No one said it was the same quality. The thread starter just stated "FEATURE INSPIRED." Which means some features where inspired by MB. Pretty simple. You skewed the whole concept of this thread.

I don't think anyone purchased a loaded Ram to replace the luxury or handling of their MB or BMW. But the nice interior of my Laramie is one of the reasons I picked it over an Escalade EXT and other vehicles. I even picked it over the small SUVs MB and BMW offer, not because of the luxury but because of the ability to haul and still be in some style. I needed something to do some extra hauling, not necessarily to tow anything.

 

The problem I have with the thread title is that the features seen on the latest truck have absolutely no resemblence to the cars mentioned. Just the fact that Dodge has updated its interior, away from the drab interiors we have seen in the past, is good but by no means an indication that they are inspired by MB. It could have been inspiration from any of the European cars such as for example Alfa Romeo, Peugeot, Citroen, Saab etc and not necessarily German cars. Anyway, if you want to believe it is MB inspired then fine, as long as you enjoy your truck to be a truck

 

When I started the thread, I was really meaning that some of the concepts of Mercedes, I can see in the RAM, for example the overhead ambiance lighting. I remember querying it when I first got in the old Merc I had.

The keys are pretty much identical, so some DB parts must be used in the RAM, or at least, DB designs.

I was amazed to find that the transmission functions in the same manner as a Tiptronic transmission as found in a Benz. This is radically different than the "autostick" dog turd in my old Pacifica. It changes up or down within the range you specify, not just stick in the gear you specify, a la "auto****".

I wouldnt suggest that the RAM is a replacement for a luxury sedan, it isnt. However, I would suggest that more than a few G-Wagen drivers would find the RAM a more pleasant place to be than their Mercedes.

BTW, I'm comparing here with a 2002 E-Class I had. Had a newer model E-Class as a rental once, with even more seeming commonality of design goals with the RAM, though noticeably lower material quality and solidity than my 2002. Solidity is not a lacking quality the RAM though. It feels every bit as solidly constructed as the E Class, and certainly streets ahead of either the Pacifica or my wife's Aspen.

 

1. There are most definitely a few elements, as mentioned (key fob, lighting, etc.) that are derived from Mercedes. DB did own Chrysler for awhile. They definitely had an influence as a lot of this truck's planning was done under DB's watch. You can't deny it.

2. The 3 blink was on previous Dodge's, so not sure if that's MB inspired, unless they incorporated that into later models of the last gen.

3. Take a look at the Chrysler Crossfire. (I owned one) and it straight up had Mercedes stamped & marked parts. Hoses, air box, lights, etc. Plus the engine and tranny were straight Mercedes. It was more Mercedes than Chrysler. So, it would make sense that there is also Mercedes influence in the new Ram.

4. I have a Laramie and I use my truck to pull a trailer about 26 weeks out of the year and I probably haul stuff 3 times a week. I have no problem working my truck and if I get a scratch it doesn't bother me, but I still enjoy having some creature comforts on the inside such as nice seats, power options, nice stereo, etc. The truck being nice on the inside is what allows it to be my daily driver and my work horse at the same time, which saves me money from having to buy a nice car and a cheap truck.

 

The backup warning is the same as the Mercedes too, I believe.

 

So you guys think MB is the only company with a back up sensor?

I give up...

 

I think spoon is missing the point in the comparo. It's not as if Hemi went...."hmm these are some nice features...they must be modeled after mercedes". I think as most of us know and sobo pointed out, Daimler-Benz did own Dodge before they sold it to Cerebus, so i think there is absolutely credibility in tying functionally similar Dodge upgrades to existing features of Mercedes when in fact they were working partners for some time.

 

Yea. I dont think he knew that Chryler was owned by the parent company of Merdeces Benz. And if he did, not sure if he's putting 2 and 2 together.

 

spoon did not do his homework

 

Exactly. Years ago (in Europe), I had a Grand Caravan. 97 model, as I remember. So I've been familiar with Chrysler products for a little while. Figure-8 shaped key fobs, basic plastic handled keys, green VFD displays all over the place, a certain grade of plastic used for the interior moldings.

I move to the US, and my other half had a 99 Durango. Pretty much the same grade of plastic, same keys, same green VFDs, it was clearly from the same stable.

I bought a Pacifica, which was a step up, used Mercedes rear suspension, Mercedes-lite curved interior, plastic chromed bits and woodgrain etc. Still some VFDs and the like.

Now I have a RAM, and some of the design cues from my E Class (again a Euro one, but they're the same interiors here) are in the RAM, like the EVIC between the gauges (though Audis, V-dubs etc have this). Illuminated steering wheel controls for the EVIC. Illuminated window switches. None of my other Chrysler-family had this.

The Parktronic (as it's called in a Merc) does indeed work in the same way, though the sensors and indicators are physically similar, I don't remember them being the same. Of course many brands have the feature, but others indicate differently.

The tranny, as I said earlier, is reminiscent of the Merc, and it is a world away from the thing in the Pacifica. I note Dodge don't say "Tiptronic", it's a trade name, used in Porsches and Mercs for years, but the method of operation is the same, and is far superior to operation of the same 545RFE tranny in the wife's Aspen.

I'm not saying the RAM is a Mercedes, I'm saying the design goals of the RAM are closer to those of Mercedes than previous Chryslers, and maybe some of the techniques and parts used to get there did indeed come from Daimler-Benz.