View Poll Results: Which interior design do you prefer?
I prefer the new E-class design over the C-class.
27
46.55%
My C-class design still rocks and beats the E-class.
31
53.45%
Voters: 58. You may not vote on this poll
I vote that the C-class still wins over new E-class interior design
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
From: UK
C320 CDI Elegance
C-class v upcoming E-class interior design - which is better?
I saw these spy pics of the new E-class interior which is meant to come out sometime next year.
As you can see, there's loads of similarities in the design concept. Eg, same instrument cluster; same radio stack; same steering wheel design; similar centre console design.
Obvious differences are: second permanent binacle houses the screen rather than pop-up; trim across passenger side of the dash; and finally gear lever moves to the steering wheel column, leaving a very large area on the tunnel which no doubt will be taken up by some very large cup-holders!
Overall, I still prefer the design of the C-class over the next level up E-class. The C's design has cleaner and more flowing lines across the dash and centre console area IMO. The passenger side trim is the only thing I would have liked in the c-class.
What's your views?
As you can see, there's loads of similarities in the design concept. Eg, same instrument cluster; same radio stack; same steering wheel design; similar centre console design.
Obvious differences are: second permanent binacle houses the screen rather than pop-up; trim across passenger side of the dash; and finally gear lever moves to the steering wheel column, leaving a very large area on the tunnel which no doubt will be taken up by some very large cup-holders!
Overall, I still prefer the design of the C-class over the next level up E-class. The C's design has cleaner and more flowing lines across the dash and centre console area IMO. The passenger side trim is the only thing I would have liked in the c-class.
What's your views?
Last edited by The Mercster; Jun 27, 2008 at 11:10 AM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Belgium
Mercedes S204 C320 CDI
One thing I would like to have that is in the new E-Series is the extra space left by the moving of the gear lever. I really don't see the point of leaving it where it normally is for automatic cars. Also, since the C-Class doesn't have any commands sticks on the right side of the wheel, the gear lever would fit nicely there.
I suppose that the large cup holders are reserved for the US market
I suppose that the large cup holders are reserved for the US market
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
From: UK
C320 CDI Elegance
Notice that the only design element taken from the S-class is the aircon controls, which is switches rather than rotary knob like in the C-class.
If I were an E-class buyer, I would be a little peeved that I'm paying premium to buy into that market segment, and most of what I get is imported from a level down.
If I were an E-class buyer, I would be a little peeved that I'm paying premium to buy into that market segment, and most of what I get is imported from a level down.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 2
From: Montreal, Canada
2013 G63 AMG
OMG
i hate that the S class .. CL ... and R class and now the E class dont have actualy shifters.
all they have is that thing from the steering wheel that u hit up or down.
feels like im driving a damn minivan everytime i put the S-class into gear.
im really not a fan of thaat thing at all.
i enjoy holding the shifter when i drive.
i hate that the S class .. CL ... and R class and now the E class dont have actualy shifters.
all they have is that thing from the steering wheel that u hit up or down.
feels like im driving a damn minivan everytime i put the S-class into gear.
im really not a fan of thaat thing at all.
i enjoy holding the shifter when i drive.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
From: UK
C320 CDI Elegance
Not in a naughty kind of way I hope 
But seriously, I know what you mean. I like holding it too. It must be like a driving habit thing.
Also, isn't a bit dangerous to have it as a stalk on the steering column if people inadvertently flick it instead of the turn signals. Particularly people who also drive Japanese cars as their turn signal stalk is usually on the right hand side of the column.
But seriously, I know what you mean. I like holding it too. It must be like a driving habit thing.
Also, isn't a bit dangerous to have it as a stalk on the steering column if people inadvertently flick it instead of the turn signals. Particularly people who also drive Japanese cars as their turn signal stalk is usually on the right hand side of the column.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 648
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
C-300, XC70, Wrangler
With the column mounted shifter and the foot brake, it seems that Mercedes is still firmly stuck in the 60s or 70s. Why do they feel that it's important to keep these vestiges of ancient interior design? Even their door pins are archaic.
Gimme a better design, or gimme back my ....
When the service department moves my shifter to the column is the day I get really angry at MB ;-)
Gimme a better design, or gimme back my ....
When the service department moves my shifter to the column is the day I get really angry at MB ;-)
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 2
From: Montreal, Canada
2013 G63 AMG
i agree...
i would not drive a car without shifter.
it would have to AT LEAST be fast and have paddle shifters!
or else i would not drive an MB and id get myself something more fun.
but thats why i like the new C class
my c350 is sporty..kinda quick..nice looking and fun to drive!!
i would not drive a car without shifter.
it would have to AT LEAST be fast and have paddle shifters!
or else i would not drive an MB and id get myself something more fun.
but thats why i like the new C class
my c350 is sporty..kinda quick..nice looking and fun to drive!!
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 469
Likes: 0
I'm thinking that since it's a spy-model that its a temporary thing. I'm sure the W212 will see an improvement when it's ready.
I LOVE my friend's E55 W211 interior. I've got to say it's one of the nicest interiors I've ever seen.
