What concerns me is the price point. The C class was popular before but now everyone will have a MB. I want brand selectivity and I don't want to see a Benz around every corner. If things keep going this way the three pointed star will no longer have any significance, just like the Cadillac Crest has lost its significance. I see more SRXs on the roads than the Camry! Keep the quality up to traditional MB standards and keep the price in line to match those standards. Unfortunately, what usually happens is that there is a direct line correlation between the two when prices drop. And by all means, offer the turbo diesel in all models as an option for those that want it, if for no other reason than to continue to set apart from all the others.
I bought a new 2012 ML350 last May and it has been the best car I have ever owned - bar none. This year marks my 50th anniversary of driving cars on my own so you can bet I've had a lot of them, trucks too. If I were a younger man I would love the AMGs but refined utility with a splash of elegance and comfort are all that I am looking for now. The standard M series fits that bill nicely. Besides, I no longer can trust my instincts and coordination like I use to in order to take advantage of AMG. Incidentally, the steering is just fine, especially at higher speeds when it firms up. However, I admit it could be a tad firmer and more to the road between 5-20 mph but at those speeds who really cares? In fact, at those speeds I'd rather have it loose and easy.
The bottom line is if Mercedes begins to cater to the masses by selling products worth less than $50,000, its decline from what it represents today is just a matter of time.
