I guess mercedes lost its prestige after 95 the one series were hardcore mercs but in my opinion its matter of quantity vs quality.Just consider the lineup today A,B,C,E,S,G,M,R,CL,CLC,SLK,SL,ML,GLK,....etc how will u maintain the standard if u have such a loooong lineup. Over engineering is a thing of the past now....mercs these days dont even have tht thud sound from the doors...check this survey 2013 of engine failures
1. Honda (failure rate: 1 in 344)
2. Toyota (failure rate: 1 in 171)
3. Mercedes-Benz (failure rate: 1 in 119)
4. Volvo (failure rate: 1 in 111)
5. Jaguar (failure rate: 1 in 103)
6. Lexus (failure rate: 1 in 101)
7. Fiat (failure rate: 1 in 85)
8. Ford (failure rate: 1 in 80)
9. Nissan (failure rate: 1 in 76)
10. Land Rover (failure rate: 1 in 72)