Why Are Mercedes-Benz Cars so Expensive?

December 7, 2021

2 5 minutes read

Mercedes-Benz has been making cars since 1926 under its name. However, its first vehicle actually dates back to 1886; the Benz Patent Motorwagen is widely considered as the first production automobile.

Since then, the brand has come a long way and delivered some of the finest products the automotive industry has seen. But have you ever wondered what makes Mercs so expensive? Are you paying only for the hood ornament or are you really getting more bang for your bucks?

This article will try to answer this question and share some of the reasons why it costs a small fortune to purchase a Mercedes-Benz. Of course, it is essential to remember that buying is just the easy part — most Mercedes-Benz cars also cost quite a lot to maintain and could quickly drain you out with repair costs. Luckily, that is something you can keep on the lower side by doing some of the maintenance work on your own using a Mercedes-Benz repair manual.

Still, even when doing most of the repair work at home, Mercedes-Benz vehicles still tend to cost more than the competition. So are they really worth it?

Let’s discuss.

Cutting Edge Technology

Technology and Mercedes-Benz go hand in hand. Indeed, the Daimler subsidiary has been setting benchmarks in technological advancements since its inception. For instance, take the brand-new car wash function on the 2020 GLS as an example. The feature prepares your SUV for a carwash by adjusting the suspension, folding the exterior mirrors, and closing the side windows and sunroof with just a touch on the massive infotainment screen.

Moreover, the energizing coach is another excellent feature that keeps drivers and passengers refreshed during long trips. It uses clever algorithms to modify the climate control and set the ambient lighting and music according to your stress level so that you can arrive after a journey feeling more relaxed — that’s nothing short of a first-class flight experience.

And all that is just a spoonful from the ton of technological innovations Mercedes incorporates in its products.

However, such advanced features require a lot more sensors, actuators, and independent monitoring systems, calling in for eye-watering price tags. Obviously, the money invested comes back to you in the form of cutting-edge technology that other automakers can only dream of providing, but still — whether or not it’s worth it is really a question of personal preference here.

If you have the money, these extra features are undeniably interesting, as long as you keep in mind that each of these systems may come into fault at some point and won’t be cheap to repair.

Leader in Innovation

The German automaker has long been at the forefront of innovation and is associated with some of the greatest advancements in the automotive industry. In fact, Mercedes even developed several of the common safety features we use today, including the first seat belts, airbags, crumple zones, and even ABS brakes.

As a result, the German giant now boasts numerous awards and recognitions to its name. For instance, according to the Center for Automotive Management (CAM) and the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) consultancy, Mercedes-Benz was crowned the “Most Innovative Brand of the last decade,” a feat yet to be achieved by other luxury automakers. To give you a better perspective, Mercedes-Benz released over 578 individual innovations, among which 183 are industry firsts — leaving its competitors in the dust.

For instance, the CLS’ LED Multibeam headlights or the S400 Hybrids’ Magic Body Control suspension results from hours of extensive research and development. It’s safe to say that Mercedes leaves no stones unturned when it comes to investing both time and capital to deliver the very best to its customers. However, such modern features do come at a price and also lead to more expensive repairs down the line.

Premium Parts

As a luxury carmaker, Mercedes-Benz uses only the highest quality parts for its vehicles. The components are highly durable and will typically outlast its competitors, but there is a catch. While most aftermarket part manufacturers will indeed make cheaper parts than OEMs, they will still cost significantly more than the same for cheaper cars. And if you prefer to have your vehicle inspected and maintained by the dealer, you won’t have access to those more affordable aftermarket replacement parts — dealers will only rarely accept to install non-OEM parts.

An authorized dealership can charge you up to $200 an hour to get your ride fixed, and you can save all that by getting a manual that costs no more than a cup of coffee. You can conduct almost any replacement by carefully going through the step-by-step instructions in the troubleshooting sections. All you need is the right tools and a little persistence.

Fortunately, there is a way out; you can easily do most of the repairs at home by following a Mercedes-Benz auto repair manual and cutting off labor expenses. Not sure where to find one? Look at eManualOnline — you’ll thank us later. Of course, that won’t make the replacement parts cheaper but it’s still better than nothing.

Quality and Longevity

Mercedes isn’t only known for producing luxurious cars but also very durable ones. The brand is synonymous with longevity, the very reason its vehicles have such a high resale value. Older Mercedes cars even become collector’s items and you can frequently come across vintage Mercedes from the 1980s and before still riding just fine.

Every Mercs car results from hours of precise craftsmanship, employing only the finest products and the best-skilled workers. With such emphasis on quality, Mercedes reserves every right to demand higher prices for its products.

Of course, it’s important to mention that you’ll also have to do your fair share to prolong your Mercedes’ life. Perform regular inspections and ensure all fluids are level. Keep an eye on wear and tear elements, such as brake pads and suspension components, and replace them when needed using a Mercedes-Benz repair guide.

Always remember that driving with worn-out or defective parts can affect other perfectly good components and quickly cause repair costs to skyrocket.

Luxury and Brand Name

The Mercedes brand name is often the main reason people buy its products. In most cases, it’s more of a status symbol than a wise investment. Just like with Nike shoes or Rolex watches, if it was cheap, everyone could get one, and then it would lose its “exclusive” feel.

When you are buying from a premium automaker, you are paying for that “exclusivity” just as much as the actual car. Of course, you get heated leather seats with massage function, ambient lighting, massive infotainment screens, dynamic sound systems, and even champagne glass holders sometimes. Still, you are also paying for the Mercedes logo.

In-House Manufacturing

Mercedes-Benz is among the few companies still manufacturing its own parts. Even luxury automakers like BMW and Audi source components from third-party suppliers. It is also one of the main reasons Mercedes-Benz cars are so expensive.

Quality always comes at a price!

Last Words

All in all, if you want a taste of pure German luxury and elegance, owning a Mercedes-Benz is definitely a good way to spend your money. Still, buying a Mercs involves significant sums, and making a hasty purchase of this size is never a good idea. Carefully plan each move and take your time to process the drawbacks. And of course, if you do decide to buy one, make sure to get your hands on a Mercedes-Benz shop manual first and assess whether you can handle some of the repairs on your own. And if not, keep in mind that hefty repair bills might be coming ahead — but after all, if you wanted to buy a cheap car, you wouldn’t be looking for a Mercs, right?