Why is the new Mercedes Benz C Class so inexpensive comparatively?

Why is it only 32 thousand dollars? What is it lacking or what's different compared to the other, much more expensive Benz'?

Why is the new Mercedes Benz C Class so inexpensive comparatively?
Everyone has an entry level car. I feel like that Mercedes needs a car priced below $30,000. I will have to be honest I am a bit disappointed in this new C class. The fuel economy seems very lousy for 3.0 V6. It should be closer to 30mpg rather than 25mpg on the highway. My Uncle's 2001 S500 will get 23 mpg on the highway and it is a big car. Also the Mercedes has to run Premium fuel. The new Cadillac CTS has a bigger engine and will get 26mpg on the highway. It can run on regular unleaded. I have always been pro-mercedes, but the new C class has fallen short with me. Now, if they will put the diesel in it and price it below 30 grand, they will have something. Of course the C lacks many amenities of the E class which is also priced a bit too high. I feel like the E class should start in the mid 40's not nearly 50 grand.
Reply:This is the entry level Mercedes-Benz, and it competes with cars such as the BMW 3 Series.... The C300 with no options cost around $32,425, BMW 328i cost $32,400..... they are entry level cars, but you can get the C350 with all the options for around $46,600.... or the BMW 335i with all the options for around $55,400. These cars start out as entry level $32,000 cars, but can get pricey.
Reply:lots of benz owners and dealer ships will not even own up to a c class benz.its like their cavalier for chevy.they bang them together and throw the benz emblem on them and people think they are special.in reality if they want to be special they should step up to the plate and pony up a little extra and get a real mercedes like the sl 500.you don't get the prestige unless you pay for it.they might a well save the money and buy a suzuki aero
Reply:Wait until you see what is optional and how much it costs. By the time you have everything you expect in a luxury car, never mind all the expensive toys that are available, you'll find you're pretty close to 40K. If you can deal with a stripped one, and the level of equipment will be so spartan as to shock your friends with Honda Accords, they are safe cars for 32 thousand dollars. They don't rate well in reliability though.
Reply:Every manufacturer likes to have a competitive car in the many respective categories. This happens to be an entry level luxury sedan which is to compete with the Cadillac CTS, Infinite G35 sedan, BMW 525 and the Lexus IS sedan...all of which are around the same price of $30-37k. Since this is such a large segment its no surprise that Mercedes is aiming for this group of people with the C class.