Do folks know what is changing on the 2026 model year? I see there are some listings in Autotrader but no photos.

I saw the 2026 GLC steering wheel has scroll wheels and not as many capacitive buttons

 

Keep checking for ordering guide, once it is out, read the "what's new" section of the guide.

 

The only thing that I can see is different is the introduction of the Black Fine Structure Center console and the addition of some lettering in the AMG cars. They have also added the option of the Suspension with Active Damping system which is on the AMG models but now available on the non AMG models.

I think that is about it.

 

My wife's 2026 CLE 53 AMG coupe supposedly gets delivered in about a week, and so far we've learned that the rear seat side airbags are now standard....

 

It is funny you bring this up because when I spec'd out my new 2026 CLE53 AMG Cabriolet, I saw that the DOG showed the air bags at a cost of $700, but when the build came through, there was no charge for 293, the airbags.

 

I noticed on the 2026 AMG CLE53 ordering guide that "what's new" is the "engineering package" with rear wheel steering and adaptative dampers. Wasn't that standard equipment on the 2025?

 

I didn't see the DOG for the Coupe, only the Cabriolet, and none of this was in either the 300/450 or the 53AMG, other than the suspension.

 

My bad. It wasn't the AMG DOG it was the general CLE ordering guide. The 2025 AMG had this standard equipment.

 

What is the “Black Fine Structure Center”? Is this an improvement on “piano black”?

 

Anything is an improvement over Piano Black....

Seriously, who actually likes the look of cheap black plastic that is both a fingerprint AND dust magnet?

 

Pianists... Sorry I had to

To be honest, I don't think they like it either.

 

Funny, I order it all the time. It came off the old Designo package when the luxury MB's wanted to have an upgraded interior. With that you got the piano black with the name "designo" on it. Now MANUFAKTUR took its place.

The Black Fine Structure is the Piano Black with metal dots in it lined up in lines. If you look closely, you can see it here.

 

I guess the other forum member is tired of all the piano gloss in new vehicles from economy brands to say the W223 S-Class centre console. Problem is they scratch so easily and very cheap feeling.

 

The "Piano Black" fad for car interiors died long ago....it went the way of patent leather shoes, VHS tapes, and LED watches....

 

In an MB, I would like some wood please

 

Still looks like lipstick on a pig to me....

 

I really do think you can tell the difference between the two different qualities. There is also a product which is amazing which will take the scratches out of the piano black, because yes, they can scratch.

I have had very good luck with the product on both exterior head and tail lights and inside Piano black. They also have a heavy scratch and polish.

 

Me too, that's why I went with Natural Grain Grey Oak Wood Trim for my GLE, and my wife went with Fineline Anthracite wood in her CLE....

I also don't mind the look of carbon fiber in the cabin....as long as there's not too much of it.

 

I will try that, thank you.

 

I too still prefer wood but I am curious how it looks without having scratches.

 

I was at the dealer over the weekend. CLE 300 steering wheel was the same was 2025 - no real buttons.

 

This fully capacitive touch steering first started on the W213 facelift. I am not talking about the two Blackberry trackpad style steering wheel which first started on the W213 pre-facelift.

 

Yes, this product is fantastic. MY dad had been using it since the 1980's. It's very popular in the pinball world as well. They have different grades and Novus number two is the best used for FINE scratches or haze. I have a bottle that gets rarely used and its got to be thirty years old by now...yes I have a new bottle as well.

 

Thanks for the testimonial, I will try this.

 

Just go light, it's like a very fine polish, maybe try it on some other plastics first to see how it works.
When I was kid, it seemed magical.