That’s because they’re german car manufacturers. Have a look at the german configurators for cars. Especially Mercedes, you can absolutely finetune every aspect of the trim. If you think VW offers loads of options, .. nah. For the A-Class alone you get 15 different engine combinations, 11 different wheels, two LED options, 10 different interior colours, 7 options for seats, 6 options for décor elements, two different suspension options etc pp. This “one spec” thing is a UK only thing, and it’s incredibly annoying. First, due to that, you can’t even get half the options in the UK – for example, the adaptive suspension in the CLA/A-Class etc. Second, back when they were on the scheme, if i wanted matrix LED headlights i had to go for the absolute top spec model for £4000 (with the dinkiest 1.3l engine). With the german system i would’ve taken a lower trim level, saved £2000 and paid £500 for the matrix LEDs, saving £1500. We have a Golf on order. We didn’t order voice control, but we might unlock it afterwards. It’s a decent option to have. It’s not baked into the spec (meaning that i’m not paying for it either), opposed to wireless charging for example that i don’t use but have to pay for if it’s baked into the spec. We sprinkled quite a few options into our Golf (GTE, so no trim levels in the first place), and i don’t see why that’s a bad thing. We can argue which options should be standard (and i’d agree that phone integration should be standard – but VW isn’t the only one who charges for it – ask Volvo owners), but in the end, not having to pay for an option that i don’t need in a spec that i want, is a good thing. A better thing of course would be if i wouldn’t be locked into a spec and could just pick and chose the options i want. With our Ateca for example, we have the Excellence Lux. I want the 19″ wheels, can only get them in the top trims. Meaning i’m paying for bollocks like auto-park, wireless charging (which is particularly nonsense in a car without wireless android auto, i have to plug it in either way), adaptive cruise control, lane hold assist, heated windscreen that i despise, etc pp. The list is endless. Basically, i wanted a basemodel Ateca with heated seats, electric tailgate and 19″ wheels. Instead, i got literally everything – and paid for those things. I have used the auto parking once, for the experience. In the Golf? Optional, can be unlocked later too if i’m not mistaken. Best of both worlds, i’m not paying for it, but if for some reason i do want it after delivery, i still have the option to get it.
This put me off a Merc on the scheme a few years back, the only way to get sat nav was as part of a £2.5k package and folding door mirrors part of £1k package. Prefer the “Swedish” way, 3 levels of trim, no options. I really think this will be the way forward for many manufacturers.