Mercedes adjusting GLK model mix, options list to kickstart sales?
2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK - Click above for a high-res gallery of images
Mercedes-Benz plotted the sales course of its distinctively-styled GLK crossover last summer, back when there were still a lot of people ordering their new rides with all available options. With that in mind, they shipped over boatloads of optioned-up GLKs whose MSRPs were north of $40,000, well above the model's $34,775 base price. Fast forward to January of 2009, and people want their new cars with fewer add-ons, maybe even just one or two frills. That has translated into optioned-out GLK models sitting around around on lots.
According to AutoWeek, in order to redress the issue, Mercedes has created new option arrays that give the consumer more choices for less money. Instead of having to order the Premium 1 Package to get a sunroof, for example, buyers will now be able to buy the sunroof separately and keep their bottom line lower by $1,700. Navigation will now also be available as a standalone $1,800 option instead of being bundled with the Multimedia Package, saving $1,550. As a nice touch, those who already purchased their GLK in the last two months are eligible for a $2,000 refund.
Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350
[Source: AutoWeek]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Aprime 6:39PM (4/13/2009)
Why is it that I see so many of these in Ottawa?
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Steve 7:10PM (4/13/2009)
I'm from Ottawa, and I share your pain.
Aprime 7:17PM (4/13/2009)
We've got a lot of Rs too. :|
TyWright 9:37PM (4/13/2009)
My friend who works at Mercedes in Vancouver says they can't keep up with orders. They're selling like wildfire. Also remember that Canada is no where near in any kind of recession like the US, and Canadians are irrational fans of domestic cars - we buy more imports up here per capita...
Yikes 8:55AM (4/14/2009)
TyWright, I'm not aware on the "domestic" brands in Canada. What would those be?
geo.stewart 6:47PM (4/13/2009)
the refund is nice but once you'll leave to your senses and bought one of these, does 2000 really make you feel better?
I dont think so, but then 2000 of appletinis may make it a little better.
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Ligor 6:52PM (4/13/2009)
$40+k for this is way too much even loaded
there are so many CUVs out there that I would get before this for less money
the MB badge on the hood is not worth that much
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MPL 10:19PM (4/13/2009)
Maybe not, but the safety and engineering are.
jjmcubed 2:30AM (4/14/2009)
This attitude is what keeps the USA from getting premium smaller cars. Just because a car is two feet longer, doesn't mean that it is worth 10K more. You can have a smaller car that feels just a nice as a saloon, if you build it correctly. I'm not blaming you, so don't think I'm bashing you... It is just the attitude that has been taught here.
Mr.Oak 6:58PM (4/13/2009)
Hang in there folks, Daimler will soon be ready to make deals. They are at a cash burn rate $1B per month.
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Aloysius Vampa 7:47PM (4/13/2009)
I really like these.
I would never buy one, though.
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xtasi 7:56PM (4/13/2009)
I hope this becomes a trend. Where I don't have to buy a lot of options that I don't care for before I can select the ones I want. IE, what does the "premium" package have to do with sunroof?
Not to single out Ford, but nav on the Fusion can't be had with the lowest two trims... ie the only ones available with manual transmissions. What does nav have to do with transmission?
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Revs 8:01PM (4/13/2009)
Common mistake. Manufacturers and dealers always seem to over-option their cars to milk more profit out of the consumer. Perhaps the decline in auto sales will put an end to this.
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Jesse 8:09PM (4/13/2009)
Fugly.
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bill jackman 8:13PM (4/13/2009)
Kickstart sales with an exterior redesign.
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Randy 8:40PM (4/13/2009)
The problem I have M-B is not its sales price but their service price point.
Sorry, but I don't want to drop $1000 at their doorstep every time the vehicle needs to be serviced.
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littlegreen 9:02PM (4/13/2009)
Sales are slow because this thing is butt ugly! It has the same ungainly proportions as the last 2 generations of Forester.
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Paul P. 9:18PM (4/13/2009)
My wife wants to get rid of her RX330 and get one of these. She's waiting until they bring out the GLK550 though.
I really like it as well. In a world of CUVs that look like a jelly bean this one looks like a real SUV, which is a nice change. If it had some off road prowess and the diesel Mercedes uses in their other SUVs I wouldn't mind owning one myself.
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Other Man 11:13PM (4/13/2009)
Not a bad choice among compact luxo SUVs. Still, I'd honestly take the RDX over this, although none of the other competitors (and I own an MB).
That aside, they're all rip-offs. For 40 grand, that new Grand Cherokee might not have the badge these cars do, but with more room, a nice interior, and a 360 hp Hemi, I just wouldn't care.
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William 11:17PM (4/13/2009)
Alike that of the reader in Ottawa, I see a ton of these in Toronto. However, all of them were the fully-loaded ones with the massive 20-inch wheels. I see more of these than the new Mazda3's, which is very weird since the Mazda3 is the best-selling passenger car in Canada today.
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