Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

fintail

I think most makers are doing it horizontally, it looks better and is probably less distracting. Gauges and nav/ICE are one large screen now in the S-class, which is still the luxobarge leader by a mile:





Fun Tesla connection, I think they are still using some 2010 era MB switchgear.

qbrozen said:

fintail said:

those introducing large integrated screens now are just catching up to Teslas from 6 years ago.

however, I really like the way Volvo did it with the intro of the 2014 XC90.

fintail

That's pretty much reality in the land of the temporarily embarrassed millionaire, right? Let them eat cake, it trickles down.

Mr_Shiftright said:

Ah, yes, the Hapsburg Edition, based on the premise that the poor take pleasure in seeing the rich enjoy themselves.

driver100

cdnpinhead said:

driver100 said:

We just have more important things to say than those with less than 5000 posts.

Fewer

Thanks for pointing that out (good example).

driver100

qbrozen said:

fintail said:

The tablet look was a trendy thing in new designs about 5 years ago. Now some trend-setters are moving away from it in their newest designs, towards large integrated screens (see MB). The tablets are fine ergonomically, but aren't the smoothest thing in terms of aesthetics.

those introducing large integrated screens now are just catching up to Teslas from 6 years ago.

however, I really like the way Volvo did it with the intro of the 2014 XC90.

That is the way it should be done. When the pop ups are too high they cut off some of your vision....like a car coming from the right.

driver100

stickguy said:

The iPad look though is more functional for glancing at the screen without taking eyes off the road.

I don't think so...it blocks part of your vision and you have to look down from the road anyway. I think there is less glare and distraction when built in, making it actually easier and faster to check.

driver100

Even better!

I am surprised MB uses the pop up in the CLA and C Class. Maybe it is supposed to be more techie looking, I find it isn't finished looking....it looks like they forgot to build it in.

andres3

The 2010-2015 A4/S4 have a built-in top-center screen, with the Dash above. The newer models all do the tablet on top of the dash look. I prefer the older design, but the screens have been getting larger and larger.

graphicguy

I've noticed some swapping of parts on a few Infiniti and Mercedes models. Apparently, that works in favor of both, given using something off the shelf from the other helps both cut down on design and manufacturing costs.

I'll assume the parts and drivetrain swaps will continue and expand between both companies.

andres3

graphicguy said:

I've noticed some swapping of parts on a few Infiniti and Mercedes models. Apparently, that works in favor of both, given using something off the shelf from the other helps both cut down on design and manufacturing costs.

I'll assume the parts and drivetrain swaps will continue and expand between both companies.

It is only beneficial if both of them agree not to drop standards into the FIAT/Chrysler realm.

The last time Daimler worked closely with another car company it didn't turn out well for reliability from the time period.

stickguy

The QX30 Infiniti is just a rebodied MB GLA anyway.

imidazol97

driver100 said:

Even better!

I am surprised MB uses the pop up in the CLA and C Class. Maybe it is supposed to be more techie looking, I find it isn't finished looking....it looks like they forgot to build it in.

This one shows the glare problem. The reflection of the steering wheel and the view out the driver window shows in the picture here. Same problem for the Volvo screen above and actually worse because it's angled upward. Imagine when the sun is directly overhead shining down onto the dash.

carnaught

driver100 said:

Even better!

I am surprised MB uses the pop up in the CLA and C Class. Maybe it is supposed to be more techie looking, I find it isn't finished looking....it looks like they forgot to build it in.

Regarding the iPad screen, Audi and BMW also have it. It might be ugly, but using it daily, I will tell you it is quite ergonomic and not even close to blocking my view. Perhaps it would if I were a little person and couldn't see over the dash .

andres3

In the center dash display of my former S4, there were certain times of day and angles of sunshine that could wash out the screen. However, I've never had that problem in the TTS' behind the steering wheel gauge cluster located screen. Probably more protected and covered than a center dash screen can be.

driver100

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

Even better!

I am surprised MB uses the pop up in the CLA and C Class. Maybe it is supposed to be more techie looking, I find it isn't finished looking....it looks like they forgot to build it in.

This one shows the glare problem. The reflection of the steering wheel and the view out the driver window shows in the picture here. Same problem for the Volvo screen above and actually worse because it's angled upward. Imagine when the sun is directly overhead shining down onto the dash.

There is a glare problem because the picture is taken from an odd angle...from somewhere on the floor. There is absolutely no glare problem....the background is black, and the display area is brightly lit with a black background. I have never had a glare problem in my E400.

ab348

stickguy said:

The iPad look though is more functional for glancing at the screen without taking eyes off the road.

You're still taking your eyes off the road.

I'm glad the ATS has the screen integrated into the center dash and not an iPad on a stick.

fintail

I think the glare will be more of an issue in the Volvo/Tesla style. The MB screen being at eye level should cut out most of it.

imidazol97 said:

This one shows the glare problem. The reflection of the steering wheel and the view out the driver window shows in the picture here. Same problem for the Volvo screen above and actually worse because it's angled upward. Imagine when the sun is directly overhead shining down onto the dash.

driver100

carnaught said:

driver100 said:

Even better!

I am surprised MB uses the pop up in the CLA and C Class. Maybe it is supposed to be more techie looking, I find it isn't finished looking....it looks like they forgot to build it in.

Regarding the iPad screen, Audi and BMW also have it. It might be ugly, but using it daily, I will tell you it is quite ergonomic and not even close to blocking my view. Perhaps it would if I were a little person and couldn't see over the dash .

If you are tall enough, it won't cut into your vision. My wife tried a 2016 GLC and found the forward vision was not good for her...she was too low, the hood too high, and the GPS cut into her vision.....that is why she preferred the 2015 GLK, and a lot of people did as well, GLK's started selling quickly when the new model startex to be shown.
2016 GLK

2015 GLK

fintail

I suspect a tenured stylist thought the screen looked "hip" and "trendy" and "young" about 5 years ago, so it got moved into production. I'd expect the style to fade away in the next decade. IT does have the tacked-on look, but it works when you're in it. I prefer everything in a group, too.

driver100 said:

I am surprised MB uses the pop up in the CLA and C Class. Maybe it is supposed to be more techie looking, I find it isn't finished looking....it looks like they forgot to build it in.

ab348

driver100 said:

Black Label Navigator.....why oh why did they have to use a pop up screen?????

For the size of the vehicle and hence the size of the dashboard, I can't say that I like the design. Maybe it's the stuck-on screen but I think it's more than that. Probably need to see it in th eflesh though.

Just in the last day or so I read that Lincoln sales really tanked last month, and that Moody's downgraded Ford's credit rating. Looks like Mr. Hackett has his work cut out for him.

ab348

driver100 said:

2015 GLK

I like that, looks like a tank cockpit.

qbrozen

fintail said:

I think most makers are doing it horizontally, it looks better and is probably less distracting. Gauges and nav/ICE are one large screen now in the S-class, which is still the luxobarge leader by a mile: Fun Tesla connection, I think they are still using some 2010 era MB switchgear.

those introducing large integrated screens now are just catching up to Teslas from 6 years ago. however, I really like the way Volvo did it with the intro of the 2014 XC90.

Not sure I agree, although I have not tried it in person, but it would seem to me searching left to right for the info you need would take your eyes off the road longer. Would depend largely on how the info is laid out on the screen, I guess.

roadburner

I don't care for touch screens at all; I like being able to use voice commands or the iDrive controller- it only takes a quick glance to confirm a setting/selection.

driver100

Introducing the new Lincoln Navigator "Bordello" model.;


Actually, it might resonate with the fans. It is rock solid, has lots of toys, it says "I am the King of the Road", it has that big fancy interior, and everyone knows it is expensive.

imidazol97

driver100 said:

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

Even better!

I am surprised MB uses the pop up in the CLA and C Class. Maybe it is supposed to be more techie looking, I find it isn't finished looking....it looks like they forgot to build it in.

This one shows the glare problem. The reflection of the steering wheel and the view out the driver window shows in the picture here. Same problem for the Volvo screen above and actually worse because it's angled upward. Imagine when the sun is directly overhead shining down onto the dash.

There is a glare problem because the picture is taken from an odd angle...from somewhere on the floor. There is absolutely no glare problem....the background is black, and the display area is brightly lit with a black background. I have never had a glare problem in my E400.

The angle looks to be about chest height, above waist level, in the first picture. In second, about headrest level.

