Mercedes-Benz Announces 1997 Prices
08/16/96
Mercedes-Benz has announced prices for its 1997 models. The company claims an average increase of only 0.7% ($420 per vehicle) and says that when the new prices are adjusted to account for equipment additions and enhancements the 1997 line is actually 0.8% cheaper than the 1996 line, on a sales weighted basis.
The company said that all 1997 models now feature a five-speed electronically controlled driver adaptive automatic transmission, which was first introduced on 1996 V8 and VI2 S-Class and SL models. Mercedes says the new transmission improves performance and fuel efficiency.
All 1997 Mercedes-Benz models also have a sensor in the passenger's front seat which will stop the airbag from deploying in a crash if it does not detect 26 or more pounds of weight in the seat. The sensor can save repair time and cost. Additionally all 1997 Mercedes-Benz models will come with special anti-theft systems, an improved infra red remote entry system and the integrated HomeLink(R) compatible garage door opener.
The dealer delivery charge for every model remains unchanged from 1996 at $595.
Here's the company's price list:
1997 Mercedes-Benz Price Guide 1997 1996 MRSP MSRP Equipment Model MSRP MSRP Change percent change adjusted change -------------------------------------------------------------------------- C230 $30,450 $29,900 $550 %1.8 %-1.3 C280 35,400 32,250 150 0.4 -1.8 C36 51,925 51,000 925 1.8 -0.3 E300 Diesel 39,900 39,900 0 0 -1.9 E320 44,800 43,500 1,300 3.0 +1.3 E420 49,900 No 1996 0 0 -1.1 S320* 63,300 62,700 600 1.0 -3.3 S320 66,600 65,900 700 1.1 -3.0 S420 73,900 73,900 0 0 -1.6 S500 87,500 87,500 0 0 -1.4 S600 130,300 130,300 0 0 -2.8 S500 Coupe 91,900 91,900 0 0 -4.6 S600 Coupe 133,300 133,300 0 0 -3.8 SL320 79,600 78,300 1,300 1.7 -0.7 SL500 89,900 89,900 0 0 -0.6 SL600 123,200 120,100 1,200 1.0 -0.2 * Standard wheelbase; other S-Class sedans are long wheelbase.
Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel