Other than the MBUX screen, I have to say the interior leaves me flat, TBH. I expected a bit more style from the dashboard. I'm sure the whole package will be great, but this is a bit of letdown.
It is disappointing for me as well. I expected a much better dash design. Looks more like an after thought. The current S Class dash at least provides some shielding from the sun and reflections. There is literally none in this design. If the GLS looks like this, I don't know if I'll be trading in my 2017.
This is a much better design for the upper dash, providing protection from sun and glare:
It is disappointing for me as well. I expected a much better dash design. Looks more like an after thought. The current S Class dash at least provides some shielding from the sun and reflections. There is literally none in this design. If the GLS looks like this, I don't know if I'll be trading in my 2017.
This is a much better design for the upper dash, providing protection from sun and glare:
Yes, like in my new E400, there is shielding from the sun (though I wasn't able to find one with the total digital dash. In contrast with the GLE dash, which looks like an iPad on horizontal steroids was stuck in place.
The poor photos don't help; should look better IRL. Here are Audi Q8, BMW X5 & Volvo XC60 interiors for comparison.
Audi Q8
BMW X5 2019
Volvo XC60
Don't care for the Volvo styling, but the BMW and Audi are nicely done and honestly, visually more interesting than the GLE if indeed that is the final design style.
The poor photos don't help; should look better IRL. Here are Audi Q8, BMW X5 & Volvo XC60 interiors for comparison.
Audi Q8
BMW X5 2019
Volvo XC60
The only thing that I don't like about my GLS interior is the iPad sticking out, they should have left that as it was in the ML/GL and of course that ugly look they kept going forward, unbelievable. And what's up with the handles in the middle? It's not like it will help getting in and out of the car, I never liked that in Porsches but they make sports cars so if you need it when you are racing on the track whatever but putting it in a Mercedes SUV? What happened to the elegant, classic Mercedes style... it's all turning into sport and plastic!
Definitely a bit of a let down. Let's hope the final product is much better. IMO, the leaked GLE photos look much worse than the posted competition. Especially the tablet application and material finish. Look how the ends of the tablet overlap the HVAC vents.. I mean that can't be right. It could also be the lowest trim model (some of these don't make it to US).
Definitely a bit of a let down. Let's hope the final product is much better. IMO, the leaked GLE photos look much worse than the posted competition. Especially the tablet application and material finish. Look how the ends of the tablet overlap the HVAC vents.. I mean that can't be right. It could also be the lowest trim model (some of these don't make it to US).
I think what you see is basically what you get (except the poor photos do not help); with the stitching and premium display this is not a stripper. I guess I wouldn't mind the display if it was like on the A-Class and set against a blank dash. The huge vents just don't look right.
It will look better in real life and trim options may help, remember its a Proto so may not resemble the finished product but..... The Q8 looks stunning and the tech will be flawless if it’s like the Q5 & Q7-there are lots of color pics available. Not sure about the X5 but it’s not high on my list!
I think what you see is basically what you get; with the stitching and premium display this is not a stripper. I guess I wouldn't mind the display if it was like on the A-Class and set against a blank dash. The huge vents just don't look right.
Greg, I completely agree with you about the flanking vents. An odd design choice. It may look better in person but these pics don't leave me feeling very positive about my next move.
Maybe the threat of US tariffs lead MB to cut some corners. ;-)
I suppose. It does however, make me glad I got my shiny new E400, especially since I didn't really need a SUV in the first place. The interior of the E class is simply stunning.
Other than the MBUX screen, I have to say the interior leaves me flat, TBH. I expected a bit more style from the dashboard. I'm sure the whole package will be great, but this is a bit of letdown.
The new interior definitely makes a number of impressions.
Speaking of impressions----check out all those finger print smudges on the touchscreen!
Overall, the interior looks good---better than the current model. But I personally don't like the angular handle thingies in the center, and the light-switch area looks kind of down-market.
Still, I like the new GLE interior more than the Q8 and the XC90, but I think I like the X5 more. Just by a little. Just first thoughts.
Maybe the threat of US tariffs lead MB to cut some corners. ;-)
But the GLE is made in the US! Sure the engines and other parts come from Europe, but most US cars use tons of imported parts. This is purposeful design, for whatever reason.
But the GLE is made in the US! Sure the engines and other parts come from Europe, but most US cars use tons of imported parts.
As you know, some of the SUV's built in Vance that are exported and could be affected by tariffs if implemented. The BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC appears to have been affected simply by the threat of tariffs:
As you know, some of the SUV's built in Vance that are exported and could be affected by tariffs if implemented. The BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC appears to have been affected simply by the threat of tariffs:
Hey Greg, have you searched the S Class forum for posts from owners with Magic Body Control? It's an intriguing for me as well so if you find anything of note, please post it.
This is the only comment I found on the W222 forum about Magic Body Control:
"The first thing is the Curve control feature, a part of the Magic Body control from 2018 facelift. This is only possible to get on V8, non 4-matic cars. I really wanted Magic Body Control, and went to a lot of effort to get it, as there was no approval for non 4-matic in my country (it is now). It is a great feature. But the curve control is even better, and has a big impact on comfort. Test drive it if you can. I love it!"
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