Mr_Shiftright

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

Black Label Navigator.....why oh why did they have to use a pop up screen?????

For the size of the vehicle and hence the size of the dashboard, I can't say that I like the design. Maybe it's the stuck-on screen but I think it's more than that. Probably need to see it in th eflesh though.

Just in the last day or so I read that Lincoln sales really tanked last month, and that Moody's downgraded Ford's credit rating. Looks like Mr. Hackett has his work cut out for him.

From what DeMuro says, all the appointments are top quality materials, and the switches and knobs all operate with a hefty and solid feel to them. The only real knock he gave it was the two entertainment screens for the second-row passengers. Apparently they were glitchy.

Michaell

I rented an A4 over the holidays with the "iPad on a dash" set up - and I preferred it, with the controller knob, to the touch screen interface in my Jetta.

I'm heading back to LA in March, and I've set up another A4 as a rental.

andres3

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

Even better!

I am surprised MB uses the pop up in the CLA and C Class. Maybe it is supposed to be more techie looking, I find it isn't finished looking....it looks like they forgot to build it in.

This one shows the glare problem. The reflection of the steering wheel and the view out the driver window shows in the picture here. Same problem for the Volvo screen above and actually worse because it's angled upward. Imagine when the sun is directly overhead shining down onto the dash.

There is a glare problem because the picture is taken from an odd angle...from somewhere on the floor. There is absolutely no glare problem....the background is black, and the display area is brightly lit with a black background. I have never had a glare problem in my E400.

The angle looks to be about chest height, above waist level, in the first picture. In second, about headrest level.

I'm going to chime in with stomach/navel level on the first picture, and upper chest level for the second.

stickguy

might just be me, but I don't like the looks of the new MB S dashboard, or the style of the screens.

abacomike

stickguy said:

might just be me, but I don't like the looks of the new MB S dashboard, or the style of the screens.

Stick, have you driven a 2018 S Class Sedan in order to get a functional experience with the two main screens and the data and info they display?  Are you aware that there are 3 driver displays for speedometer, tachometer, gauges and data?  The main screen is very much like the 740i.  Both screens can be accessed and change displays and data by two thumb sensors on each side of the steering wheel - one for the 8 screen variations in front of the driver and all functions of the main screen so you don’t have to touch the controllers.

I did not like it at first because everything was so complicated.  But now as I have become accustomed to the optics over the past 11 weeks, I really like it.  You might want to give it a try.

qbrozen

Rebuilt my door cards the past couple of days. I am pretty pleased with the results. Removing all the staples and stitches was about 90 minutes each. Cutting the new backing was a good hour or so. Cleaning and conditioning about 15 mins. And maybe 30 mins to reattach. So 3-3.5 hrs each side, with me being SUPER careful. 

stickguy

oh, I am sure if I walked into the MB showroom and asked to drive one, they would laugh and throw me out of the place.

Not doubting it is whiz bang fancy functional, and does tons of stuff I would never use. I just don't like the style/design of it.

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UfHQqCZg9Bk

abacomike

stickguy said:

oh, I am sure if I walked into the MB showroom and asked to drive one, they would laugh and throw me out of the place. Not doubting it is whiz bang fancy functional, and does tons of stuff I would never use. I just don't like the style/design of it.

We all have different tastes and preferences.  That’s why there are so many different choices out there.

BTW - have you heard about the German auto workers strike in Germany?  Workers want a huge salary increase.  

oldfarmer50

Here's a speed limit sign that andres3 will like:



Got to drive a lot of cars today. Like getting paid to test drive. Took an Outlander Sport to NJ today. I was thinking of getting a lightly used one to replace the PT Cruiser. Nice car but it took a little more attention to keep centered in the lane.

Got to drive a couple of Explorers, wow what boats! Even buzzed around in a Camaro but it was a wimpy V6. Thought 300+ hp. Would be faster. I can see why Sandy likes this job.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

Rebuilt my door cards the past couple of days. I am pretty pleased with the results. Removing all the staples and stitches was about 90 minutes each. Cutting the new backing was a good hour or so. Cleaning and conditioning about 15 mins. And maybe 30 mins to reattach. So 3-3.5 hrs each side, with me being SUPER careful. 

