Interior Comparison: Lexus IS vs Mercedes W204 C-Class

cawimmer430 submitted on 02/26/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 11:23 AM
from: www.autospies.com

Tags: Interior Comparison: Lexus IS vs Mercedes W204 C-Class

A lot of people are claiming that the C-Class interior is "crap", when in reality, the Lexus IS interior doesn't seem much better if that is the case.

Here's a visual comparison between these two interiors. Take a look at the finer details. Seems to me that the C-Class interior isn't as bad as some people make it out to be.

Especially in the door department does the Lexus look "barren", dare I say "cheap" compared to the C-Class.

Look at the pictures and see for yourself. I hope this topic will spark an INTERESTING DISCUSSION.

And please, let's try to keep it civil. No flame wars please.

-CW

Comments:

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Bill - 2/26/2007 12:47:06 PM

+7 Boost

Your = You're

compairing = comparing

Japenese = Japanese

a = an

unrealible = unreliable

german = German

brand = car

Your sentence should read:

You're comparing a Japanese economy car to an overpriced, overrated and unreliable German car.

Go home, kid. Or at least learn to type and spell properly. No one will take you seriously here with such abismal typing skills.

And what makes the Lexus IS an economy car? How do we know the new C-Class is unreliable? Is there some suspicious JD Power or CR data available already? I don't think so.

Agent001, we have another troll onboard.

As for the comparison, I've stated before that I personally find the Lexus IS interior to be mega overrated. I've examined the interior in real life and I don't find it to be the "super dooper interior" it is made out to be. Quality interior? Yes, but overrated by the press and Lexus fans alike.

Having not seen the new C-Class interior in real life, I refuse to make a judgement on it until I see the real thing. From the pictures, it does look like a quality interior, but I'll wait until I see the real thing.

Mr. cawimmer430 is right though, the door areas of the Lexus IS look pretty barren and cheap compared to the C-Class. Just an observation.

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MercBasher - 2/26/2007 1:52:54 PM

0 Boost

The Mercedes interior is a bowl of dog food, compared to the steak offered by Lexus. What were the MB designers thinking - more buttons and more square edges does not equal quality or luxury.

Designer1 - 2/26/2007 4:55:12 PM

-6 Boost

The guy can type or not, the IS high and beyond the MB beautify and quality. My co-worker went car shopping couple of weeks ago, he checked all of the BMW 325'sh, G35, IS, and C class, he came back home impressed with and IS250.

mstangpny07 - 2/26/2007 8:17:46 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

What's your problem Bill??????

ca here IS NOT FROM THE UNITED STATES. HE IS FROM GERMANY.

Please, type this paragraph up in German for us.

Then he will be the one laughing at you.

Get a life.

Bill - 2/27/2007 4:11:16 AM

+2 Boost

Mr. Mustang,

I was attacking a Lexus troll, not cawimmer.

joeyc - 2/27/2007 6:08:03 PM

+1 Boost

FYI: You spelled "abismal" wrong... it's "abysmal" :)

mitchatlexusofmarin - 2/27/2007 8:56:15 PM

+1 Boost

I prefer the Mercedes interior.

mstangpny07 - 2/27/2007 9:31:36 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I see.....so where is this Lexus Troll? I guess he/she is gone.
Sorry for the confusion
It didn't sound like you.

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answer - 2/26/2007 12:49:01 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Suggested words/phrases to use when posting on this article:

"prestige"
"magic feeling"
"reliability"
"fancy Toyota"
"Chrysler"
"copied"
"enthusiast"
"sucks"

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cynic - 2/26/2007 12:56:02 PM

0 Boost

You obviously do not have pride or care what thoughts come out of your mind and how stupid they might sound.

By the way, I type at 101 wpm ;)

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answer - 2/26/2007 2:22:17 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

It would be quite odd if someone posted a positive story here about a car without including a negative statement about another car.

Carboy - 2/26/2007 3:39:58 PMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

Who cares how fast you type.

cynic - 2/26/2007 5:25:56 PM

+3 Boost

The fast typing comment was in response to an idiot who is now banned and his comments are not longer on this post.

