In the entry-level luxury sedan class, in my opinion, there's one area that seems to get overlooked. That would be the interior.
And, realistically, it's not a primary issue for a lot of folks for a variety of reasons. Let's face it, a lot of folks want to get into an Audi A4, BMW 3-Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class to impress friends and family. The emblem is more critical than the powertrain or interior.
That said, ever since Audi has been making waves with its über interiors, everyone from the likes of Cadillac, Lexus, BMW, et al., have been stepping up their game. The latest new kid on the block is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class that was officially unveiled today.
Leading up to today's reveal the leaked shots depicted exactly what we're seeing today; however, it was focused only on one color combination. Now that we're seeing quite a bit of variety, it's even more impressive.
If I had to pick a favorite out of the below, it would definitely be the two-tone vanilla and black interior at the VERY bottom that's sporting the piano black finish on the center stack. It looks so classy.
That said, I am not sure I am not the only cheerleader for this interior. I am sure there's plenty of haters as well.
So, I have to ask: does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class set an all-new benchmark for interiors in the entry-level luxury class?
What say you, Spies?
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
An excerpt from Mercedes-Benz's press release follows:
...High-class interior with fine details
The Mercedes-Benz designers have styled the interior on a level which is rarely encountered even in higher vehicle categories. This applies to the carefully chosen high-class materials and their pleasant touch and feel as well as the precision of the finely crafted details. The interior also embodies a new design idiom which combines sensuousness and clarity perfectly with dynamic sportiness and contributes to the quality feel of the interior.
The driver and front passenger enjoy plenty of space and luxury in a discreet, modern guise on board the new C-Class. This gives rise to a feel-good atmosphere which is new to this class of vehicle – settling into your seat in the C-Class is akin to the uplifting feeling of being upgraded from economy to business class on an airplane.
The interior design demonstrates a bold new approach by Mercedes-Benz. Here the designers combine in accomplished style the architecture of Mercedes- Benz sports cars with a totally new center console featuring flowing lines. A large one-piece center console panel performs an elegant sweep from the center air vents to the armrest. These seamless clear-cut lines create a sense of open space and convey a thrillingly purist and modern feel.
A centrally positioned free-standing central display is the main eye-catching feature across the center console – with a screen diagonal of 7 inches or 8.4 inches if Multimedia Package is selected.
Five round air vents lend the dashboard a sporty touch. With their metallic cool-touch effect they create a fascinating, tangible contrast to the warm look of the other materials – such as the wood in the center console or the leather on the dashboard. The "upgrade" feel duly continues with the controls. All switches feature a high-quality, three-dimensional design befitting a luxury vehicle and benefit from a clear layout.
The innovative touchpad in the handrest over the Controller on the center tunnel marks a further evolutionary step developed in-house at Mercedes-Benz. As on a smartphone, this provides for very simple and intuitive operation of all the head-unit functions using finger gestures. The touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting - in any language. The user receives clear haptic feedback when operating the touchpad's control surface, which is highly conducive to genuine intuitive use.
A head-up display is also new to the C-Class. Like in a jet fighter, it displays important information directly in the driver's field of vision on the front windscreen, thus providing for clear legibility and ensuring that the driver is distracted less from the road ahead. The system provides information on vehicle speed, speed limits and navigation instructions and displays messages from DISTRONIC PLUS.
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Air conditioning: signals from space
Mercedes-Benz has undertaken systematic further development and substantial improvement of the air conditioning system in the new C-Class. This applies in particular to the control quality, performance, efficiency and air quality. The new C-Class is also the only vehicle in the segment to offer tunnel detection via satellite navigation. It uses the map information from the navigation system and the GPS location data to close the air recirculation flap automatically when the vehicle enters a tunnel, subsequently re-opening it when the vehicle emerges from the tunnel.
Another highlight contributing to a feel-good atmosphere is the AIR-BALANCE package with active fragrancing, air ionization and more efficient filtration than is available on the standard model.
Vibrant infotainment
A completely new multimedia generation offers intuitive operation in the new C-Class, featuring elaborate animations and visual effects which present all the functions in a clear and highly attractive manner. The new C-Class is also equipped with the unique Frontbass system. This avant-garde acoustic systems uses the space within the cross-member and side member in the body structure as a resonance chamber for the bass speakers to conjure up a listening experience almost on a par with a concert hall. A Burmester® surround sound system is optionally available.
The navigation system presents its contents in interactive mode. Its features include an animated compass, a "Drive Show" with information for passengers similar to the on-screen presentations on board airplanes and Google Maps displayed on the head unit.
In-car technology
COMAND not only offers a larger display with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels and a special bonded glass cover such as is familiar from consumer devices like the iPhone or iPad.
The new C-Class will also include mbrace2 connected car technology, including the available option to have over twenty Mercedes-Benz Apps integrated into the COMAND system.
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