That's on the Coronet I assume? My 69' (year not feet) Satellite had a mainly metal door panel. Those Dodge's definitely were the upscale model.

fintail

For all but Audi style virtual cockpit designs, you'll be going to the right for nav data. On the Tesla and Volvo, and many older cars with screens lower on the center stack, you'll go to the right and then down.

qbrozen said:

Not sure I agree, although I have not tried it in person, but it would seem to me searching left to right for the info you need would take your eyes off the road longer. Would depend largely on how the info is laid out on the screen, I guess.

fintail

I don't like them either. There are always issues with touch sensitivity, and the fingerprints are disastrous.

I'll take a wheel or mouse stule device if not using voice commands - muscle memory can make it a breeze.

roadburner said:

I don't care for touch screens at all; I like being able to use voice commands or the iDrive controller- it only takes a quick glance to confirm a setting/selection.

oldfarmer50

Here's a speed limit sign that andres3 will like:



Got to drive a lot of cars today. Like getting paid to test drive. Took an Outlander Sport to NJ today. I was thinking of getting a lightly used one to replace the PT Cruiser. Nice car but it took a little more attention to keep centered in the lane.

Got to drive a couple of Explorers, wow what boats! Also drove a Camaro. Too bad it was a wimpy V6. I thought 300+ hp would be faster.

ab348

What is the new backing material, @qbrozen ?

driver100

Michaell said:

I rented an A4 over the holidays with the "iPad on a dash" set up - and I preferred it, with the controller knob, to the touch screen interface in my Jetta.

I'm heading back to LA in March, and I've set up another A4 as a rental.

We liked our A4 as far as driving it, and the spectacular view from the inside....seats go really high, windows are large, hood is low. The handling is nice. It doesn't feel as solid as an MB or BMW but that is part of the charm, it feels a bit less sophisticated so you still feel the road and a feeling of the steering.

I am just sorry they weaseled their way out of fixing the clutch. I'd consider another A4, but, it would have to be better than the competition in my eyes, and it would have to be an automatic. I won't do the clutch thing....and to get me to come back they would have to give me a good discount.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

Here's a speed limit sign that andres3 will like:



Got to drive a lot of cars today. Like getting paid to test drive. Took an Outlander Sport to NJ today. I was thinking of getting a lightly used one to replace the PT Cruiser. Nice car but it took a little more attention to keep centered in the lane.

Got to drive a couple of Explorers, wow what boats! Even buzzed around in a Camaro but it was a wimpy V6. Thought 300+ hp. Would be faster. I can see why Sandy likes this job.

Oldfarmer....you should be paying them since you are having so much fun driving all these cars.

driver100

stickguy said:

might just be me, but I don't like the looks of the new MB S dashboard, or the style of the screens.

You are right stick.....it is just you. I have never heard someone say they didn't like that dashboard. It is magnificent....clear, large screens, tastefully done, everything is where it should be, beautiful wood trim, stitching, lots of info....etc.

andres3

oldfarmer50 said:

Here's a speed limit sign that andres3 will like:



Got to drive a lot of cars today. Like getting paid to test drive. Took an Outlander Sport to NJ today. I was thinking of getting a lightly used one to replace the PT Cruiser. Nice car but it took a little more attention to keep centered in the lane.

Got to drive a couple of Explorers, wow what boats! Even buzzed around in a Camaro but it was a wimpy V6. Thought 300+ hp. Would be faster. I can see why Sandy likes this job.

Is it just me or do Chevy and Ford V6's always have very sick horses?

Of course I'm thinking of Mustang and Camaro V6's when I say this. The ATS had a pretty good one.

Actually I don't like the sign above either. Just my luck to always be the guy when "seldom" comes around. I'd prefer a sign that said "never enforced" or "20 MPH Leeway"

qbrozen

@oldfarmer50. Yes, the Dodge.

@ab348. It is basically a heavy duty compressed cardboard. I found it through an online upholstery place of some sort. Had to buy enough to complete 4 sets just like it, but it was cheap enough. 

The old ones were very warped and tearing where at least half the clips belong. All due to lack of window sweeps and water getting in. I have new ones of those, too.

stickguy

Driver, I can't be the only person that thinks the design is overwrought and not nice looking. Looks to me like someone took the rectangular binnacle off an old Jeep Cherokee, and put it on top of the lower dash from a mid 90s Buick Skylark.

oldfarmer50

andres3 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Here's a speed limit sign that andres3 will like:



Got to drive a lot of cars today. Like getting paid to test drive. Took an Outlander Sport to NJ today. I was thinking of getting a lightly used one to replace the PT Cruiser. Nice car but it took a little more attention to keep centered in the lane.