Bill - 2/26/2007 12:54:57 PM

-2 Boost

Very "intelligent" statement there.

My wife drives an Infiniti FX45 and I drive a new Mercedes S550 - and she sleeps next to me at night, not in hell.

Agent001, I vote for the ban...

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M53R - 2/26/2007 12:58:12 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Wow! Easy on him Bill! I think you made him leave the site!

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Bill - 2/26/2007 1:06:13 PM

-1 Boost

I think this kid got banned. About time.

Bill - 2/26/2007 1:23:28 PM

-2 Boost

Nicely put.

Read my post. I think we have a similar view on the subject.

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1995e34 - 2/26/2007 1:58:11 PM

+4 Boost

these interiors look very comparable. i don't think ANYONE makes that great of an interior at this price point anyhow.

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rg12345 - 2/26/2007 6:29:14 PM

-2 Boost

Totally agree with cawimmer !

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EL34 - 2/26/2007 1:27:32 PM

0 Boost

IMHO, the Benz wins.

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EL34 - 2/26/2007 2:03:00 PM

-2 Boost

The Lexus IS interior has that $500 dollar Panasonic all-in-one home theater look.

The Benz looks refined and fresh!

cynic - 2/26/2007 5:30:41 PM

+11 Boost

So sorry EL34, either one of these interiors does not stand out more than the other in a large way. Your obvious bias is showing through again.

senorgato - 2/26/2007 1:43:08 PM

+2 Boost

I'm still baffled at Lexus' decision to put the angled door handle right next to the window controls. I had a car like that once (an Isuzu Rodeo, which isn't a great benchmark) and it was godawful trying to get to the window controls. I may have developed carpal tunnel after a year (just kidding, of course).

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EL34 - 2/26/2007 2:09:57 PM

-2 Boost

Looks like someone screwed up @ Lexus!

SSP350 - 2/26/2007 1:47:20 PM

-2 Boost

I think the C-class that was being compared a while ago, were the ones that were developed for Europe.
Don't they get all the cheap Mercedes there?
Of course, the ones manufactured for the States are more upscale looking with better material used.

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Willis - 2/26/2007 2:09:53 PM

+1 Boost

I agree that the Lexus IS interior is overrated. Judging from the pictures, it does look like the Mercedes might even have the better interior, overall. The door region of the Lexus looks quite cheap compared to the Mercedes' for instance.

And the panel gaps, which Toyota fanboys always rave about, look pretty big on the interior with the L badge...

I don't want to start a war here, but expressing your opinion on Autospies is pure suicide because the fanboys will attack you. Watch as I get deboosted just for stating my opinion.

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EL34 - 2/26/2007 2:11:21 PM

-3 Boost

Willis, great post!

Bill - 2/26/2007 2:12:30 PM

-4 Boost

Good post, Willis.

answer - 2/26/2007 2:17:38 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

The fanboys live on both sides.

EL34 - 2/26/2007 2:13:45 PM

-10 Boost

The one thing I can say positive about the Lexus
interior is they're saving trees by using all that
plastic wood!

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answer - 2/26/2007 2:19:50 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

Like how you save yourself public humiliation by sharing your nonsense here?

answer - 2/26/2007 2:24:09 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

But is it really a "good one" if Lexus has never used fake wood trim in any of their cars?

EL34 - 2/26/2007 4:32:51 PM

-5 Boost

bulldogz, here's some real wood.

http://toguitars.com/images/blogbilder/ron-thorn.jpg

EL34i - 2/27/2007 4:51:44 PM

+1 Boost

That settles it, you completely lack any modicum of taste.

EL34 - 2/28/2007 12:11:28 AM

0 Boost

EL34i, look at this custom shop Ron Thorn?

Click on the photos.

http://www.thornguitars.com/galleryhtm/hb001.htm

answer - 2/26/2007 2:27:54 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I think it's cyclical. During early afternoon/day the German guys reign supreme, things get a little more balanced as evening draws near.

I just appreciate that Bill has not yet used his "Mr." salutation today which he uses when really trying to "educate" someone.

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answer - 2/26/2007 2:52:05 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

I see you are a graduate of the EL34 school of comedy. My apologies.

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Voiture - 2/26/2007 3:28:08 PM

+1 Boost

My opinion:

Seat: The seat on the Lexus looks sportier and overall looks better than the MB.

Door and controls: The MB is better than the Lexus. The way Lexus layout the controls behind the handle is not good ergonomic comparing to the MB.

Steering wheel and controls: Lexus is better overall. It looks better and the buttons are better layout for usability.

Gauges: The BM is better. Its gauges are clean while the Lexus is a little too busy.

Shift Control Area: Lexus is better. The material used and shifting guide is better. Don't like the way MB uses leather wrap under the knob area.

Stereo and Nav Area: Lexus is better. While I like the height of the pop-up Nav on the MB, it just doesn't look clean to me the way the top move back and the screen move up. Also it might be more prone to malfunction. The screen on the Lexus might not be as high as the MB, but it's big enough and it's not low. Overall is cleaner than the MB. Despite the MB has an "idrive", it seems there are more buttons than the Lexus. Also, most of the buttons on the Lexus are bigger than the MB.

Still my opinion:
It is what it is and in this case, Lexus wins.

Just to be fair, why do Lexus flamer get more negative boost than MB flamer?

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Denali - 2/26/2007 11:12:31 PM

+2 Boost

very well said Voiture, u took that right out my mouth! "did i mess up my spel chk" " who cares, u get the point LMAO"

SSP350 - 2/26/2007 3:54:53 PM

+2 Boost

Somebody check this link out and tell me that the C-Class has a leading interior design. Is it me or does it look really cheap? Don't get me wrong, I want to like the car, but the interior in these photos just ain't working. Once again, I actually like the interior of the new Lexus IS better. Here's the link:

http://www.autospies.com/news/Spies-hit-the-mother-lode-The-ULTIMATE-2008-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-photo-coverage-11791/

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BMW995 - 2/26/2007 4:31:31 PM

-3 Boost

I guess it's irrelevant which has the better design. They both look great. The big question is how long will the switch gear and elec. motors last in both cars? I just bought an IS250 and sold my BMW 3 series (2000 model) due to forum discussions that the transmission fails prematurely in those cars with no warning ($5000 repair, but most can't find the trans.).
So, you can tell, reliability is paramount with me.

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EL34 - 2/26/2007 4:37:48 PM

-4 Boost

Lookit, the Lexus is for Toy-Boys and the Benz is for qualified successful Realtors like myself.

Benz #1 Bigdog!

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SSP350 - 2/26/2007 5:08:21 PM

0 Boost

Go drive a Buick Lucerne.

answer - 2/26/2007 6:34:23 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

The C class is multifacetd in its appeal.

In the U.S. it does serve as an entry point into the Mercedes lineup, which is important if you want to have "snob appeal". Not everyone buys a C for this reason, but some do.

In Europe the C makes a damn fine taxi for congested metro areas.

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answer - 2/26/2007 8:32:58 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

You should go back. There were plenty of C class taxis that I saw. Try going to Berlin, Prague, etc.

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1970toyotamarc - 2/26/2007 5:48:24 PM

+1 Boost

The gentle yet aggressive curve of the Lexus door pull is one of my favorite design cues in the interior. I dont know what is with all the criticism. It is bold, innovative and beautiful. The C's door pulls are traditional and bland like most Benz interior design elements.

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Lexus - 2/26/2007 5:54:22 PM

+1 Boost

Whoever take the picture between this two cars need to be bann. Stupid dweeb, when you took the pic of Lexus, you did a really close up, I can't see jack shit. But on the other hand you did took a better than of the C-class. When comparing the two, at least to be fair, both picture be about the same. Dump son.....b.....

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EL34 - 2/26/2007 10:10:03 PM

-4 Boost

lol

Lexus - 2/26/2007 5:55:11 PM

+3 Boost

As far as interior wise in this segement, the Audi A4 and the Acura TL is the only one that come close to the Lexus IS350.

