I think these cars may attract people who want a MB, but can't afford it and shouldn’t buy it.
I had a friend who used to work for MB, in their finance side, and he was the one making the calls on late payments etc.
He said the worst Mercedes customers are the ones who buy the cheapest models, but think they are the 'biggest players'. He would get lines like "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?" All the time when calling on late payments. The most cars often repossessed? The base model C Class and B Class.
Now, that being said, if I was in the market for an entry level luxury car, this would make my short list for both the outside looks, and the prestige of saying "I drive a Benz".
Does it still cary that prestige? Does BMW?
I know when I tell people I drive a Saab (and I say it quite proudly) I often get looks of sympathy
![Wink ;)](https://www.autos.ca/forum/Smileys/CarTalk/wink.gif)