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Modern leasing has allowed people to constantly be in debt and constantly drive a new car.
Basically, the majority of expensive sedans these days are nothing more than mid-long term rental cars.
So there's no need to design a standard production car to cover 200,000, 300,000 or 400,000 miles anymore.
But for a Mercedes, it does still have to have a veneer of luxury and quality. But it's just a veneer. Look at the not-so-readily visible parts of a modern mercedes and you'll see what I mean. The door hinges, fuel filler door, etc. etc. etc. Low cost. Shut a door and watch the sheet metal vibrate. Find a $400,000 MAYBACH and be amazed when you tap it's imposing grill to find that it is cheap plastic.
There was a time when a MB was a good value. Now they are pretty much like any other mass produced car, but can still command more money because they benefit from their brand recognition and their past earned glory.
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