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answer - 2/26/2007 6:37:25 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

You do realize you are debating matters of personal taste/belief in which there can be no "right" answer don't you?

JackArsch/JackAss you should really loose the attitude that everyone who doesn't put a German car at the top of their own personal list is biased/ignorant, etc.

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1995e34 - 2/26/2007 7:18:21 PM

+7 Boost

unfortunately, i'm not sure buying american cars is the most patriotic thing to do anymore. think of this: you buy an american car, and a rich american ceo gets richer while exporting jobs (from the u.s.), whereas you buy foreign and a foreign ceo gets richer while importing jobs (into the u.s.).

as much as i wish it were wrong to buy imports, it may be the best thing for america. pretty twisted.

a coworker of mine formerly lived in detroit, and was telling me how there were places where your car would be vandalized if it were an import. meanwhile, she was safe cause she drove a ford probe!!!

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dannyboi - 2/27/2007 10:59:58 PM

+1 Boost

I dont know what everyone is talking about. The merc looks like ass compared to the lex

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Lexus - 2/26/2007 6:15:10 PM

+1 Boost

I happen to have a brother who owns an IS250, yeah whatever dude.

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1995e34 - 2/26/2007 6:18:34 PM

+4 Boost

can you see over the steering wheel yet?

1995e34 - 2/26/2007 6:27:52 PM

-2 Boost

i was messing with lexus' reference to his brother's is250. it kinda seemed like a child's comment

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1995e34 - 2/26/2007 6:32:58 PM

0 Boost

he has a good memory

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lexusis350 - 2/26/2007 6:17:02 PM

+6 Boost

They both have very nice interiors, but in this case, they are too different to be comparable. I know that the C-Class and the IS were designed to compete with each other, but I think that the IS is more sporty while the C-Class is more luxurious. Like I said, both very nice, but appealing to different buyers.

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lexusis350 - 2/27/2007 5:52:44 PM

+1 Boost

Ha ha. I get it. Arsch is German is ass. That's a good one!

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Lexus - 2/26/2007 6:36:22 PM

+1 Boost

This is a two way street, if you planning to call someone a dumpass, expect it to come to you. All I'm saying is that they need to take better pic of the IS. You can't hardly anyting on the IS but on C-class you it show a much better pic.

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/26/2007 8:18:51 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

My opinion...

The dash: the Lexus's design is more attractive here IMO, but whether or not Mercedes makes use of better plastics remains to be seen. Both are filled with buttons and neither look as upscale as the A4's dash, however.

Doors: the Mercedes design is traditional and elegant, and I have no quibbles here. I love their seat controls, especially. The Lexus? Comparatively baren. It annoys me that the doors on most Lexus models have no surface tension or even anything other than a door handle and an arm rest. The rest is a leather-swathed void... if the IS even has real leather here.

Gauges: both are quite clear, but I'd have to give the edge to the Merc again for its more contemporary design and intricate needles.

Gearshift: well, they compare a downmarket C-Class's gear tunnel with that of a high-level IS. I believe that if the C had wood trim, the IS would still look better, but the C-Class pulls off the aluminum trim better. The Lexus doesn't even employ real aluminum- it's tacky grey plastic. A $27,000 A3 has beautiful, real aluminum.

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/26/2007 8:21:41 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

Oh and, top interiors in this class:

1. Audi A4-- still the best after all these years

2. Acura TL

3. Lexus IS

4. BMW 3 Series / W204 C-Class tie (no, I'm not joking- 3's interior is quite well-built)

5. Infiniti G

6. Saab 9-3

7. Volvo S40/S60

trd1 - 2/26/2007 8:59:43 PM

+1 Boost

man the interior of that Is is beautiful and the interior of the kia,cough i mean MB c-class is ok.

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Agent63 - 2/26/2007 9:46:55 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

MercBasher wrote:"The Mercedes interior is a bowl of dog food, compared to the steak offered by Lexus. What were the MB designers thinking - more buttons and more square edges does not equal quality or luxury."

