Sometimes, one Benz just isn’t enough. And Mercedes agrees.
On Tuesday, the German auto giant launched its US-based subscription plan, Mercedes-Benz Collection – a report by Benjamin Zhang on Business Insider.
Mercedes is piloting the subscription plan in Nashville, Tennessee, and Philadelphia.
“We’re always looking to stay ahead of our customers’ needs and wants, as well as to bring new people to the brand,” Dietmar Exler, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, said in a statement. “We know there is a market opportunity for people who would like the ability to move in and out of vehicles, depending on what they need or want at a particular point in time, or who don’t want to own a vehicle right now.”
Mercedes-Benz Collection membership requires a one-time activation fee of $495. There’s also a monthly fee determined by the service’s three tiers: Signature, Reserve, and Premier. However, only two of the three are available in each city.
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45. Mercedes-AMG
At $1,095 a month (not including tax), Signature is the most affordable tier. It’s available in only Nashville and features compact C-Class sedans, coupes, and convertibles, as well as the GLC 300 SUV and the SLC 300 roadster. The only high-performance model on offer is the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45.
Reserve is the middle tier at $1,595, and it’s available in both cities. It features midsize E-Class sedans, wagons, coupes, and convertibles, as well as the GLE 350 SUV. A quartet of AMG models is on offer: the C 43 sedan, the GLC 43 SUV, the SLC 43 Roadster, and the C 43 Coupe.
The Mercedes-Benz Collection website initially indicated that four-cylinder E300 models will be made available to members in Nashville, while those in Philadelphia paying the same price get more powerful V6 E400s. A company spokeswoman told Business Insider that the vehicles for Philadelphia were erroneously listed on the site. The company clarified that Reserve tier members in both cities will have access to E300 models.
The Mercedes-Benz G550. Mercedes-Benz
Finally, there’s Premier at $2,995 a month. It’s available in only Philadelphia — and it’s where things really start to get interesting, with access to Mercedes’ flagship SL roadster, S-Class sedan, and G-Class SUV. There’s also a host of AMG performance sedans and SUVs.
The service is controlled through the Mercedes-Benz Collection app, where drivers can select their cars and arrange pickups and drop-offs. Mercedes says that all vehicles come cleaned and fully fueled and that insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance are included.