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"Old School" Analog + COMAND vs. "High Tech" Digital + MBUX
My 2013 E350 4matic Coupe was in for a service recall (ECU, Passenger Airbag replacement) at Mercedes of Fairfield (CT). The dealership provided me a 2019 C300 sedan as a loaner car for the day. This gave me a chance to compare my the user interface in my car to current technology used by MB.
"Old School" Analog + COMAND
One of the reasons that I originally selected the 2013 E350 4matic Coupe was that I felt it had a well organized and attractive dash layout. I also appreciated that it was the last year for a conventional console mounted transmission shiftier, I did have to read the manual to understand how to set and use some of the controls.
My car also has the more traditional dark brown walnut wood veneer on the dash, doors, steering wheel and shift knob. Overall, I really like this traditional MB cockpit. I think it is a classic look.
"High Tech" Digital + MBUX
When I got into the 2019 C300 sedan I was a somewhat overwhelmed by all of the changes from one generation to the next. It was straight forward to adjust the seats, the external mirrors and the internal mirror. The cabin temperature and seat temperature were also easy to set. It was NOT obvious how to get to FM radio from satellite radio.
This C300 had the black ash "distressed" wood which I found unattractive. While there is now 10" display screen on the dash, I am not a fan of the "pasted-on" IPAD look. The computer User Interface is less than impressive; the 10" screen space seems to be wasted. I think Mercedes add too much "aluminum" colored trim to the dash and doors. It should be a trim color NOT the primary color. Although it appeared that car had a GPS, it turns out that this option was not installed. This was disappointing on a 2019 Mercedes.
The WORST feature was ECO Start-Stop; Extremely annoying.
One feature I did like was the automatic folding mirrors. Very nice
Bottomline: I appreciated my "traditional" E350 Coupe when I drove to the dealership for service. I liked it even more when I drove home.
Although my walnut is a little darker, my interior is very similar to yours (including the wood steering wheel trim). I agree completely that our interiors are far more attractive and elegant than the new designs. I generally hate the new finishes, especially the "carbon fiber" look, which reminds me of a 1970s Pontiac Trans-Am.
The WORST feature was ECO Start-Stop; Extremely annoying.
I have ECO start/stop on my 2016, but I don't find it obtrusive at all. In fact, I wish it stopped the engine more often when I'm stopped. The only thing I had to learn was that it was keyed to the brake pedal--hold the brake, the engine stays off; release the brake, the engine restarts. Engine restarts in the V6 are not obtrusive at all, very smooth. But, in the 2016 at least, there's a simple button on the dash that lets you turn it off, but you have to repeat it each time you start the car.
I had a loaner last year as well while my A207 2012 cabriolet was in service for a month. It took a awhile to figure out the stop start..you have to stay on the brake ... annoying in creeping traffic.
My wife and I also love the clasic look of the older interior, it just looks and feels more luxurious. We too have the full trim package and it looks great. We tested several A207 2013 models including one with the shifter on the steering column with sport and Manual mode. The console shifter just seemed more natural
BTW we have owned the car since Jan 2 2018
We are glad we bought the older better looking A207 and we are thoroughly enjoying it as a daily driver that we swap off weekly.
I had a loaner last year as well while my A207 2012 cabriolet was in service for a month. It took a awhile to figure out the stop start..you have to stay on the brake ... annoying in creeping traffic.
My wife and I also love the clasic look of the older interior, it just looks and feels more luxurious. We too have the full trim package and it looks great. We tested several A207 2013 models including one with the shifter on the steering column with sport and Manual mode. The console shifter just seemed more natural
BTW we have owned the car since Jan 2 2018
We are glad we bought the older better looking A207 and we are thoroughly enjoying it as a daily driver that we swap off weekly.
Here are some pics. Sorry the early morning sun mutes the colours Here she is, stannite with black top 7 speed with paddle shifters, distronic, brake safe , we prefer the black floor mats for contrast heated and cooled seats multifunction seats too light beige interior with all wood accents. had to replace the cover for the top controls see my thread on that Airscarf for the winter win !!! Color is stannite 786 code IIRC All AMG options inc suspension, brakes, staggered wheels
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"Old School" Analog + COMAND vs. "High Tech" Digital + MBUX
