There are new ways to buy cars popping up all over the place. That’s a good thing as the traditional way of buying a car is a painful process. Earlier today, we posted an article about Carvana’s marketing of used cars. Now, we touch on the Mercedes subscription program for those who want something nicer to show off. Roadshow by Cnet helped Gildshire with the research into this wave of the future. How does it work? Is it like similar car subscription programs from Volvo and BMW? Those were our questions, as well.
First of all, you have to live in two particular places to be able to subscribe to a Mercedes, but that’s just for right now. Today, you must reside in Philadelphia or Nashville to take advantage. The program called “Mercedes-Benz Collection” provides a pretty broad range of cars to those who subscribe. The plan has more than one tier. The Reserve tier will cost $1,595 per month and gives you access to vehicles like the C43 AMG, the E400 wagon and the GLE350 SUV. For $2,995 per month, you can access the Premier tier. With that, you can drive around in a C63 S sedan, a G550 SUV or an SL550 roadster.
“Seems like an awful lot of money, even or a Mercedes.” Yes, but you have to look deeper to see what is included.”
It is a lot of cash per month, but the ability to “flip” into different vehicles with minimal notice through the Mercedes-Benz Collection concierge service is pretty cool. As with most subscription plans, cars are delivered to you cleaned and fueled, and the plan includes insurance. That, by itself, knocks several hundred dollars off the total.
Is it a good deal? In the classic sense, not really. Mercedes admits that. But, if you’re a person of means and love a shiny new Benz, then this is one way to go.
If the current rollout is successful, expect M/B to expand to the larger cities of the east, before moving west. This may be, finally and at last, the way to distinguish the cool kids. And, haven’t we all wondered about that.
If the Mercedes subscription plan succeeds other high-end rides will follow, but Gildshire will keep you posted on MB’s progress before that happens. Stay tuned.