that consumers expect from the carmaker, the EQ comes with two motors to give you 402 horsepower. It also produces 561 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle charges quickly. In just 40 minutes, the battery will charge to 80% capacity.
Features
Mercedes offers unique features with its vehicles. This list includes multi-contour seats. With seats like these, Mercedes owners can tackle road trips easily. Crosswind Assist is another feature that you’ll enjoy having access to when you buy a Mercedes. This feature is designed for bigger vehicles, such as the Sprinter van, to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle when they’re driving through high-wind situations.
Another desirable feature that Mercedes offers is an allergy-free interior. To make this happen, the company uses cabin filters that sift out pollen particles that may contribute to allergy symptoms.
Mercedes also has a Magic Ride Control feature, and it checks the road ahead of you and sends information to the vehicle’s suspension system to smooth out the ride.
The best new feature that the car company is offering is Fit and Healthy. This feature keeps an eye on the driver’s vital signs, like their heart rate, using sensors embedded in the steering wheel.
Safety
Mercedes offers a lot of safety gear with its vehicles. The carmaker is continuously working to make every accident less damaging, less severe and less likely to occur. Some of the car company’s best safety equipment includes crumple zones that are designed to keep the cabin isolated, protecting occupants. Mercedes also uses an advanced air bag system, which protects people’s heads, knees, and other body parts. The seat belts are reinforced with additional air bags to give even more protection and to protect the rib cages of occupants.
The carmaker also installs accident preventative equipment. This equipment includes a system that anticipates collisions by using various sensors that make sure you’re maintaining a proper distance while on the road. ATTENTION ASSIST monitors how you’re operating the vehicle to determine whether you’re becoming too fatigued to drive safely. If it senses that you are getting tired, it will alert you and encourage you to stop and rest.
What’s Next?/Future Products
The new product line for Mercedes includes the A 35 sedan which features the AMG badge. This vehicle is versatile and sporty and features the latest technology. It has more interior space along with hands-free access that lets you open the trunk by just gliding your foot. Inside, the car model comes with multimedia systems in addition to voice-activated communications.
For 2020, Mercedes will be bringing out the CLA 45. The vehicle features distinctive exterior styling. It delivers amazing driving dynamics due to a powerful handcrafted 4-cylinder engine that produces 382 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The CLA 45 can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds. It comes with the carmaker’s User Experience operating system and includes the best interior materials.
When you invest in a Mercedes, you’ll have one of the most luxurious vehicles available today, one that includes advanced safety features to protect you as well as features that enhance your ride experience.
