2013 Interior Changes Spotted

[jmatero]

Well, spent some quality time in a 2013 E350 Sedan yesterday. Unlike the 2013 GLK and C-Class, the E maintains the 2012 cruise and turn signal stalks. Which is fine by me as the new ones in the GLK and C look really cheap (though, the positioning is better). Also, REALLY happy to see the KeylessGo a stand-alone option vs having to get the P2. The real cool updates are the Command System and Speedo LCD. They already improved the speedo LCD screen for 2012 (Hi-res) but for 2013, the "gold and brown" motive is gone in place of a pure black background with clearer contrasting text and better use of color for dividing lines, warnings, etc. It also appears to be even sharper than the 2012. REALLY nice display. Even better is the 2013 Command system. First, the color scheme is improved. The "yellow and cream" daytime motive is gone. Much clearer, MUCH classier. Black backgrounds for most menus with very clear, crisp text. The BIG change though is in speed. There is clearly a change to the processor and graphics abilities as the navigation movement and screen transitions are very smooth. And the apps are a real nice touch as well. Also, THRILLED the auto start-stop feature has NOT been added to the E350. The C and GLK have it for 2013, but not the E. For those of you who may not know, auto start-stop in non-hybrids is terrible as it literally uses the conventional starter to re-start the motor and the battery can't handle running accessories for more than 10-20 seconds before the motor starts back up. The rest of the 2013 E appears to be the same, at least from what I could see.

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[T.H.Carrera]

thanks for the info

[amaycg]

Originally Posted by jmatero

Well, spent some quality time in a 2013 E350 Sedan yesterday. Unlike the 2013 GLK and C-Class, the E maintains the 2012 cruise and turn signal stalks. Which is fine by me as the new ones in the GLK and C look really cheap (though, the positioning is better).

Also, REALLY happy to see the KeylessGo a stand-alone option vs having to get the P2.

The real cool updates are the Command System and Speedo LCD. They already improved the speedo LCD screen for 2012 (Hi-res) but for 2013, the "gold and brown" motive is gone in place of a pure black background with clearer contrasting text and better use of color for dividing lines, warnings, etc. It also appears to be even sharper than the 2012. REALLY nice display.

Even better is the 2013 Command system.
First, the color scheme is improved. The "yellow and cream" daytime motive is gone. Much clearer, MUCH classier. Black backgrounds for most menus with very clear, crisp text. The BIG change though is in speed. There is clearly a change to the processor and graphics abilities as the navigation movement and screen transitions are very smooth. And the apps are a real nice touch as well.

Also, THRILLED the auto start-stop feature has NOT been added to the E350. The C and GLK have it for 2013, but not the E. For those of you who may not know, auto start-stop in non-hybrids is terrible as it literally uses the conventional starter to re-start the motor and the battery can't handle running accessories for more than 10-20 seconds before the motor starts back up.

The rest of the 2013 E appears to be the same, at least from what I could see.

Can the color scheme be updated on 2011/2012 models via a software update?

[jmatero]

I seriously doubt that as the speed difference navigating through menus, fast rendering of maps, and interface with mbrace2 imply new hardware at play.

[mitaka]

I seriously doubt they changed the hardware...

[jmatero]

The difference in rendering and navigating is not subtle. And the apps are stored on the Command system (and new ones can be added). I find it hard to believe a software update to a 2012 would be the only thing at play. Maybe somebody here with access to MB parts can confirm but this is really a serious performance upgrade. (not that the 2012 was slow in any way)

[jmatero]

Mercedes-Benz USA and Hughes Telematics are excited to announce mbrace2™ for Model
Year 2013.
mbrace2 adds the Internet and Mercedes-Benz Apps, more remote vehicle access features, and over-the-air diagnostic capabilities to today’s already impressive array of safety, destination planning and convenience services.

Highlights:

• Internet browsing and Mercedes-Benz Apps, including Google Local Search with
Street View and Panoramic high-resolution photos, Yelp, Facebook and News. And
others planned for later.

• “Family Services” that cleverly take advantage of GPS, recording and mobile alert
technologies, including Driving Journal, Travel Zones and Speed Alert.

• mbrace Mobile App for iPhone and Android Version 4.0. New version introduces
Remote Horn & Lights and Valet Protect features.

• Vehicle Diagnostic Health Report on the mbrace Mobile App, MBUSA.com Owners
Online and via email.

Besides introducing the exciting new features above, mbrace2 is significant because it
leverages “Cloud technology” to bring the Apps into Mercedes-Benz vehicles, which
enables the newest versions to be wirelessly beamed into all cars on the road. All MB
Apps are engineered to the stringent Mercedes-Benz guidelines for sensible operation and
to minimize driver distraction as other in-vehicle systems like hands-free phone and navi.

