What is the difference between Mercedes cars sold in the USA compared to Europe?

I have been searching tops brands (mercedes, BMW etc..) on american web sites, and were wondering if anybody knows the difference (if any) between the cars sold in the USA compared to similar cars sold in Europe. Are the emissions higher, fuel differences etc. I am refering to simliar cars with simliar engines, i.e. Mercedes ML 320 CDI SUV. The reason I am wondering is primarily the big price difference.What is the difference between Mercedes cars sold in the USA compared to Europe?
This question could take a lot of explaining...so I'm going to limit my answer to the example of the ML 320 CDI.



MOST Mercedes Vehicles that we see in the States are the same OR very similar to the European versions. However, the Europeans have several different engines that we in the States do not see. The perfect example is the 220 CDI motor. Why? There are plenty of answers to that. Basically the answer is overhead and production costs.



Back to the ML and the price difference. Right now, it is cheaper to buy a Mercedes Benz in the US than almost anywhere else in the world because of the weak dollar. For that reason, many Europeans are trying to purchase MBs here for export to Europe. They can generally make profits of up to $30,000!!! Mercedes Benz, as well as most European governments, does not allow this practice as it damages local economies.



The ML range is also cheaper in the States because they are assembled here (in Alabama in fact). This lowers shipping costs for American consumers. BUT, because these vehicles have to be shipped back overseas, and then usually across half of the continent, the price rises substantially. Not to mention that there are frequently taxes applied to the ML abroad because of it's size.



Hope that makes sense. Feel free to email me for further clarification.What is the difference between Mercedes cars sold in the USA compared to Europe?
The Steering wheel is on the other sideWhat is the difference between Mercedes cars sold in the USA compared to Europe?
I own a European version Mercedes and in some ways I like it better. It is a 1978 450 SLC 5.0 Prettier bumpers and headlights. Lightweight alloy hood and trunk lid. NO smog equipment and it is geared higher. Also better gas mileage. Sometimes parts are a pain, but I have my sources. Also the motor I have in this car was not brought into the States until 1984 in the SEC and SEL. Sadly it was choked down too much. My car is 240 horsepower, the American version was 184 horsepower. BIG difference. Today there are more similiarities on the models when it comes to emissions and safety. There are more engine choices offered in the E and C classes in Europe. 4 cylinder gasoline, smaller 6 cylinders and an array of diesel motors I would love to see over here. Also interior choices will vary. More stripped down models with plastic hubcaps and cloth interior. Plus more manual transmissions. I would love to see more models with less bells and whistles come to our shores. A C class diesel that was stripped down would be great provided if diesel fuel will get straightened out on price. Also the prices differences could be a result of our dollar being weak unfortunately.
The North American versions differ slightly to comply with our differing emission, lighting, and bumper laws.



Mercedes is also more known as a luxury marquee here as well so North America usually receives the fancier models with more standard equipment compared to what is on the European base models.