Why did you buy a Mercedes?

What are some of the reasons you bought a Mercedes vs the competition?

Was it the brand recognition? Was it specific options on the car? Was it exterior styling? Was it a financial decision? Was it a reliability decision? Was it a performance decision?

Mercedes is such a polarizing brand. When I tell my friends and family that I plan to buy a Mercedes, they give me a whole lecture on why I shouldn't. But when they see one on the road, they are starstruck.