My experience with car dealerships

I've a company car, currently a 5-series BMW. Was given the go ahead to change late last year. Couldn't get the 5 series in diesel, so fancied a new E Class. Rang the main dealer nearest me on a Wednesday afternoon to ask some questions and book a test drive - salesman "couldn't come to the phone" - I asked if there was more than one (surely, in a large main dealer?) told none of them could come to the phone. Left my details and asked for a call back - explained I was looking to buy. No call back.
Called in while passing around two weeks later. Now I'm not some teenage lad in a tracksuit on a bicycle - I'm in my 50's, look like a stereotypical businessman, wearing business attire, driving a 3 year old BMW. A couple of salemen sitting at desks in the showroom. I walk in and look at an E Class there. Nobody comes near me. I walk up to one of the salemen and tell him I'm interested in test driving an E class. He says (I'm not joking) - "they're a very expensive car you know" I'm speechless for a moment, and then reply "ah, ok, I thought they were free" - and I walk out. I order a hybrid beemer.