German Car Zone

Well it wasn't just these pics, the Autospies pics aren't much better. It seems that the upper dash on the passenger side and the trim around the center console is the same grain of plastic as the C-Class, which is its weakest point quality wise. I've had 2 W204 service loaners and seen this first hand also. It isn't terrible, but it could be better, especially in the E, if in fact the plastics are the same. I'll have to see the new E in person to determine this.


M

Don't fret, the resolution of those pics isnt quite right. And the E will certainly have a different dash material.

That said there is absolutely nothing wrong with the quality of the C's dash, apart from the black looking slightly shiny under certain lighting conditions. But as I pointed out in that thread I did a while back, as a whole its a great interior and feels far more solid then the A4.

I really like the AMG pack, but I too think the Avantgarde is quite enough. And theres some gorgeous colour combinations that can be used on the avantgardes interior.

In my experience with the C-Class, the new dashboard material doesn't photograph well yet feels absolutely premium and durable in the truest of Mercedes traditions in real life. I'm not bothered by the impression given from the photos.

I'm not crazy about MB's use of these granular type plastics either. honestly the plastic dash trim in a Honda Civic looks more highgrade. Not saying it is. But I just sold a used Civic Hybrid, and although I don't like the quirky dash lighting, and instrument cluster lighting, the dash plastics look heavy and very luxury.

The 211 had a great feeling material.

I have sat on the Cclass, depends on how you look at those "granular" plastic... they are solid, but they DO look a bit cheaper than what might have been otherwise. sometimes they feel like some hard plastic panel but although it is up to your imagination to think it is a piece of high quality plastic, of course the whole interior does feel solid - Cclass i'm referring to.
Talking about Honda Civic, I have one and it's a pretty cool toy i must say, the full leather interior actually gives it quite an upscale look, forget those crap buttons and door handles though...=P

Back to the AMG package, it really has some bmw influence, more visibile here is the very short front overhang, but i guess all cars are heading this way now, it was just that bmw was first in getting a lot of elements 'right for the future' at the start. And, i just hate that steering wheel. full stop. it's OK for the C, but come on an Eclass is supposed to be luxury and elegant and why would you want this kind of wheel on it..