German Car Forum

Merc1 · 02-22-2007, 08:18 AM

Well you know us "MB guys" have to have our letters, while you BMW guys have your numbers.

Yeah the CL does about 1/4 of the volume of the S here in the U.S., roughly.

M

Poverty · 02-22-2007, 03:01 PM

Having recently visited all 3 dealerships its a easy choice for me, and this is coming from an MB fan.

1. Audi (easily, the S8 interior is even much better than the new s-class)
2. MB (just ahead of BMW, some models let it down.)
3. BMW (some models have rather poor interiors, inregards for the asking price such as the M5, and the 3er ES.)

bmer · 02-22-2007, 06:14 PM

My take:

1. Audi (the most classic and beautiful designs, never lets down with overall look.)

2. BMW/Mercedes (At first the new design line of BMW was shocking. Now after few years I'm used to the sharp edges, asymmetric lines and the simplified design. The enhancement with E92/E93 and E70 X5 is a good direction for the interior design of BMW.)
(Mercedes has some very beautiful interiors but the latest designs are a bit two-sided. The quality is very fine but there are always some elements that could have been better like the steering wheel (S, CL, new C) for example.)

GTA8.5 · 02-22-2007, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Artist

Fit and finish: im not sure its a draw between MB and audi..as my experiences with audi interiors have been far from what is told here..
for example a driver seat in a new RS4 that squeeks so much you have to turn up the stereo loud to drown it..
and for MB they have had some serious probs lately..but these new cars..especially the S class..are freakin amazing..like a vault.. go and try if you dont belive it

Design: Here MB winns it for me.. i hate BMW interior design..with its sharp edges..and failed attempts to try to be hyper modern..
they should take their design back to Z8 interior time.. hoping for new cool direction with the new 7er..

Audi on the other hand always look nice..but thats about it.. nothing spectacular.. very strict.. and german.. and i hate the similarites that runs all trough the VAG interior line up..its disturbing..

Ergonomics: BMW sucks arse in this department.. they really need to think this over.. seems like they did with the X5 wich seems to have a hot interior.. Audi cars have good ergonomics.. nothing is placed in a wierd place.. everything is easy to reach and use..
But MB gives me this feeling..especially the S class..that the car works for you.. everything seems so automatic and naturall..
they are the true masters of ergonomics.. ( on the other hand..it could be the fact that im used to MB

)

So MB gets my vote.. surprise surprise..

Thanks. well said, I agree.

Matt · 02-22-2007, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monster

Do you mean the position of the seat adjustment buttons doesn't make any sense?

The seat adjustment buttons are located on the door-thats what i mean.

NarutoRamen · 02-22-2007, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

The seat adjustment buttons are located on the door-thats what i mean.

Makes perfect sense to me. At least you can see what you're doing. Beats having it on the bottom corner of your seat.

King-B · 02-22-2007, 09:48 PM

Design = Audi. Audi by far has the most attractive interior from a designers point of view. Everything just flows. Audi typically has the advantage mostly because their interiors look attractive online as well as in person too. Audi on the other hand still cant match Mercedes comfort level.

Quality = Mercedes. Even though Audi makes some of the most attractive interiors, Mercedes continues to raise the bar in comfort and quality. The designs however are spiritless. Like most Japanese cars. Some examples would be the new C, M, ML, and outdated E.

Ergonomics = BMW. Everybody is bashing BMW today for their "UGLY" interiors, but its clear that a lot of people haven't sat in a newer BMW. Pictures certainly don't do justice, because in person, BMW interiors just work. The Ultimate Driving Machine deserves the Ultimate Drivers Interior. BMW shouldn't settle for less.

RICHBOY · 02-22-2007, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King-B

Design = Audi. Audi by far has the most attractive interior from a designers point of view. Everything just flows. Audi typically has the advantage mostly because their interiors look attractive online as well as in person too. Audi on the other hand still cant match Mercedes comfort level.

Quality = Mercedes. Even though Audi makes some of the most attractive interiors, Mercedes continues to raise the bar in comfort and quality. The designs however are spiritless. Like most Japanese cars. Some examples would be the new C, M, ML, and outdated E.

Ergonomics = BMW. Everybody is bashing BMW today for their "UGLY" interiors, but its clear that a lot of people haven't sat in a newer BMW. Pictures certainly don't do justice, because in person, BMW interiors just work. The Ultimate Driving Machine deserves the Ultimate Drivers Interior. BMW shouldn't settle for less.

The craziest part is that BMW has the least to do to become the best at all things.

1) Jack styling cues from Audi, Layout, materials.
2) But softer leather on the seats. (Mercedes)
3) Ad the next level technology that BMW is known for!

End result, back on top IMO!

Matt · 02-22-2007, 10:01 PM

^ Have you ever sat in a BMW?-their seats are probably the best in class.

RICHBOY · 02-22-2007, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

^ Have you ever sat in a BMW?-their seats are probably the best in class.

Of course! I off loaded my previous generation528i two years ago, and if I might add the end of comfortable BMW's. I was certain I was going to buy a 745Li when it was released, but I was rather disappointed with how tuff the leather was, so I got a S55AMG instead. I'm one of the very few people you'll meet who puts more stock in the interior than the exterior.

I figure you don't drive the exterior so I make my decisions accordingly.

King-B · 02-22-2007, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RICHBOY

Of course! I off loaded my previous generation528i two years ago, and if I might add the end of comfortable BMW's. I was certain I was going to buy a 745Li when it was released, but I was rather disappointed with how tuff the leather was, so I got a S55AMG instead. I'm one of the very few people you'll meet who puts more stock in the interior than the exterior.

