Acceptance is the 1st step to recovery: Mercedes fesses up R-class is a failure

I already read this on a different blog.

They are NOT actually admitting this car is a failure.

Here is what struck me:

"Zetsche blames the crossover segment, saying it hasn’t developed as planned."

Huh. Is that so? So it has nothing to do with the CAR ITSELF, but the segment it's in? SO even though crossover sales have had double- or even triple-digit percent increases over the last five years, and a flash flood of new contenders, it's the segment's fault that the R-Class didn't sell well?

I hope that's not a sign of how Mercedes really thinks. I want to see a brand that can actually admit mistakes.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 11:36:17 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I always thought that the R-Class looked like a minivan. I dont think that people purchase minivans from MB here in the U.S.

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 11:58:14 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

seriously, there are better options than this... thing. even the lambdas are a much better buy. buying it for the badge makes NO SENSE.

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 2:54:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Premium touring mini-van

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 10:12:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

'yota and honda minivans are better choices.

even chrysler and dodge vans.

ALL of which are more reliable to boot.

— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 1/19/2008 6:58:35 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Its a POS just like most Mercedes,they have serious reliability problems,people are tired of the time it takes runing back to their overloaded service departments.

— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 12:41:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

They should refresh and redo the entire exterior by making it more aggresive and sleeker. The interior can remain if they want to save money. New headlights, hood, grille, and bumpers would help it tremendously.

— w209w114 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 12:48:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Ugliest Mercedes ever. I like their utility van more, at least that has some character.

— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 1:16:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

R Class = worlds ugliest machine!!!

— Jag_xfr (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 1:47:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

the R class was a good idea, oddly enough its only real competitor was the Cadillac SRX which also doesnt sell well. It seems to have inspired other manfucturers because now BMW, and Toyota, and im sure others are producing cars similar in concept to the R class, i guess they feel they can sell the idea if Mercedes cant.

— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 2:00:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I also think the R Class could've been a good idea, but MB just designed it poorly from the inside out. I mean, not even the option for a 3rd row? No hidden away storage holes like most every other minivan has? Not to mention the level of quality is lacking compared to their other models. The execution and attention to detail for this car just needs to be better next time around.

— PlanB (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 2:15:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

too fugly to begin with. looks like a fish. at least its commercial van had style like M35 said.

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 2:42:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

If u want a good Van. Toyota Sienna 3.5 AWD (Fastest in Class) w/ HID & Laser cruise control and Full Leather. It just doesn't have the R's big opening roof.

— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 11:28:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

the only reason it was selling at all was because of huge rebates on it, up to $12,000. last year you could lease one for around $350 - $400 a month for 27 months!

— charlik05 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 12:14:20 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Some of MB's mistkes.

1)R Class
2)GLK
3)C Class's interior
4)Failure brand Maybach
5)Falure brand Smart

but good to see they are accepting one by one. before they accepted the Relibility problems, now that R class is not good enough and i am waiting for MB to accept that GLK and C Class's interior is ugly too.
And as a whole do something to bring the prices and displacement of their engines little down.

JUGNU

— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 4:39:43 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Has everyone overlooked the fact that this vehicle is basically a rebodied Chrysler Pacifica with a bigger engine? Same parents (DaimlerChrysler) but the older sibling is WAY more attractive (if you like this type of vehicle).

— Horsehide (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 5:07:09 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I stand corrected! ;)

— Horsehide (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 5:41:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

re: "Zetsche blames the crossover segment, saying it hasn’t developed as planned."

The formula is pretty simple: People buy the cars they like and can afford. If you're not selling enough units, tne the vehicle is either priced too high compares to perceived value, or not enough consumers like it.

— Steve (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 5:49:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Just shows that Mercedes will always be smarter than BMW. MB knows how to admit mistakes. They even have the guts to say they're bencmarking Lexus for quality.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/18/2008 12:33:47 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I never understood the target demographic for the R-class. Cutting through the marketing, it's basically a luxury mini-van. Is there really a market for this?

Families with kids who need a mini-van are not going to want to pay for a premium vehicle that the kids will tear up.

Families without kids (or with grown-up kids) don't usually travel in groups that often, so they're not going to pay for a premium mini-van; if anything, they'd get a luxury SUV.

So it always seemed like it was a solution looking for a problem, to me.

I don't think the sales issues are related to the cross-over segment or with MB quality.

— DW1968 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/19/2008 3:06:02 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I think being related to the Chrysler Pacifica didn't help either. I know, MB is adamant they're not the same vehicle, but only a dummy would deny it.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/19/2008 6:13:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Never could get excited about the R. But all you critics shouldn't forget that MB gave us the CLS which has generated clones from Porsche, Aston and more to come... truly defining a new car segment, the 4dr coupe.

— TybeeZ4 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/19/2008 7:48:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1