Why was the Istanar discontinued?
3 Answers
The discontinuation of the Istanar was due to cost control in domestic production and the lack of oversight from Mercedes-Benz. Below are the main differences between imported and domestically produced Mercedes-Benz vehicles: 1. Workmanship: Domestic vehicles, starting with the doors, have rough handling of corners and sheet metal. Moving to the driver's seat area, the throttle and brake pedals, as well as under the steering wheel, many plastic edges and material installations have burrs. The trunk and storage spaces lack any protection. Domestically produced Mercedes-Benz vehicles exhibit cost-cutting practices, which are rare in imported models. 2. Precision: In domestically produced Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the chassis and some plastic assembly parts often lack screws where they should be installed. 3. Configuration: Domestic configurations are more expensive than imported ones.
I'm a big car enthusiast who loves studying various models, and the discontinuation of the Istana has caught my attention. Originally a light passenger/commercial vehicle series produced by SAIC Motor, its sales never took off. In recent years, the auto market has become fiercely competitive, with Tesla and domestic EV startups stealing the spotlight. Consumer preferences have also shifted toward SUVs and new energy vehicles, leaving outdated designs like the Istana behind—its high fuel consumption and basic interior appeal less to younger buyers. Automakers need profits, so after discontinuing it, they’ve prioritized newer models like the Maxus V80 or V90, which are quicker to update and more cost-effective. I think the industry must evolve this way, or no one survives. Additionally, policies like the stricter China VI emissions standards made the Istana’s outdated tech non-compliant, forcing its exit. Looking back, it was once a practical workhorse, but times change, and some models fade away.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I'm not at all surprised by the discontinuation of the Istana. This model was decent back in the day—durable and suitable for transport or modifications—but its sales were too poor. After driving it extensively, you'd notice many flaws: noisy engine, unreasonable space layout, and scarce, hard-to-find spare parts. Modern vehicles are evolving too fast, with higher demands for autonomous driving and low emissions. The Istana couldn't keep up technologically, so the manufacturer naturally discontinued it to save costs and focus on developing new models like the Maxus EG series. I actually think the discontinuation is for the better—owners can now upgrade to more advanced, fuel-efficient models, reducing daily maintenance hassles. That's just how the auto industry works; if old models don't bow out, how can new ones take the stage?