I figure you don't drive the exterior so I make my decisions accordingly.

I understand what you mean, however BMW should continue to make tuffer, but supportive seats. This is why many people compare Mercedes to Lexus or Cadillac. All 3 brands are known for making plush interior. BMW should never go this route.

RICHBOY · 02-22-2007, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King-B

I understand what you mean, however BMW should continue to make tuffer, but supportive seats. This is why many people compare Mercedes to Lexus or Cadillac. All 3 brands are known for making plush interior. BMW should never go this route.

Why not? I love BMW's but I want top of the line comfort as well. The old 850i BMW managed to find that perfect balance between comfort and sport, as well as the previous generation 7-Series. I don't think will have these gripes with the next generation 7-Series comes out however.

Matt · 02-22-2007, 11:42 PM

You think BMW seats actually got less comfortable? Usually when newer models come out -progression occurs. I highly doubt they got less comfortable since the previous generation-they probably got better.

SDNR · 02-22-2007, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

The seat adjustment buttons are located on the door-thats what i mean.

I have always thougt the Merc seat adjustment switches were very intuitive - although some of the adjustments on the new models have to be made via the COMAND system.

Deutsch · 02-22-2007, 11:52 PM

Each and every one of the brands designs interiors that I love and others that I don't like so much, so I'll give a break down:

Great place to be: E70 X5, C6 A6, B6/7 A4, MKV GTI, B6 Passat, W221 S-class...

Palace of mediorcity: E90/2 3er, E60 5er, Q7, 997, Cayenne, W211 E-class...

Hell: G-class...

SDNR · 02-22-2007, 11:59 PM

Well I'm sure the inside of a Maruti 800 would be closer to the décor of Hell than the G-Class -- but I am not crazy about the G-class interior either.

RICHBOY · 02-23-2007, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

You think BMW seats actually got less comfortable? Usually when newer models come out -progression occurs. I highly doubt they got less comfortable since the previous generation-they probably got better.

I know! It's rather strange to me as well but that's my honest opinion. I believe they chose a new direction with the this current generation.

RICHBOY · 02-23-2007, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deutsch

Each and every one of the brands designs interiors that I love and others that I don't like so much, so I'll give a break down:

Great place to be: E70 X5, C6 A6, B6/7 A4, MKV GTI, B6 Passat, W221 S-class...

Palace of mediorcity: E90/2 3er, E60 5er, Q7, 997, Cayenne, W211 E-class...

Hell: G-class...

Q7

Deutsch · 02-23-2007, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RICHBOY

Q7

Nothing really special about it, feels like I'm sitting in another Audi. Doesn't have a real sense of uniqueness to it, generic Audi interior then. Cars w/ an elevated ride height and capacious feel need specialized interior designs, they're not cars.

RICHBOY · 02-23-2007, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deutsch

Nothing really special about it, feels like I'm sitting in another Audi. Doesn't have a real sense of uniqueness to it, generic Audi interior then. Cars w/ an elevated ride height and capacious feel need specialized interior designs, they're not cars.

Yeah but how can the A6 be one of your favorites and the Q7 be one of your least favorites when their basically the same layout? So you give it poor scores for lack of originality not lack of comfort?

Deutsch · 02-23-2007, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RICHBOY

So you give it poor scores for lack of originality not lack of comfort?

Correct.

Merc1 · 02-23-2007, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

I have always thougt the Merc seat adjustment switches were very intuitive - although some of the adjustments on the new models have to be made via the COMAND system.

I agree, they are the best in the industry. Lincoln and Infiniti tried to copy this and got sued right into changing their designs a little while back. The control is shaped like the seat and it is where you can see it, highly logical, yet simple as dirt IMO. BMW tried to re-think this is just made the most absolute mess possible for adjusting their seats in the 7-Series.

M

RICHBOY · 02-23-2007, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merc1

I agree, they are the best in the industry. Lincoln and Infiniti tried to copy this and got sued right into changing their designs a little while back. The control is shaped like the seat and it is where you can see it, highly logical, yet simple as dirt IMO. BMW tried to re-think this is just made the most absolute mess possible for adjusting their seats in the 7-Series.

M

I agree, I'd rather eat a brick than try and ajust the seats in a 7-Series!

SDNR · 02-23-2007, 12:47 AM

Hmmm ...Lincoln and Infiniti got sued eh ....Rolls-Royce and Bentley have used similar switches for two decades.

Merc1 · 02-23-2007, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

Hmmm ...Lincoln and Infiniti got sued eh ....Rolls-Royce and Bentley have used similar switches for two decades.

Well I read one time that Mercedes gave certain companies that weren't direct competiors permission to use their design. Infiniti of course wouldn't be allowed to use it in the U.S. of course. Correction about Lincoln they were allowed to use it during production of the last Continental, not sure what they use today.

All car makers (well most) use a "similar" design, but usually the seat and seatback switches aren't "connect" to form a seat like MB's are, hence the reason why others can use something similar. Now if Bentley and Rolls used the exact same thing I'd wouldn't be terrribly shocked, because they aren't "direct" competitors in the way Infiniti is.

M

View Poll Results: Which of the 3 big German car makes Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have the best interio
Audi	67	33.33%
BMW	75	37.31%
Mercedes-Benz	59	29.35%
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German Car Forum

The best interior out of the 3 big Germans?