cracker123

From what I read, MB is spending extra attention to quality on the new C-Class. The new C-Class is the first car where they tested the virutal model with all parts on the computer. That IMO a big update, becuase they can look at lot of things prior to prototype. If anything it must have taken out some bugs ?

pmb600

Yeah, agreed quality should be much better on this C-Class. The recent press release said that they did more extensive testing on the W204 than any Mercedes ever. You can feel the re-focus on quality, just compare the W220 to the W221. I still love the style of the 220, but as far as quality and materials go, the 221 is miles ahead.

Many people believe that the 203 and 220 were some of the worst and least reliable Mercedes ever. They are definately trying to make sure that never happens again.

Chi-Benz

Link doesn't work.... or do we have to wait until the release??


link works, remove the > after html...

pmb600

I received an email that it will also be on www.mercedes-benz.com/brandworld

and that you can view it later, it will be recorded.

Rareamg

I don't like the steering wheel.

14cue

what is CET time?

pmb600

I said above its Central European time. Its on right now!

14cue

dang, i missed it...i'll catch the recording i guess.

ultraseven

I was resisting the urge to reply to this topic until the official press release. Basically this is how I am seeing the W204:

1) Styling is so-so. MB clearly took cues from the CLS, S, and traces from BMW. The C pillar keeps reminding me of last generation's Civic as it is almost an exact copy.

2) Interior looks better in terms of quality, but the huge black sea of plastic coming all the way down the middle of the center console looks like it belongs in a sub 30K car, especially in the interior is black on black. The 2008 CTS's interior looks better IMHO.

3) All sedans should have the 3 pt star on the hood instead of the grill, but that appears to be a response to many aftermarket conversions, especially on the sportier models.

There was also an emphasis on using virtual modeling in producing this car. This is actually something MB should have done several years ago, and this isn't a breakthrough. Other manufacturers have been doing that for sometime (i.e. Toyota, BMW). Wait for a couple of years, and we can all judge whether MB has improved its reliability. It is overall a better effort than the 203, but I will believe it when I drive it.

KILLERHERTZ

Sport:



Elegance:



And Classic:

DC_insider

Beaten to it by BBW

KILLERHERTZ

Hahha, beat you too it with your own images Sorry!

Rick

Mods - merge if you deem it necessary

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl.../70116006/1065

nlpamg

well, from this angle, it looks pretty hot! *edit* well, on second thought, not really, I really hate the big star grille and the way it looks like a GL... perhaps I have to see it in person.

I missed the unveiling, anything about the AMG w204?

DC_insider

That's OK - I pinched the photos from someone else!

KILLERHERTZ

pmb600

I hate the black plastic on the bottom of the mirrors. They should be all paint color like the current model.

pmb600

BBW where are you getting the pictures?

Btw, doesn't that steering wheel look like a vagina, or like a cutaway of femail anatomy....maybe i just have a sick mind.

KILLERHERTZ

Note: LED blinkers in the rear clusters

KILLERHERTZ

pmb600

1) That copper color is quite repulsive.

2) As I have said before, the lack of retractable head restraints makes me very, very sad.

3) I like the dual exhaust.

4) The overall shape of the car isn't bad, its just little things that irritate me.

Does anyone know why the mirror turn signals are so large? And on the front headlights what is that strip above the projector lenses?

nRo

-1. it's too ugly.

KILLERHERTZ

Oh dear, Build quality still not perfect, rushed for early photoshoot?



(Picture robbed from another forum)

Jason.Bare

Oh dear, you better look again. That is the shadows giving the illusion that the pieces are miss-matched.

14cue

the only thing that stands out above the W203 as of right now looking at the pictures are the following:

- the rear dual exhuast on the 350 / hot!
- the interior dome lights
- the controls on the doors


everything eles i will have to get used to. the car has a weird shape. it's a bit chunky so it looks like its sitting really high up no matter what angel you look at it from. the head lights are a bit too much and dont even get me started with the horrific side view mirrors ./puke! and i wont even start with the center dash....holy plastic batman!


i dont think there will be a C63 this year. that is the only thing that excits me about this new car.