---------

Should tell that to the Lexus people not the Mercedes fans. Lexus LS with more buttons don't mean the technology is useful and to say it is comparable to an ultra luxury saloon? that's just getting too crazy.

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Ywrk4ne1 - 2/26/2007 11:07:00 PM

+2 Boost

everyone who is against or unsure about mercedes quality should read the article just posted entitled the real truth about merc C-Class interior

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Denali - 2/26/2007 11:16:13 PM

+2 Boost

thers no real truth about the C-class, its a cheap mercedes, lol if u wanna talk about E, S or CLS diffrent story, there's no sugar coating a C

Bill - 2/27/2007 4:44:38 AM

+6 Boost

C-Class a cheap Mercedes?

I guess that makes the IS a cheap Lexus then, eh?

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hkaudi - 2/27/2007 1:09:15 AM

+7 Boost

LEXUS IS OVERPRICED!~ No match with the new MERC

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EL34 - 2/27/2007 2:31:41 AM

+7 Boost

shrub, you need to put on your glasses.

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Matthew1 - 2/27/2007 2:39:41 AM

+9 Boost

Oh yes, because a ugly bulbous silver plastic console is so pleasing on the eye...

The Mercedes interior sits nicely, and doesn't have any contrived elements.

The Lexus is plain, except for the cheap-looking centre console, which looks like an after-thought.

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1995e34 - 2/27/2007 5:07:31 PM

+2 Boost

that site won't work for me for some reason. i wanted to look at the a4 interior next to these, just as a reference

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Willis - 2/27/2007 4:48:25 AM

+8 Boost

I find it very amusing how the Lexus fanboys proclaim the IS interior to be so good, yet do not back up their claim with some facts.

At the same time, they slam the C class interior without having seen it in real life.

Again, I even drove a Lexus IS250 and the interior is completely overrated. A good interior, but not all that it is made out to be. The Audi A4 owns this segment in terms of interior quality. Period.

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answer - 2/27/2007 11:01:00 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

People need to calm down here.

Whichever interior or car you prefer is your personal choice. There is no "right" answer!

In reality both cars are quality products that blow away their predecessors.

Threads like this are funny, but I think some of you guys are getting a little too worked up.

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raschitakochangwenya - 2/27/2007 2:58:56 PM

-3 Boost

The mercedes steering looks chryslerish ,and those window controls on the lexus look like they came out of camry ,but overall i think the lexus interior looks better than the MB ,considering that the lexus interior is a year or so older

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Rupert - 2/27/2007 4:02:36 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

the lexus is too expensive...more money than anything else in its class in Europe. All because they won't offer any lower trim levels, and insist on putting in useless stuff we don't want, like heated/cooled seats.
NOBODY WANTS COOLED SEATS IN A REP-MOBILE. (in europe)

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1995e34 - 2/27/2007 4:19:08 PM

+1 Boost

i'd kill for cooled seats myself

S4cabriofoxone - 2/27/2007 5:40:57 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

They're not even really cooled on today's luxury cars. They're "ventilated." In other words, they make the seats less hot- not cooler, just less hot. Heated seats are effective, though.

huu76 - 2/27/2007 6:42:02 PM

0 Boost

I like the C's shifter better, it isn't as messy.

The centre console on the C looks dull and cheaper, like the older GM cars.

I think the IS is equal or better everywhere else.

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1995e34 - 2/27/2007 7:15:36 PM

+2 Boost

lexury

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/27/2007 7:57:03 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

lexury lexury lexury lexury lexury

LEXUS IS THE #1 LEXURY MAKER

...ha...ha...ha...ha...aha...haa...

Lexus

starfox - 2/27/2007 8:24:46 PM

+1 Boost

I like the IS interior better. but the c-class interior is still good. however the same cannot be said of c-class's exterior's which actually seems more dated and busy than the IS's. its a good thing the poster didnt create a exterior comparision. I would imagine neither the c-class or the 3-series would fare well in that comparo.

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germeezy2 - 2/28/2007 2:32:19 AM

-1 Boost