Back in 1989 my mom got a '90 300E.
Her friend called her to say congrats and sorta rubbed in that it was the "Baby Benz", well my mom replied..."you must be mistaking it for the 190E, I have the 300." Long story short 2 months later her friend wanted a MB and her husband said "no". My mom got the last laugh.
Having the "baby" of a luxury car line is nothing to be ashamed about. Your still a step above most Jap. Cars, all VW's, and almost every American car I can think of. As far as quality of materials and such goes, MB beats Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura hands down and should never be compared. From a long history of experience, there is nothing in the world like driving a MB.
Erik