Want your thoughts on upgrading Mercedes-Benz A250 to A45

[joyjas77]

I've been thinking lately about going the whole hog and upgrading the A250 to an A45. Interested in peoples opinions.

My concerns are:
1. The front seats, well I'm not a small guy. I'm 183cm and am about 110kg. Yes I know a little too heavy, but my concern is how adjustable is the seat and is it comfortable over long drives. Currently i find the A250 seat just right.
2. While my 250 is fully optioned these babies are in the low 60's and the 45 is in the low 80's so about $20k + difference I've been offered by my dealer a changeover of $27k, my 250 is 5 months old and done just a smidge under 10,000km's. I don't thrash it and have looked after it. It would mean I've lost $7k over 5 months.

The likes of upgrading.
1. Just the man thing - would like to have more power. Now personally I give my A250 a little squirt here and there but generally don't flog it or really drive over the speed limit. But I like to be able to get to the speed limit in a reasonable time somedays.
2. The sound, the A45 has a little more of a "My car has a bit of grunt" tone. While I like the A250's sound it is quite quiet.
3. ILS - If this had of been available for the A250 I would have ticked the extra box and got it. It wasn't.
4. While I've lost $7k now, in a few more months we'll start to see the GLA, coming out so I'm assuming with more choices my loss will increase.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Hey mate, a some of my cents thrown in for whatever they're worth.

The only way to tell if the seat is comfortable enough for you is to go for an extended drive. I found the seats very comfortable during my ownership and never had a complaint from any of my passengers (mostly my wife). That said, @soulsolutions has reported his partner has found the seats to be ridiculously uncomfortable.

$7K over 5 months is not a massive loss on a new car. But that is assuming there is an A45 ready and waiting for you. Is this the case or will you be in the A250 for a bit longer?

You will definitely get to the speed limit in a decent time. More often than not you leave traffic in your wake and they are but a distant memory in the rear view mirror.

ILS on the A45 is good, but not a massive deal if you mostly drive in city environments. In urban environments you'll barely notice it's operation. Out in rural areas its brilliant. The importance of this feature really depends on where you drive mostly. Keep in mind the ILS on the A45 is not as advanced as the ILS in the E and S where it has a far greater ability to vary light distribution patterns and goes as far as pointing out potential hazards. On the A45 you'll mostly notice just a gradual progression between high and low beam depending on lighting conditions and surrounding traffic. The system is also limited in that is doesn't compensate for inclines and declines very well.

The sound of the A45 is thrilling, but is it worth $27K? I wouldn't think so. You could achieve a louder sound than a standard A250 for much less.

The A45 is SO SO cool in the publics eyes and you'll have people hi-fiving you left right and centre. If you don't want to deal with that, don't buy it.

There is barely any difference in the interior. You certainly won't feel like you've spent an extra $20K inside apart from a fancier looking and centrally located gear shifter and some alcantara on the steering wheel.

That's it for now. I'll add more if anything comes to mind. Hope it helps to clear your thoughts a bit.

 

[joyjas77]

Thanks Mr. Mercedes. I appreciate your input and review on ILS. I would be in a 45 in the next month if I were to go ahead.

 

[clip]

Personally I'm happy to pay an extra $20k for what I get over the A250. The engine is worth more than that on it's own I reckon. I'm seeing what it will cost to get out of the lease this early, what I can get for the car now on the second hand market, and what the dealer will offer as a change over price. Only problem is I've been told probably March next year before I can get into an A45.

 

[joyjas77]

I wanted to at purchase time as well, but unfortunately I didn't. But yeah I'm really thinking I probably will. I'm going to go for a sit in a 45 tomorrow, it's owned by the dealers customer so no test drive but I would just like to see how comfortable the seat is and how adjustable. If I'm happy I should be able to changeover next month.

 

[joyjas77]

My other half and I decided we would hold off on the 45 till my car is 3yrs old. At which time it will become hers and a new 45 will be mine. So if you know anyone after a 45 Gippsland MB will have a new one with black wheels on the way for mid march. Get in quick as they may lose the allocation if it's not sold quickly

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Ahh what the other half does to us.

If I listened to my other half, I'd have a bicycle. lol

In 3 years time, the 45 facelift should be due, so it's good timing @joyjas77

 

[joyjas77]

Yes I would have upgraded, but oh well. I've got a beautiful car to drive in the meantime and also the ability to check my other options in the meantime