YouTube Kate Upton Mercedes Commercial: Is the Ad Too Racy?

There seem to be some very strong opinions out there about the model Kate Upton. She's scoffed at by some, idolized by many, and fantasized over by seemingly every man in America. Now, Upton is turning heads and raising feathers yet again, this time in a Mercedes-Benz commercial that doesn't seem to sit well with anyone.

For those expecting something akin to the Cat Daddy phenomenon, disappointment abounds. For those hoping for high-brow marketing that doesn't cash in on sex, disappointment, again, abounds.

The commercial is, rather obviously, titled "Kate Upton Washes the All-New Mercedes-Benz CLA in Slow Motion." Mercedes-Benz seemingly has a very specific target market and Forbes confirmed that assumption when they wrote that the hopes for the CLA are to "attract new, hip, and preferably youngers buyers to the brand." That said, for any viewers expecting to watch Kate Upton actually washing the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA in slow motion, you will be sorely disappointed. Upton has no part in washing the car, and there are definitely none of her signature skimpy bikinis (though she does slow-mo blow bubbles out of her hand.) As one YouTube commenter wrote, "I've seen racier stuff on iCarly ... " 

On the opposite side of the spectrum, the Parents Television Council is up-in-arms about the ad claiming it's just too sexy for television. A spokeswoman for the group told the Daily Mail, "This ad [reinforces] for millions of wives, daughters, and sisters across the country that you use your sex appeal to get what you want. If anything, this ad proves that we've regressed rather than progressed over the last several years." 

Commenters on the Mercedes-Benz Facebook page are engaged in a heated commenting-debate with over 4,000 comments passionately arguing both sides. Many commenters take the position of the Parents Television Council, saying that the ad is just too degrading. As one commenter writes, "Mercedes or any other Super Bowl advertiser that degrades their company by the use [of] sexy ads have reached a new low. If their product is unable to sell without degrading women, it's clear that the focus is not on the quality of the product." Other comments fall right in line with what Mercedes was hoping for all along: "This ad made me want to go buy a Mercedes."