Got to drive a couple of Explorers, wow what boats! Even buzzed around in a Camaro but it was a wimpy V6. Thought 300+ hp. Would be faster. I can see why Sandy likes this job.

Is it just me or do Chevy and Ford V6's always have very sick horses?

Of course I'm thinking of Mustang and Camaro V6's when I say this. The ATS had a pretty good one.

Actually I don't like the sign above either. Just my luck to always be the guy when "seldom" comes around. I'd prefer a sign that said "never enforced" or "20 MPH Leeway"

I seem to recall Chevy and Caddy both use the 3.6L V6 as their base engine but Caddy may turbo them up for better grunt.

The now discontinued Ford 3.7L was supposed to be pretty good but needed to be kept in high rev to generate enough torque. Never drove that version Mustang but I'm glad I got the V8.

Sandman6472

OF, I've been saying that since I started driving rentals back in January of 2013. It's a blast everyday since one never knows what kind of iron you'll get to drive that day and to where! The Enterprise gig here is only county wide I found out at my interview, no going into Miami or West Palm much at all as each county down here as their own logistics manager and their own drivers. Waiting to hear back from them and then will proceed from there. I do miss the long distance driving that you are doing as it was fun going to Tampa, Orlando, Key West and Jacksonville.
Time will tell on this one.

The Sandman

oldfarmer50

sandman_6472 said:

OF, I've been saying that since I started driving rentals back in January of 2013. It's a blast everyday since one never knows what kind of iron you'll get to drive that day and to where! The Enterprise gig here is only county wide I found out at my interview, no going into Miami or West Palm much at all as each county down here as their own logistics manager and their own drivers. Waiting to hear back from them and then will proceed from there. I do miss the long distance driving that you are doing as it was fun going to Tampa, Orlando, Key West and Jacksonville.
Time will tell on this one.

The Sandman

sandman_6472 said:

OF, I've been saying that since I started driving rentals back in January of 2013. It's a blast everyday since one never knows what kind of iron you'll get to drive that day and to where! The Enterprise gig here is only county wide I found out at my interview, no going into Miami or West Palm much at all as each county down here as their own logistics manager and their own drivers. Waiting to hear back from them and then will proceed from there. I do miss the long distance driving that you are doing as it was fun going to Tampa, Orlando, Key West and Jacksonville.
Time will tell on this one.

The Sandman

I was talking to one of the old timers here and he told me one he got a call to take a car from Albany NY to Tampa. I was so impressed that he made it without staying in hotels on the way that I forgot to ask what kind of car. Must have been something special.

driver100

stickguy said:

Driver, I can't be the only person that thinks the design is overwrought and not nice looking. Looks to me like someone took the rectangular binnacle off an old Jeep Cherokee, and put it on top of the lower dash from a mid 90s Buick Skylark.

Stick, I think I am missing something....you usually make perfect sense. I don't see anything resembling a Mercedes and in particular an S Class. I don't really see a Jeep....I think what I am seeing is all original Buick.
Seems like a giant leap to think the S Class dash looks anything like that Buick IMHO. Have you been taking some kind of cold medication?

driver100

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. – An Indiana woman is looking for answers after her 2015 Cadillac CTS suddenly caught fire while it was warming up Sunday evening

Rummell said she had remote-started the car less than five minutes before noticing the smoke and fire.

Photos taken after the fire show the whole interior of the car burned, with the front driver’s seat sustaining the heaviest damage.

A report filed by the Greenfield Fire Department determined the fire originated in the front two seats of the car. The cause was due to electrical malfunction or failure, the report said. Rummell said firefighters told her the heated seats appeared to be the cause of the fire.

Heated seats may have caused fire in 2015 Cadillac CTS

Good luck when she reports this one to GM!

I have never been really crazy about the idea of remote starters. It seems, there are too many things that could go wrong........forgetting the car is on, someone getting in the car, a car slipping into drive, overheating, a last minute emergency before you get to the car.........