Early Prototypes

[Des]

I think going by these prototypes we can be thankful Mercedes ending up with the right design.

 

[Michel]

I think going by these prototypes we can be thankful Mercedes ending up with the right design.

I thought this one was designed with drinks delivery tray in mind...

 

[Michel]

Looks like they are testing how the rubber bumpers deform and handle when bumped into something.

Of course, all part of the 5mph crash limits

 

[Michel]

Can't remember where I heard it, but I heard somewhere that Mercedes spends $1 million dollars USD a day on research and development.

I think sometimes we all complain about the costs of parts but forget the vast amounts of money it takes for a real car maker like Mercedes to design, build and get the car all the way through the production process to your driveway all shiney and new.

It is fact that the real cost of a motor car is les than a third of what the selling price is.
However, a third is profit and a third is send back to (or is there to recoup) R&D