murman

Maybe it's only me? I presently drive a 2004 e-wagon with light grey trim on the A-pillar interior, and was blown away at how much larger the W213 A-pillar is, and how much it blocked my view, particularly in tight city traffic and trying to turn left. I found myself craning my neck around to find some visibility. It also didn't help that the pillar had black trim inside. The A-pillar is more substantial, yes?

Has anyone else experienced that, or am I "special"?

superswiss

It's not just the W213. The A-pillars have become wider as engineers have designed cars to better protect occupants. They are stronger and have room for an airbag. Windshields have also become more sloped for better aerodynamics, so the A-pillars are more in your face now. The A-pillar is a known and often overlooked blind spot. What bothers me more, though, are the door mounted side mirrors. They block my view of the curb when going around a corner. Again it's a change for better aerodynamics at the cost of visibility.

mercedes.fan

Well this is basically the case for most modern cars because of increased safety standards

ua549

I use the 360° camera for slow speed maneuvering though not for left turns or when traffic is present.

Cao Black

There is at least one prior thread on this topic. I noticed the left turn visibility issue. Others said no problem. I found that changing my seating position slightly (raised it) helped.

Had a '14 E350 with the gray headliner, and A pillars. Brightened the whole interior. Of course I remember when the interior color matched the paint. Geez!

murman

Sorry, didn't realize this was raised in a prior thread. And in a sad way, I'm glad I'm not alone regarding this issue.

Egonvdv

deleted

DFWdude

I think the larger A-pillars are present in several European cars, especially those sold in Scandanavia. Road collisions with large mammals with long legs, like moose and large elk had cars submarining these animals, crushing windshields and front seat occupants. This resulted in many cars beefing up their A-pillars, something these companies brag on as a safety feature. Mercedes is no exception.

Plus, making space for the addition of airbags to the pillars is also a factor. And it's not a new thing. My 2001 W203 C320 has fat A-pillars as well. One gets used to them, however.

BTW the worst A-pillars I've ever seen were in the 1990s GM minivans, such as the Pontiac Aztec, where the A-pillars extended out over the front wheel wells. I rented one of these once on a business trip, and I'll never forget how much the forward pillars intruded into the forward view, effectively blocking the front corner views..