Mercedes-Benz’s new GLK-Class small SUV hasn’t quite met sales expectations the automaker had envisioned, so the company’s U.S. importer says that it will re-price options and begin importing lower-content models in an attempt to capture sales lost because of the GLK’s premium pricing.
“We planned production in June and July of last year, and we didn’t know where we would be in January,” Ernst Leib, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, told Automotive News. “We had models coming at $40,000-plus.”
Dealership stocks were heavily focused on well-equipped models, not those with sticker prices closer to the entry-level figures used in ads.
Like most automakers, Mercedes-Benz has gotten away from a la carte options, instead offering packages that lumped commonly-ordered features together, sometimes at a discount. Option packages allow for easier ordering and dealer trading, but they also make for more expensive vehicles should buyers only want one or two features included in a pricey package. To rectify this, Mercedes says it will offer the moonroof, formerly only available as part of a $3,150 option package, as a stand-alone $1,450 option, and the navigation system, previously part of a $3,350 package, for $1,800.
Mercedes will offer those who purchased a GLK in February or March a $2,000 refund if their vehicle was equipped with either package.
04/13, 1:53 PM
posted by:
Borat
I thought that Benz positioned it aggressively to compete with X3. Does anyone expects to spend less then 40K walking into M-B showroom?
04/13, 1:54 PM
posted by:
Borat
I thought that Benz positioned it aggressively to compete with X3. Does anyone expects to spend less then 40K walking into M-B showroom? You get Chevys costing 50% more then that.
04/13, 2:29 PM
posted by:
8bmws
Maybe the problem is more about the box on wheels styling, or the below average quality ratings of Mercedes. Has anyone seen the Q5 for example? I don’t think this is about money or options packages.
04/13, 2:29 PM
posted by:
CarResearcher
The car is an ugly turd…..enough said.
04/13, 2:30 PM
posted by:
A4
Yeah and with those “chevy’s” you seem to be so ill-informed about, you get every last bell and whistle, infinitely more cargo room, a large V8 with cylinder deactivation, and then enough incentives and discounts to make it cheaper than the GLK.
04/13, 2:32 PM
posted by:
A4
oh and you also get a 100,000 mile warranty.
04/13, 2:47 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Good plan. Everyone shopping for a Mercedes hopes to get less content.
04/13, 2:47 PM
posted by:
SomeGreek
I recall an era at which Mercedes had a 5-6 model line up. They have more than 15 models nowdays…
04/13, 2:52 PM
posted by:
The Stig
The below average quality ratings and a more strict leasing market contributes to this. No surprise there, you wouldn’t want to be caught dead owning one – which most buyers figure out after 6 months.
04/13, 3:08 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
I’d rather take the new AUDI Q5…way better than this!
04/13, 3:13 PM
posted by:
krftwrk
How about bringing the OFF-ROAD package that’s offered in Europe. It’s quite a capable machine when configured that way. Otherwise, I’d go Q5 with it’s standard features.
04/13, 3:37 PM
posted by:
Borat
Actually Benz does not have that many models. In Europe they have usual alphabet soup: A-E class and S-class plus 3 SUV/CUV and a van. Within those models they have ton of engines. In US choices are limited to 3 cars and 3 SUV/CUV. Van comes from Dodge label on it.
04/13, 4:17 PM
posted by:
A4
umm they have a HUGE amount of models Borat, especially in Europe with all their commercialized vehicles as well. I dont think you did your homework. Lets see… A, B, C, CL, CLC, CLS, CLK, E, G, GL, GLK, ML, R, S, SL, SLK, SLR, U (unimog), Viano, Sprinter, and all their other commercial vehicles like the Vito, Vario, etc.
04/13, 4:45 PM
posted by:
fitzla
Funny, the Audi Q5 seems to be selling higher than expected. And I just happen to have just bought one. Of all the crossovers in this segment, I would not even look at the GLK. UGLY! Q5 might be priced a bit higher, so so worth it for the nice interior quality and overall better looks.
04/13, 4:57 PM
posted by:
gugy
idrinorbarsaku,
I am with you. I went to test he Q5 and GLK. Hands down the Audi Q5 is a way niccer and better car. I just wished to have $40k to buy one now.
Times are though and I can have another financial commitment, unfortunately.
I can’t wait to see the Q5 with a TDI version. The dealer said in probably 1 to 2 years.
04/14, 12:51 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
if given the option, i would take the Q5 TDI variant over any other car in this category, or possibly other categories as well.
04/14, 10:49 AM
posted by:
BlackPrestige
I have a Q5 Prestige, I would take it anyday over a GLK