I disagree. The sketch actually looked more modern and more sporty, less conservative, while still keeping it classy. IMO.

I disagree with you, but I respect your opinion.

BTW, our little disagreements here will play themselves out in the real world with some potential C-Class buyers and what they think of the interior. Some will find the interior nice, other's don't care and other's hate the interior etc.

^ True.
I don't think the interior is bad, is just that could have been better. Same as ther rear: it's ok, but is not the best they can do. And that is the part that bothers me. The E90 will be strong for years to come and the B8 A4 will be introduced this year so just bringging a car that doesn't raise the bar on the segment is dissapointing. Perhaps I was specting too much, and as many have stated this is just a C Class and I'm specting an S class. But when I look at the previous w203 it has that something that this car lacks. The interior was just as you would spect from an MB C class, and as to the exterior it looked slim and agile, not chunky. I like the w204, but I'm not excited about it, at least not with this pictures.

excuse my ignorance, but what is the benefit of twin spark plugs? It seems like one spark would be adequate.

I agree with you about the rear. It does looks expression and so does the rear of the new CL. The difference is that the rear of the CL suits the car and its character while the rear of the C-class looks like a two week project. I wish it was a bit more bold.
MB's aim with the new C is to create the most luxurious car in the class. Although the 3er and A4s are premium cars they don't give you the luxurious full leather/ walnut panel feeling. The people who will buy the new S are those who want the feeling of an S-class in a small and "affordable" package. The 3er will most likely sell better due to the lower price and craze amongst young adults but there is no doubt that the new C will have a huge clientel.

Don't you think it's a bit controversial that the new C-Class which you say has that "full leather/walnut panel -feeling" also has less wood in the dash than the competitors? I honestly think A4 and 3 series with light interior colors and wood panel look just as luxurious as the new C-Class so I don't exactly understand what you're saying. Just a little bit lower price in some markets (in others 3 series is more expensive) isn't a big advantage for the 3 series since for example in Finland the C-Class sells better although it's more expensive. Anyway, I see a steep drop in A4 sales in the coming months...

The difference between the C and its competitors is that when you choose to get your C interior in a light interior, the complete interior is light. Look at this 3er, the seats and the doors are light but the center console and the dash is still black, not to mention the steering wheel.

Ok, now I know what you mean. It might look better with same color dash but it's not that bad IMO. With the A4 there isn't the "problem" as you can see:



And here's 3er:

lol that shifter knob on the audi is a horror..
looks like a drumstick of a huge bird...

LMAO so true.