Mercedes Benz It used to be the German automaker known for a century of manufacturing lavish coupes, convertibles, and limousines, building some of the world’s most collectible, treasured, and custom cars. Today it is known for its large, square crossovers, and it looks like the old Mercedes is about to be killed.
Mercedes has expanded its vast car catalog over the years to include crossovers and SUVs along with its more private and luxurious options, such as the E-Class and S-Class coupe. This was never a problem, as yesterday’s buyers looking for a coupe would never be satisfied with a giant crossover. But tomorrow, those vain cars are likely to disappear, as seven current Mercedes-Benz models are now in the tailspin.
People are more practical with their money these days, and tastes have changed. This leaves Mercedes wondering why, exactly, it makes so many different cars with similar characteristics, and the US market is poised for the cut, according to this report by Automotive News:
The luxury automaker plans to ditch seven car models from the US market, Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Nicholas Speeks told dealers during a webinar in late June. Speeks did not identify the models or offer a timeline, according to retailers who heard the presentation.
But according to a source familiar with the plans, there could be more than seven models. Those considered are the coupe and convertible versions of the S, C and E class nameplates, as well as the CLS coupe and one of the brand’s GT models, according to the source.
A Mercedes spokesperson declined to comment on the brand’s product plans in the United States.
Taking into account engine and transmission options, Auto News reports that Mercedes-Benz currently offers more than 100 different vehicle variants on the US market. That’s also not just a production headache. That means the entire network of Mercedes dealers must be trained and educated in over 100 different cars and must be able to guide consumers through a very complicated and potentially confusing line of vehicles.
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No matter what, simplifying the lineup, even by consolidating powertrains, could potentially save millions of dollars and even generate more car sales if your product suddenly has a stronger identity in the lineup.
Therefore, according to reports, Mercedes is looking to dramatically reduce its coupe and convertible models. This makes more sense because no other car company feels the need to offer a coupe and convertible Compact, medium and full-size variant, with more specialty convertibles and coupe sports cars stacked on top of them. Frankly it has been a disaster for quite some time.
It would really fight to save the E-Class coupe, it seems to be the best compromise among all that Mercedes is looking to cut. Both accessible and aspirational. I would also get rid of the CLA, mainly because I like Class A better, but you definitely have to go.
It’s obvious that the luxury coupe and convertible sales have been declining in recent years as the premium segment increasingly focuses on crossovers, SUVs, and even trucks. Mercedes is just following the money. You really should have seen this coming before giving the green light to more two-door models than Mazda has in their cars. a all alignment.
I can’t help but feel this will kill off the core identity of what Mercedes-Benz is, which are leather-padded tanks with paint jobs that seem to need a mortgage, with the luxury of having just two usable, bolted seats go 150 mph to the end of time.
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