I dont think it is a performance issue MJF. The Ferrari I have just sold would have been outdragged by a Tesla I suspect, but no one I know would prefer a Tesla to a Ferrari. The days when performance mattered most was before silly speed limits, congestion, scameras etc.
People buy Mercedes for the perceived quality. Sure some is perception but there is real extra quality compared to say Renault and presumably the Chinese cars. The white goods comparison is only valid for the large majority of hite goods which are just rebadged. There are still a few producers making a better product
