Mercedes-Benz E-Class Import Car Market overwhelmingly tops..The secret to their continuous popularity is

May 12, 2025
















Photo courtesy : carguy(www.carguy.kr)









Competition in the imported car market is much fiercer than that of domestic cars, which are dominated by Hyundai and Kia. In the case of domestic cars, Hyundai Motor is ranked first in sales by brand, Kia is second, and Genesis is third. Sometimes Kia has topped the list, but most of them remain in this order. When the three brands belonging to Hyundai Motor Group are combined, the market share exceeds 85%. In fact, the domestic car market is monopolized.

On the other hand, the battle for the No. 1 spot in the imported car market is fierce. Until 2022, Mercedes-Benz Korea has been ranked No. 1 all the time. From 23 to 24, BMW Korea ranked first for two consecutive years amid fierce competition.









In this way, Mercedes and BMW are fiercely competing for the No. 1 position in the imported car market. The model that contributes greatly to the battle between the two brands is accurate. It is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series. It is also noteworthy that unlike the domestic car market, which is strong in SUVs, mid-sized sedans (E-segment) occupy the popular models of imported cars.

In March 25, Mercedes-Benz Korea beat BMW to take the top spot in the imported car market. In April, dot BMW topped the list. These results can be seen by looking at the sales ranking by vehicle type.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the number one selling vehicle, as well as the only one with more than 3,000 units in sales volume. Even when BMW ranked first in sales of imported car brands in 24, Mercedes-Benz E-Class ranked first in sales by vehicle type in 24.




As such, the love for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class in the domestic market is extraordinary. Why do we keep such an overwhelmingly high sales volume




The first is premium brand power based on a long history. Mercedes-Benz has been a brand represented by the symbol of wealth since the days when imported cars were precious decades ago. Although vehicles of various brands form a mania group, the E-Class is imprinted on various people, including consumers who are less interested in cars.

Due to this widespread perception, it enjoyed high popularity as it ranked first in the sales of imported cars for seven consecutive years. As a result, it is once again popular in the used car market, increasing its residual value.




In other words, it was chosen by a variety of consumers, such as those who were not interested in tea or were not familiar with tea, and those who were not familiar with it, leading to high sales. In addition, the residual value of used cars is guaranteed, and its popularity is maintained steadily.




The second is an accessible price range. In the past, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been recognized as an expensive vehicle. However, with the development of the domestic premium brand Genesis, domestic car prices have also steadily risen.

In addition, Hyundai Motor's most popular sedan, Grandeur, has a hybrid calligraphy trim of well over 50 million won.

Genesis, a high-end brand, has a higher price range. If popular options are combined with the G80 sedan, the actual purchase price will be between the mid-60 million won and the early-mid 70 million won. In addition, the G80 Black, which recently appeared, has a starting price of 81.49 million won, which exceeds 80 million won.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class currently has the highest E200 avant-garde sales, an entry model. The E200 avant-garde price is 75 million won, but it is discounted by more than 10 million won these days. In the end, the actual purchase price is less than 65 million won.

E-class customers are about 10 million won more expensive than Hyundai Motor's Grandeur hybrid full option, and are being purchased at a similar or cheaper price to the Genesis G80.

Of course, the higher trim E300 and E450 are expensive around 90 million won. Based on this high-priced image, E200, an entry-level trim, is showing high sales.




The third is the overall completeness. No matter how much cheaper it is than domestic Genesis cars, it cannot take the top spot for that reason alone. The overall completeness is as high as its long-standing reputation.

Apart from the fact that BMW 5 Series has many enthusiasts for sharp handling (though it has become dull compared to the past) and driving fun, the E-Class is attractive in that most people can feel comfortable.

Based on E200, there is nothing outstanding, but there is no flaw. It has maintained its No. 1 position for years, combining good ride comfort, easy-to-hand setting, high-speed driving stability, brand power, accessible price point, and high used car residual value.




In addition, it has a colorful and luxurious interior that fits the domestic consumer tendency that is strict about interior design.

However, the discount rate is continuously increasing recently to maintain high sales volume. Considering long-term sales, it would be better to set the factory price itself more reasonably.

The fierce price competition between the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series eventually helps consumers. Attention is focusing on the future of who will take the top spot in imported cars among the two brands this year.

Editor Song Moon-cheol mc.song@carguy.kr











This article was translated by Naver AI translator.