Is Mercedes Still a Premium Car Brand?
The automotive industry has changed over the years, and things are not as black and white as they used to be. There were basically two types of cars, luxury and affordable ones. This has changed recently with the growth of the premium car category.
When you hear the word premium, luxury automatically comes to mind. Luxury car models such as Mercedes are regarded as high-end vehicles while a more affordable price tag often accompanies the premium models.
Similarities between a premium and a luxury car
Both luxury and premium cars offer the best technology and safety features in the market. These cars come equipped with the most up-to-date features not included in standard car models such as cameras, active safety systems like stability control, brake assist, or collision warning systems.
They also feature high-end finishes for both the interior and exterior of the car. For instance, when you lease a Mercedes, you expect to get leather seating, leather finish for the dash, heated seating and quality entertainment equipment. The exterior includes a sunroof, tinted windows, better tires and car trim finishes.
You can get the same quality elements from other manufacturers. For example, Vitesse Land Rover Parts replace existing equipment like-for-like in many cases. However, Mercedes is certainly among the top tier, especially in markets like the UK. While Land Rover offers exceptional quality in its Range Rover range, Mercedes does something similar, particularly with its AMG models.
Why Mercedes Benz is the number one premium car manufacturer
Mercedes have been primarily known as luxury carmakers. There is a certain status that comes with owning a Mercedes Benz. They, however, lost first place in 2005 to BMW and were deposed from second place by Audi in 2011. Mercedes launched a product offensive strategy that launched them back into first place.
In 2018, Mercedes Benz topped the premium market segment in the industry for the third year in a row. This German-made car brand tapped into the premium car market with its premium plus packages. These allow customers to add luxury features to the car for an extra fee. These upgrades are available for the Sport, AMG Line or Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC models.
Some of these features include:
- Ambient lighting
There is LED lighting in the door trim, center console, front door sills, cup holders, footwells, door handle recesses and overhead panels. These lights have five dimming levels and are available in three colors amber, ice blue and white.
- KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package
This offers automatic boot closing, keyless start and hands-free access. It also automatically opens and closes the boot lid if you perform a kicking movement under the rear bumper
- Memory package
This automatically adjusts the driver’s seat, the steering column or the passenger seat to preset options.
The Burmester® surround sound system, COMAND Online with touchpad, 8.4-inch high-resolution colour display, navigation with 3D map and internet connectivity are also included in these premium equipment lines. They are, however, only available with automatic transmission.
When it comes down to it, the price tag gives premium vehicles an advantage over luxury models. Mercedes Benz premium range cars offer consumers a bit of both. If you combine this with the status associated with driving a luxury car, Mercedes takes the lead in the market and remains a favourite for many people.