I LOVE my friend's E55 W211 interior. I've got to say it's one of the nicest interiors I've ever seen.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 110
Likes: 1
From: Melbourne, Australia
C220CDI
One thing I would like to have that is in the new E-Series is the extra space left by the moving of the gear lever. I really don't see the point of leaving it where it normally is for automatic cars. Also, since the C-Class doesn't have any commands sticks on the right side of the wheel, the gear lever would fit nicely there.
I suppose that the large cup holders are reserved for the US market
I suppose that the large cup holders are reserved for the US market
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 0
C300 Sport/Palladium Silver on Black/P2
Absolute Yuck. I hate when the dash has a sweeping feel across it.
I prefer when the driver, passenger, and the middle console and stereo controls feel like 3 separate pieces as in the W204.
I also think the popup or covered screen was genius in the W204 and it's a shame they don't have that in the E.
I prefer when the driver, passenger, and the middle console and stereo controls feel like 3 separate pieces as in the W204.
I also think the popup or covered screen was genius in the W204 and it's a shame they don't have that in the E.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 2
From: Toronto
2008 C300 Sport 4matic
I never like that huge nav screen hump in the middle of the dash (especially the ones BMW has).
What I don't like is the silver trim around the center vents. It stands out too much and it's not very well integrated -- like it was tacked on. Where some car makers make the vents blend into the interior, such as the VW Phaeton and Jaguar XF where the wood trim actually conseals the vents when not in use or on the Audi TT and A3 where it is crafted beautifully in aluminum, the E-class takes a not so attractive plastic vent and frames it with a thick piece of silver trim.
I actually like the interior of the S- and CL-class where it is more minimal and elegant and the vents and controls are not so apparent.
I'd rather spend a little more for a C63 than a nicely equipped new E-class. It may sound rather harsh, but you appreciate the time behind the wheel than outside of it and you get insane performance to boot.
What I don't like is the silver trim around the center vents. It stands out too much and it's not very well integrated -- like it was tacked on. Where some car makers make the vents blend into the interior, such as the VW Phaeton and Jaguar XF where the wood trim actually conseals the vents when not in use or on the Audi TT and A3 where it is crafted beautifully in aluminum, the E-class takes a not so attractive plastic vent and frames it with a thick piece of silver trim.
I actually like the interior of the S- and CL-class where it is more minimal and elegant and the vents and controls are not so apparent.
I'd rather spend a little more for a C63 than a nicely equipped new E-class. It may sound rather harsh, but you appreciate the time behind the wheel than outside of it and you get insane performance to boot.
Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: Home
C200K
mmmmmm paddle shifters.
btw, it doesn't seem that bad, maybe I am used to the S class interior but I personally find them quite comfortable. Yes E has a lot more buttons than the S but shoot, MB gotta be different for every class, or else who will buy E class?
The nav screen in the middle, I am assuming that it is being standard equipment thus the design of the dash. All S, CL, etc have that screen. Radio does seem a bit tacky though. Overall, not bad.
I still love how the C's interior looks
btw, it doesn't seem that bad, maybe I am used to the S class interior but I personally find them quite comfortable. Yes E has a lot more buttons than the S but shoot, MB gotta be different for every class, or else who will buy E class?
The nav screen in the middle, I am assuming that it is being standard equipment thus the design of the dash. All S, CL, etc have that screen. Radio does seem a bit tacky though. Overall, not bad.
I still love how the C's interior looks
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,414
Likes: 6
From: West Michigan
2007 E63
Not in a naughty kind of way I hope
But seriously, I know what you mean. I like holding it too. It must be like a driving habit thing.
Also, isn't a bit dangerous to have it as a stalk on the steering column if people inadvertently flick it instead of the turn signals. Particularly people who also drive Japanese cars as their turn signal stalk is usually on the right hand side of the column.
But seriously, I know what you mean. I like holding it too. It must be like a driving habit thing.
Also, isn't a bit dangerous to have it as a stalk on the steering column if people inadvertently flick it instead of the turn signals. Particularly people who also drive Japanese cars as their turn signal stalk is usually on the right hand side of the column.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 1
From: United States
2008 R350 & 2008 C300
I'll save judgment until the production units arrive as we know from looking at the C spy photos, things are subject to change. By the way I love the shifter in my R class and wish MB would put it in all their cars, but I do miss the park tone that was in my 06 ML but its magically gone in the new cars. By the way, the nav screen...get used to it, the next refresh of the C will most likely go to that screen. Looks like my worries were the same as MB engineers, what moves is bound to break, and with the new GLK and the new E they decided to go with stationary screens like the ones in the S and CL. Its a nice gimmick to impress your friends but after driving a loaner car with the MM package I got annoyed quickly with the screen, I prefer the stock screen.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: yorba linda, orange county california
2008 C-300/ 19' maya MRS black wheels H@R Springs//powerchipped//Brabus Trunk spoiler//HID Fogs//
come on now
the C class is the base model of mercedes.....dont kid yourself, the E class is going to be better without even looking at it
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 669
Likes: 28
From: Little Falls, NJ
2020 GLC300 4MATIC
I say nay nay... They put that stupid automatic transmission shifter like the M-class into the new E... ugh. Give my transmission selecter on the floor any day!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 1
From: United States
2008 R350 & 2008 C300
I love my R class shifter..plus it means you either get paddle shifters or buttons behind the wheel...and that seems to be what everyone here wants anyways.
