Driven the B Class twice, 2 different dealers. Leaf once yesterday so that is fresh in my memory. A few comments.
Neither Benz dealer sales rep was well educated on the car. First dealer said all sales reps were fully trained but I'm not a believer. They spent the most time demonstrating the infotainment system which they are well versed in from other cars. Both sales people pretended that the $7500 tax credit had no impact on a lease, and kicked off the conversations with monthly lease costs between $500 and $600. Yea sure, where do I sign....
The Nissan dealer had 2 Leaf experts in yesterday and they know their stuff. Granted they have been selling these for years not months. There wasn't a question I asked and they couldn't answer or answered wrong. Yes, I ask questions when I know the answers to check the level of BS.
Highlights of the comparison. Leaf interior is a significant step down in material quality, but offers heated rear seats and heated steering wheel. The Leaf left the lot @ 24 degrees outside showing 85 miles of range. I drove it 5 miles and pulled into the lot showing 65 on the GOM. Cold weather and warming car from parking lot temps takes its toll on range with the Leaf too.
The Benz is quieter at speeds 40 and higher no question. The Leaf doesn't feel as well insulated and there was wind noise at speed though it was a windy day and they hadn't cleared all the snow and ice from the hood which might have been a factor.
There is more acceleration power in the Benz off the line, but once off and moving the Leaf gathers speed quickly too. Feels like Nissan is limiting off the line power to keep us lead foots from killing the range.
Pricing, Nissan is offering both a $3500 rebate and 0% for up to 72 months on 2015 models (no 2014 leftovers anywhere). Didn't talk lease just yet with them. They quickly offered $1000 under invoice, then apply the rebate, and 0% financing. A quick check in turbo tax software confirmed I'd get the full $7500 credit next tax season too. Some rough math tells me it would lease in the $199mo range with a low up front cost. If I read correctly, there is a $9000 lease cash incentive on Leaf SL models right now.
Mercedes has to be ready to move these 2014 models out even more aggressively soon, there are 10 and 9 in stock at my closest dealers here in CT. The current "deals" end tomorrow 2/2 and I'd think something better must be on the way with 2015 models to be delivered. I'm confident the B class (2014) can be leased for $299mo or little less but I'd cap my upfront cost at $2000 or less to be really interested.
Not in a hurry to purchase, we own 2 other cars and this is a 3rd until we get comfortable with the EV. If it all works out I'll put the old Infiniti on craigslist.
Comments? Things I've missed?
Neither Benz dealer sales rep was well educated on the car. First dealer said all sales reps were fully trained but I'm not a believer. They spent the most time demonstrating the infotainment system which they are well versed in from other cars. Both sales people pretended that the $7500 tax credit had no impact on a lease, and kicked off the conversations with monthly lease costs between $500 and $600. Yea sure, where do I sign....
The Nissan dealer had 2 Leaf experts in yesterday and they know their stuff. Granted they have been selling these for years not months. There wasn't a question I asked and they couldn't answer or answered wrong. Yes, I ask questions when I know the answers to check the level of BS.
Highlights of the comparison. Leaf interior is a significant step down in material quality, but offers heated rear seats and heated steering wheel. The Leaf left the lot @ 24 degrees outside showing 85 miles of range. I drove it 5 miles and pulled into the lot showing 65 on the GOM. Cold weather and warming car from parking lot temps takes its toll on range with the Leaf too.
The Benz is quieter at speeds 40 and higher no question. The Leaf doesn't feel as well insulated and there was wind noise at speed though it was a windy day and they hadn't cleared all the snow and ice from the hood which might have been a factor.
There is more acceleration power in the Benz off the line, but once off and moving the Leaf gathers speed quickly too. Feels like Nissan is limiting off the line power to keep us lead foots from killing the range.
Pricing, Nissan is offering both a $3500 rebate and 0% for up to 72 months on 2015 models (no 2014 leftovers anywhere). Didn't talk lease just yet with them. They quickly offered $1000 under invoice, then apply the rebate, and 0% financing. A quick check in turbo tax software confirmed I'd get the full $7500 credit next tax season too. Some rough math tells me it would lease in the $199mo range with a low up front cost. If I read correctly, there is a $9000 lease cash incentive on Leaf SL models right now.
Mercedes has to be ready to move these 2014 models out even more aggressively soon, there are 10 and 9 in stock at my closest dealers here in CT. The current "deals" end tomorrow 2/2 and I'd think something better must be on the way with 2015 models to be delivered. I'm confident the B class (2014) can be leased for $299mo or little less but I'd cap my upfront cost at $2000 or less to be really interested.
Not in a hurry to purchase, we own 2 other cars and this is a 3rd until we get comfortable with the EV. If it all works out I'll put the old Infiniti on craigslist.
Comments? Things I've missed?
