I wouldn't buy a Merc today. For 5 glorious years in my youth, I had the best they ever made - a metallic blue 1970 300SEL 6.3, bought second-hand from a Saudi Consular officer. Then, it was billed as the fastest production car in the world. With handling to match!
I broke many a traffic rule (and never got caught!!!!!), and I loved that beast.
I had to sell it when it just got too expensive to maintain.
Mercedes does not build soul-cars any more today, but then I'm not sure that anyone does (except for maybe Aston - and maybe that's why B&O has identified them as possible partners)??.
Learn from the mistakes of others - you'll not live long enough to make them all yourself!