An all-new new mbrace2 control module will be installed as standard equipment on all model
year 2013 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles except S-Class and CL-Class, which will
continue with first-generation mbrace hardware until their all-new successor models debut
in a year or so. Earlier model year vehicles are incompatible with the new mbrace2
hardware and cannot be retrofitted.

[hyperion667]

it's not really a gas guzzler is it? could you even get a 350 with S/S?

[Wilburnter]

I seriously doubt that as the speed difference navigating through menus

[amaycg]

Originally Posted by Wilburnter

I seriously doubt that as the speed difference navigating through menus

The mbrace2 hardware doesn't directly contribute to the new color schemes.also maybe there's a software update for the instrument cluster screen? There were no updates made there

Went to the dealer today and the 2013 NTG4.5 moves as fast as my 2011 NTG4.5. The speed is the same for me. I also have apps on my 2011. The hardware for COMAND is exactly the same except with a 3G mbrace2 connection now. Other than that, all the hardware is exactly the same. I doubt that you need a 3G module to get software updates on the same NTG4.5 system

Anyone else have info on this?

[YYZ-E55]

Originally Posted by jmatero

For those of you who may not know, auto start-stop in non-hybrids is terrible as it literally uses the conventional starter to re-start the motor and the battery can't handle running accessories for more than 10-20 seconds before the motor starts back up.

How can we take any of your comments seriously when you make ignorant statements like that?

[Johnny Mo]

Originally Posted by jmatero

I seriously doubt that as the speed difference navigating through menus, fast rendering of maps, and interface with mbrace2 imply new hardware at play.

I gotta tell you this one here might actually be a possibility - even going back and forth between my 11 350, my new 11 550 and my wife's 12 GL demo the E's have similar response time in the menus and phone keypad, the GL is lightning fast in comparison....it may not be actual response time but definitely the audible feedback of the button press is so much more accurate/helpful on the GL vs the E - you almost can't dial quickly on the E since the audible feedback timing is "off" vs the GL being spot on no matter how fast you key the number. I would think that some faster transitions are definitely possible with the Nav rendering and menus as well.

[ghstudio]

Originally Posted by jmatero

Highlights:

• Internet browsing and Mercedes-Benz Apps, including Google Local Search with Street View and Panoramic high-resolution photos, Yelp, Facebook and News. And others planned for later.

[/B]

And all of this will only be available when your car is in park...and that street view map fades out when you start to drive! Somehow, navigating with command to get info seems far less friendly than just picking up my smartphone and talking to it (voice search) or using the touch keyboard.

So why is this a useful function. Sounds like marketing hype of a solution looking for a problem.

[jmatero]

Quite frankly, all of this technology is ridiculous. The BEST technology in my car whether it's a Kia or a Rolls is my iPhone.

I'm looking forward to the day when there is a slot in the dash by the push button start. You get in, buckle up, slide your iPhone into the slot, and start the car. Then, a heads-up display and Siri do the rest. Your car is always up to date. And manufacturers can invest that $$$ in making better cars, which is what they do best. Leave the tech for the tech companies. No screens out of line-of-sight, no touch screens or *****, etc. just a Siri button on the wheel.

Unfortunately, Navigation Systems in cars are such a huge cash cow that I don't see that happening any time soon. Besides, these slow incremental updates make people want to buy the next car.

I'd prefer Benz go the Siri/iPhone slot route and invest that dough in steering with better feedback, etc.

[K-A]

Actually, M-B are starting to look to go the iPhone/SIRI route, as well as other manufacturers. Starting with the new A-Class, and obviously other upcoming cars, there will be much further integration with Apple/Siri and it sounds awesome. I think IOS 6 is going to be the big start of this.

[WEBSRFR]

This would be great if everyone in the world only bought stuff from Apple but that is not the case. I've used Android phones for the last 2+ years and I'm very happy with them and will likely never switch to an iPhone. Rather than locking customers into a locked phone eco-system, they should continue the current approach of linking to "smart phones" -- not just iPhones -- wirelessly via Bluetooth. That is the future. Everything you mentioned can be done with Bluetooth.

Wireless charging is coming to all phones in the future so in the not so distant future you can likely keep your phone in your pocket and when you are in the car it will wirelessly charge AND link to the car's telematics system for iInternet access, phone and address book access, software updates etc.,

I really hope the day will not come where the E class becomes a glorified iPhone dock. There are plenty of people who are quite happy not owning an iPhone Just wanted you to be aware there are other people out there with different tastes in phones

Originally Posted by jmatero

Quite frankly, all of this technology is ridiculous. The BEST technology in my car whether it's a Kia or a Rolls is my iPhone.

I'm looking forward to the day when there is a slot in the dash by the push button start. You get in, buckle up, slide your iPhone into the slot, and start the car. Then, a heads-up display and Siri do the rest. Your car is always up to date. And manufacturers can invest that $$$ in making better cars, which is what they do best. Leave the tech for the tech companies. No screens out of line-of-sight, no touch screens or *****, etc. just a Siri button on the wheel.

