The motor vehicle industry in New Zealand is unique, being that we are one of a few countries in the world to allow the importation of ‘Grey imports’. These are passenger cars that were not built for New Zealand, but have been brought in to the country as new or used passenger cars by private importers rather than the official factory distributor such as Mercedes-Benz New Zealand Limited in the case of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.
When establishing equipment levels for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars available in our local market, Mercedes-Benz New Zealand Limited chooses standard features and equipment that best suits the challenges of New Zealand's wide-ranging environment and driving conditions. As such import passenger cars may be missing certain key features added to New Zealand new passenger cars.
In many cases New Zealand ordered cars are higher equipped than those imported from overseas. Therefore, a simple Manufacturer Recommended Retail Price (MRRP) comparison is often inaccurate at best and only represents part of the entire picture.
Key specification differences between import passenger cars may include:
- Airbags; New Zealand passenger cars often have the highest number of airbags specified for our market.
- PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system.
- MBUX Media Interface with ‘Hey Mercedes’.
- Driving Assistance package - inc Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane-Keeping Assist, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, PRE-SAFE® Brake with Active Pedestrian Protection, Brake Assist (BAS) with Junction Assist, Rear-end Collision warning and protection system.
- New Zealand mapping data with Speed Sign Recognition.
- Factory warranty length and discretionary goodwill consideration.
All of the systems in your New Zealand new Mercedes-Benz passenger car have been preprogramed to function correctly in our environment. Things like Navigation and Speed Sign Recognition in imported passenger cars may not function correctly once brought to New Zealand. Likewise any internet connectivity functions a Grey Import passenger car may have may no longer work correctly in New Zealand.
Additionally, stay safe in the knowledge that support is ready and waiting for you should the worst happen. All New Zealand new Mercedes-Benz passenger cars come with three years free roadside assist in the event of an accident or breakdown. Your Mercedes-Benz passenger car will be transported to the nearest authorised Mercedes-Benz retailer, and repaired to the highest standard.