mmarshall

Not a hijack. I rarely talk about the Enclave...too big ands bulky for my needs. The OP was concerned about "vanilla" styling and interiors. I only posted it to show that I thought the Mercedes was probably overpriced for what it gives you, and what one can get for less money. I don't consider that a hijack. If you do, then fine, we simply disagree.

Yes, probably a fail by your or my standards, but some people have a different standard than we do of what is "cool" or not. For a soccer-mom who has to very several kids (or a team) to and from games, a nice minivan or even full-size van may be jet about the "coolest" thing she could look at. So, along those lines, even if the OP is not a soccer-mom, I think we have to give him (or her) the benefit of the doubt.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

LOL................he is in love with Buick, nothing wrong with that

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

I do love minivan, I just love riding in them though, they are so roomy. But I hate driving them, the driving dynamic blows, and they are slow..........well except the AMG R63

But since I can't afford a driver and fully autonomous technology are not here yet, I am not owning one.

jwong77

Oh man, so maybe this will motivate Toyota and Honda to import their luxury vans over here. Those things are pretty awesome for vans.

mmarshall

Not necessarily. I happen to like the Verano, for a number of reasons. But the division also sells some current models I'm not particularly impressed with.

mmarshall

I respect your view, but wouldn't consider the Mercedes R-Class a true minivan. Its 2+2+2 seating arrangement and conventional hinged rear doors is similar to the Chrysler Pacifica and Mazda5......a different type of people-mover. (and, of course, the Pacifica is considerably larger than the Mazda5)

Blackraven

TRUE Japanese minivans/MPV are the likes of Previa, Alphard and JDM Odyssey.






NOT Americanized Sienna and USDM Odyssey.

If there is one thing that Nissan did right is that the new Quest is exactly patterned from the ELGRAND (and that these are Made in Japan in the same factory)




Anyways, I do look forward to the MB V-class. =)

tex2670

I don't see this as a total fail. Once you've decided to buy a minivan, you are stuck with the choice of a Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Kia or Dodge. So--you are forced to choose something uncool, right? If lux makers start getting into this area, then minivan buyers finally have a "cool" choice (theoretically).

mmarshall

Maybe not, but it is certainly hard to argue with the success of the American-market versions. The numbers alone tell the story.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

i would not want a luxury vehicle to carry kids around, they will tear the thing up

mmarshall

In the old days, of course, that problem was addressed with aftermarket seat-covers. But today, seat-mounted air bags, heating/cooling mechanisms in the seats, headrests, and extensive seat motors/wiring have made the installation of those traditional seat covers either very difficult or not possible at all. In addition, they take away from the enjoyment of the car....you can't enjoy the nice upholstery that you paid for.

LeX2K

I disagree...

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Yeah, it sucks that we get the bastardized versions of these minivans over here

However, most people don't see minivans as being a "status" symbol unlike suvs.

and BNR, that mb van is outright H I D E O U S!!!!!!!! It's an overpriced sprinter

1JZsoarer

I'd buy a GL over that any day of the week. Probably get as much interior space or at least quite enough for a family of 4.

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

This looks like a cargo van! And yes, please bring us Toyota Alphard!!!!