Unfortunately, Navigation Systems in cars are such a huge cash cow that I don't see that happening any time soon. Besides, these slow incremental updates make people want to buy the next car.

I'd prefer Benz go the Siri/iPhone slot route and invest that dough in steering with better feedback, etc.

[K-A]

However, M-B obviously wants to align themselves with the most fitting for their intent to enhance the appeal of their cars, and who better else than Apple. Them touting the future correlation with iPhone's/SIRI is obviously a business move, as in simply alliances meant to benefit both businesses. I'm sure there will be support for Android's as well, but M-B and other manufacturers have been really pushing their friendliness for Apple products and I for one think it'll be awesome and really bring the technology-factor forward in these cars. The Apple eco-system is so great because it's so reliable, vast, and trustworthy due to them keeping such a strict lid ensuring everything works to their desires. IMO, if you are in the Apple ecosystem, and once the cars get so SIRI/IOS friendly, it'll really be a super simple and intuitive process all around.

[WEBSRFR]

My point is all this can be implemented in a standard-based way so you are not locked down to one manufacturer. Android has its own voice interface so let there be a button that invokes this functionality in all phones... Siri on the iPhone and the Android equivalent on Android phones. All via Bluetooth.

Also I'm not sure if you were aware of this but as of Q1, 2012 Android accounts for 59% (*1) of the smartphone market share. If not 59%, I bet about half of the Mercedes customers use an Android-based phone so it would make sense for Mercedes to implement an interface that does not leave out half or the majority of the installed smartphones.

Freedom of choice is a good thing

---

(*1) source:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/i...rtphone-share/

[ImInPA]

While not E class related, I noticed on the MB site that the C300 now comes with the old 3.5L, 268 hp motor, as opposed to the 3.0L engine. That motor used to only be in the C350, and, without 4matic. You can now get a C300 4Matic with the 3.5 engine. I wish they would clean up their numeric name designations. It is really getting confusing when a 250 is really 1.8 and a 300 is 3.5, etc.

[Mtl20v]

Full iPhone integration would be amazing.

[K-A]

Some cool stuff on future SIRI integration into these cars, including an actual Siri button on the steering wheels (think about how intuitive that will be), and so on. I think IOS 6 will see the true start of this integration.

http://www.fastcompany.com/1840149/d...general-motors
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles...lass_line.html
http://mashable.com/2012/02/27/mercedes-benz-siri/
http://www.pcworld.com/article/25087..._new_cars.html

[jmatero]

I'm all for open markets but the reason car makers are focusing on iPhone is because iOS is the same regardless of hardware. If you develop a system for iPhone 4S, it's also compatible with iPhone 4, 3GS, 3G, 2G, etc.. AND it's also compatible with the millions of iPod touches.... AND it works with iPod classic... AND it works with iPod nano....etc.

Developing for Android or Windows Phone is a nightmare because the hardware is all different as is the software. Just because something works on a Samsung phone with Android vX.X doesn't keen it works on a Motorola phone with Android vX.X. And that costs $$$, and makes support a nightmare. If a carmaker wants to update something and test it with a new iPhone 4S, it's pretty much guaranteed to work with every other Apple device out there. Develop for Android and change something and HTC guys scream it's not working, Samsung guys say it IS working and Motorola is hit/miss.

Bluetooth isn't at a point where music streams at a high enough quality (for most) and until it does, only a direct connection will do. Add to that the battery drain streaming, say, Pandora sans-cable and people need to plug it in anyway just for juice.

A Siri button on the steering wheel will sell cars and iPhones, no question. If Google ever gets to a point where there's one version of Android on all 50-something percent of the smart phone market, perhaps car makers would invest the time and $. I'm not criticizing Android, just stating why no carmakers are jumping on that bandwagon.

[K-A]

Good point. There's a lack of coherency and consistency in Android hardware (different manufacturers, specs, etc.), they can't just put an "Android" button on a steering wheel and expect it to work flawlessly on every phone, if at all.

With Apple, it's a tight system, so everything can work as expected from both the Apple and car manufacturers sides.

[pwidjaja]

It's not true, Apple screwed up many made for ipod manufacturer due to their hardware changes. Namely firewire port as a mean to charge their ipod since its birth, then switch to usb charging WITHOUT prior notice. Right about first iphone being release if I can recall. It also effected mb cars at that time.

Then, apple did screw up again WITHOUTH prior notice (again) by releasing work with iphone which requires a propietory chip must be installed in any work with iphone device. This chip just meant to remove that dreaded message "your hardware/device is not compatible with this phone thingy".

Apple is not flawless, neither is all other manufacturer.

Agreed with WEBSRFR, sounds more logical to me.

[ImInPA]

I read somehwere that COMMAND will support Siri. Did the OP get a chance to test if this is available in 2013? If not perhaps the mid-cycle refresh. Imagine being able to tell Siri to set the A/C temp or dim the lights, etc.