"What looks good must also feel good" – this is the Mercedes principle followed by the dashboard, centre console and the transmission tunnel and door linings of the new C-Class. This is because Mercedes specialists regard the tactile qualities of materials as a major contribution to comfort and wellbeing.
The dashboard may be ordered with a two-tone colour scheme, in which case the upper section and centre console are in a darker colour while the knee protection, glove compartment lid and tunnel lining are visually defined by a lighter, contrasting colour. The instrument cluster, controls and air vents are harmoniously and integrated into the interior design contours. The precise edges and small radii that characterise the high-quality appearance of the interior are the result of an ultra-modern production process: the foamed surface skin is sprayed into half shells mounted on a plastic supporting structure using robots. This surface skin consists of soft polyurethane plastic which is pleasant to the touch and can be varied in thickness as required. Moreover, this process creates a homogeneous surface with no disruptive joins or seams.
The pivoting cover of the display compartment and the glove compartment lid are also finished using this process, giving the dashboard a uniform, high-quality appearance. The illuminated glove compartment has a capacity of 6.4 litres and can be air conditioned. It also accommodates a twelve-volt socket and a connection for an external audio unit (if a radio is fitted).
An aluminium cross-member acts as a robust support for the dashboard and its components. The glove compartment, airbag, centre console and jacket tube are attached to this solid section, which is around 1.8 kilograms lighter than a comparable welded steel construction. The cross-member reduces resonances and vibrations, and helps to give lateral stability to the A-pillars to which it is bolted at both ends.
The centre console is harmoniously integrated into the form and colour concept of the dashboard. The controls for the audio system and telephone (optional) are positioned below the air vents. This area is delineated from the lower centre of the Dashboard featuring the controls for the standard air conditioning system by a defined edge. This is followed by an almost right-angled transition to the tunnel console, in which the shift lever, the controller and an asymmetrically divided armrest are to be found. On the driver’s side this armrest extends well forward, serving as a practical handrest for operation of the controller. Beneath it is a spacious stowage compartment. If the new C-Class is equipped with THERMOTRONIC three-zone luxury automatic climate control, the tunnel console also features an operating unit for adjustment of the blower and air conditioning by passengers in the rear.
The switches, keys and controls are laid out in line with the latest ergonomic findings, and positioned according to the importance of their functions, frequency of use or visual aspects. This means that the uppermost position in the centre console is occupied by the prominent red key for the hazard warning system, where it is equally well accessible to both the driver and front passenger. This is followed by an array of switches for optional equipment such as heated seats, PARKTRONIC or the interior monitoring/tow-away protection system; at the lower end the centre console features the operating unit for the automatic climate control.
Switches: a tactile experience
The visible surfaces of the switches and controls are coated with a special lacquer which provides a silky sheen and a surface which is soft to the touch. In conjunction with the modern push-push buttons, which require an operating pressure of just four newtons and have a travel of only 0.8 millimetres, this lacquer finish makes the selection of vehicle functions both precise and pleasant to the touch. Pressing once is enough to activate or deactivate the function concerned. The buttons always engage with a soft "click", also providing the car occupants with acoustic confirmation that the desired function has been activated.
Homogeneous illumination of the switch symbols with amber-coloured light ensures optimal recognition and accentuates the pleasing appearance of the interior when travelling at night.
Door linings: combination of fine materials
The interior door linings also reflect the aim of the Mercedes developers to combine attractive design with pleasing tactile qualities. This is achieved by a combination of high-quality materials such as fabric or leather, as well as wood or aluminium (in the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines, and optionally also CLASSIC), with scratch-resistant plastic having a new, dual-sheen surface structure. The wide armrests on the interior door linings are also soft to the touch and particularly comfortable. This is where the designers have attractively and conveniently located the control arrays for the power windows, the locking/unlocking switches and the exterior mirrors.
There you have it, straight from the horses mouth! END OF STORY!