mis3

My 2004 CLK320 is getting old and I should be looking for a new car in the next few months.

After waiting for a long time, there are finally pictures of the new C Coupe on the net. The car looks great and coming from a w209, the only 2 things I don't like are the iPad-like screen on top dash and the b-pillar.

What do other fellow w209 owners think about the new coupe?

Fatz

We have the same dislikes about the new C coupe. It is hard for me to understand why the info screen thingy isn't integrated into the dash. Can't understand why MB would opt to mess up the flow of that beautiful dash with that Ipad. I think it is also in the field of view and a distraction.

Also agree with you on the b-pillar but can understand not making it without a b-pillar for marketing and product positioning. The C already has the lines of the S. I would think they would want it to not be viewed as a shrunken S for $120K less..... But you can wait for the cab to solve that problem, thou it is not like a hardtop w/o it.

But even with these two negatives, it (excluding the S and the SL63) is the only real attraction over my clk for me..... today.

mis3

I drove the new C sedan and I was impressed with its drivability and ride qualities. 241 ho with the 7speed transmission works very well together.

They have extended the length of the new C coupe to 184.4 inches, this is 1.3 inch longer than a w209. According to the net, the new E coupe wil expand in size as well. so, E coupe is out because I don't like a large coupe.

I have great joy driving my w209 for 205k miles for 11 years. Sure hope my next MB can last this long.

xsever

Why not get a curren-gen E coupe which does have a pillarless design?

mis3

I never like the E coupe. Admittedly, the minor facelift last year made it looks much better.

kb24forlife24

If the current E coupe had an AMG variant, I would be all over that car. But, my next car would be a W204 C63 AMG coupe to sit alongside the W209.

mis3

I really don't know one single person who likes the info screen on top of the dash. I wonder if MB would integrate it into the dash in the subsequent model year.

zill

Hey Guys,



I bought a new C300 in 2013 and I held off until MB buried the screen inthe dash. I was astonished last year to see that MB basically super gluedan iPad to the dash. Very ugly and not well integrated.


The C class coupe is no coupe with a B pillar. Take look at theE class coupe. That is nice replacement of the CLK.


Thanks,

Zill.

Fatz

It must cost a lot to integrate the screen. The S and SL dash are just too beautiful for words. Since I am in no hurry (fingers crossed), I'll wait for the integration of the screen. I'm not sure but I think the gear shift on the C is on the steering column. I can live with that but putting it back in the center would be preferred.

Maybe MB takes input from these forums... Wouldn't want them to forget that "driving" for some is more than getting from A to B and being unaware of the transition....

mis3

For me, the E Coupe looks longer than a w209 visually. Apparently, the new E Coupe, due to arrive in MY2007 will be even bigger.

For me, the size of The new C Coupe is just perfect for me.

Rudeney

There is a philosophy behind the style and placement of the NAV screen. It is placed to be as close as possible to eye level. On our CLK's you really have to look down low in the dash to see the screen, and that is less safe. However, placing the screen high can obscure the view out the windshield, so it is made as thin as possible. Had they placed it in the same location, but with a thick bezel around it to "integrate" it into the dash, it would really block the driver's vision.

mis3

Agreed but although functional, I do not like it.

Does anyone know if MB has any plan to change this? I read from the net that many people do not like this design.

mis3

Do you guys consider this a downgrade; to go from w209 to a new C Coupe?

Rudeney

I don't consider it a downgrade. The two cars are based on the same basic chassis, and of course the technology in the electronics, engines and transmission has improved tremendously since the W209 was originally designed over 10 years ago.

Now, if you were going from a V8 to an I4 or V6, maybe, or from a cabriolet to a coupe, yes, but going from a MY2004 CLK320 to a new C-coupe, no. Oh, and one thing to keep in mind - the coupe is still a W204 (actually "C204") - the W205 version of the coupe isn't due out until next year.

mis3

Thanks for your comment. My good friend who is a MB saleperson puts this idea in my mind. He kind of persuades me to get an E Coupe. There will be a new E coupe in 2017 and it is supposed to be bigger to accommodate full 4 adult sittings.

I drove a few MB in the past few months, namely, the previous generation of C250, a newer SLK350, a new E sedan, a current version of C300, the only one I was impressed was the new C300. Of course, when I drive these cars, I compared it to my w209.

I think the main reason of why my w209 lasts this long is because the material used is top notched. Not sure if this is true for a C Class.

To clarify, I am considering the new C Coupe which is coming next year. This will be a daily compute so 240HP is more than enough.

omega48er

THAT IPAD LIKE SCREEN LOOKS CHEAP! i like the BMW screens and the S Class screens.

Such a poor effort on the design department. make the interior look like crap!

I feel that our CLK has a really nice interior compared to many other cars.

mis3

I started a thread in the w205 forum on the user comments on the location of the info-screen. Some owners did not like this before and got to like it afterward.

Apparently, new cars of other brands are following suit; they have their info screen on top of the dash as well.

I agreed that the materials used in w209 interior are great because the interior still looks great after 11 years of daily use. I used to keep cars for 4-5 years but because of the ageless design of the exterior/interior of this w209, I keep this car for 11 years. Hope the new C coupe can last this long.

omega48er

Thats the sad part, cars just dont last that long. cars get dated very very fast. and not to mention that the interiors on new cars are just crappy. =[

I test drove the the 2014 328i for my sister over the weekend (to replace her 09 clk350. she needs something all wheel drive)

it was a nimble driving car but the interior was... meh. I did fall in love with the Nav screen though.

I did sit in a CL63 and CLS 63 (i believe both were 2013 models) and i was like THIS IS WHAT I NEED IN MY LIFE..

Guess you gotta pay to play.

again, I am in love with my 09 clk550 interior, just wish i had the money to change the wood to CF. what i truly love is that it does not feel like plastic crap inside like many other cars.

mis3

This is exactly my concern. I did read the w205 interior has been improved as compared to previous C Class. My concern is did it improve to w209 level?

omega48er

In my opinion, NO. over the winder my friend purchased a 2015 C300 and i was not impressed.

1) the seats were nice, but not as nice as my CLK550 seats (i have the ventilated ones) i think he has the fake leather ones.. premium seat option should fix this

2) its a smaller car inside. Not sure about you but im 6 1 215lbs and didnt like how i fit in the C300

3)not a fan of the small screen but it is good placement for a GPS so i guess that is what they were thinking. it does keep your eyes on the road more since you do not have to look down.. not sure if i would use the benz GPS since i use my google maps, but you can use the Apple carplay function to use your maps. So, i guess that is a Plus.

I am trying to sell my CLK550 since i want to continue my studies and have no real need for 2 cars. my Jeep is more practical, but every time someone contacts me for the car my heart drops. This being my 2nd w209 i absolutely love the car and its timeless interior/exterior (with a few upgrades of course).


Best of luck in your search for the perfect replacement

mis3

It's not easy to find a replacement for the w209.

I read that the new C Coupe is 90mm longer and 40-45mm wider. So, the length is actually a bit longer than a w209 but not sure about the interior size.

mis3

Found this in MB site.

https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/mer...c-class-coupe/