<< they are just jealous.. >>
I don't see what there is to be jealous about, as it's a relatively inexpensive car. Most will probably buy it just so they can say, "I drive a Mercedes", as the other qualities it has is easily equaled in any other car for less money.
Personally, if you can go a little further, I'd get a BMW 325Ci, or maybe even a Subaru WRX, a certified used Audi A4 2.8 (or even a 1.8T), or something along those lines.