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The C Class belongs on the entry level luxury sedans board - along with the TL, 3, A4, G37, etc.
This is not to suggest that the Japanese or other makers from other countries have poorly designed interiors, etc -- but Audi interiors and switchgear are second to none according to pedestrians like us and the pros from virtually every corner of the globe.
Solid and retro? My dad had a Hudson and a few Chryco cars over the years -- my 2009 Audi interior is anything but retro -- but, it is solid, if that means "substantive."
But, that does not mean the interior of Infiniti or Acura is cheesy. They are modern, fashion with distinct style that is targeting younger people, while Audi and MB, BMW are targeting more towards 40+ people (except those low end sporty models - we are talking about luxury performance sedan here).
So, don't get me wrong. I am not saying one is better than the other, it is just targeting different market group.
Anyway, the new Mercedes E series states 39.1", which might work. May try one of those, but want to wait for the 4-matic version, if I was to go that way. Anyone know if the diesel version due next year will be offered with 4-matic? Rear-wheel drive up a snowy driveway in NH is no fun, even with snow tires...
Maybe some SUV like QX56, LX470, Q7 will be more comfortable then.
My proposal to help tall and short people alike: Make sunroofs a separate stand alone option always; and make more cars with optional telescopic steering wheel and adjustable pedals. With these three options people of practically all heights should be able to find a car that fits comfortably.
Come on, manufacturers...people are getting taller, not shorter.
The problem I think is that Audi, Mercedes, BMW, etc. are marketed here as luxury cars, and they have all agreed that that must contain certain things - a sunroof is one of them. As opposed to their home market where you can buy the car without all of the fancy bits, they don't think it is viable here and would dilute their status in the high end. Nobody wants a basic, stripped car sold here for many thousands less that looks the same from the outside. Those that spent $50-80K would lose 'status' if somebody drove up in the same model that cost $35-40K.
Same herd mentality that makes everyone slow down to gawk at an accident.
Here's hoping that the next round of new models may offer some other choices.
I wonder if one of those new "tallboy" sedan/wagon things would work for you - the new 5 GT or the Acura ZDX.
Very dissapointing. I may still go and sit in one, but I'm not expecting good things.
The new Benz E-class seats are so low I feel like I am right on the floor with my knees unbent (although the seat goes back far). The E-class seats themselves feel fine, and would be great higher up.
The Infinity M35 and Acura RL have just enough room but the seats are HARD,
especially under the thighs.
And in the top cars like the BMW 7 or Audi A8, the seats have weird, hard, thigh supports. (The BMW 7 has thigh support that extends & leaves an empty gap right under my knees; it's awful if you use it at all for long legs.)
The Benz S-class seats also are too low for me; not as low as the E-class,
but still won't tilt up enough in front, making it very annoying. The S-class seats themselves are nicely padded.
The best feeling and positioned seats are in the Cadillac DTS (honest) and the Volvo S80 IMHO (but both of those have small footwells for tall people, especially for the left foot).
So, no place for me yet. (I didn't have these problems in cars 10 years ago. I think the new cars are designed for smaller drivers. I think this started with Saturn,
which I thought was the world's most uncomfortable car.)
Thanks for reading.
which I thought was the world's most uncomfortable car.)
How about any of the big luxury coupes (those few that are left)? It's been awhile since I've driven one, but from what I can remember all of the big coupes like the MB CL have absolutely massive amounts of legroom for the driver, much more than any sedan I've ever driven. Headroom might be a problem though.
Unfortunately, when Ford Restyled the Taurus this year they cut the roof line by a few inches to make the car look sleeker, taking away those inches in headroom, of course.
a new M - an M56, from Infiniti.
Interesting...
- Ray
a new M - an M56, from Infiniti.
Interesting...
Indeed, where did you hear that? The next M is definitely coming soon, but there was talk about no V8 at all this time, with the options instead being M37 and some sort of M hybrid. A new M50 would be logical enough, but M56 implies the use of Nissan's truck engine, which makes no sense in a luxury car.
08.14.2009 , Pebble Beach, Calif.
2011 Infiniti M Makes Virtual Debut at Concours d’Elegance
Infiniti today provided an advanced look at the all-new 2011 Infiniti M performance luxury sedan at the 59th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This is the third generation of Infiniti’s popular M and the first to be sold across all of Infiniti’s 32 markets around the world, including Western Europe.
Like the current Infiniti M, the next-generation design will be offered with V8 and V6 engines. The 2011 M models will be designated the Infiniti M56 and Infiniti M37 respectively, reflecting their more powerful, larger displacement engines. The M56 V8 is expected to offer more than 400 horsepower. For Western Europe, the M56 will be replaced by a V6 performance diesel.
The 2011 Infiniti M also features a completely redesigned body, with authentic sports sedan proportions and evocative new styling with a low front end and deeply sculpted fenders inspired by the Infiniti Essence concept car. The new M interior promises to be pure Infiniti, highlighted by the use of innovative materials, an advanced climate control system, superior audio and an enhanced quality feel. Despite improved performance from the new engine lineup, fuel consumption will be reduced.
In addition, the 2011 M will continue Infiniti’s technology innovation leadership with a blind spot intervention system. This industry-first system is designed to help alert the driver if another vehicle is detected in an adjacent lane during an intended lane change, and then help assist the driver in returning the vehicle toward the center of the original lane of travel.
The 2011 Infiniti M, which is scheduled to go on sale across the world starting from spring 2010, was revealed through a unique “video mapping” process – in which a “virtual M” was created on a 3D form. It is the world’s first “virtual only” (no physical vehicle) automotive application of this cutting-edge technology. The 2011 Infiniti M will make its official public debut later this year.
I contacted the MB dealer, and they corporate, to see if they would offer the new E-class in the USA without a sunroof (they used to, and still do anywhere else in the world, but not here). With the sunroof, it's 37.9", without, it's 41.3", a huge difference! I'm still waiting for an answer - it's been about a month. Still hoping.
"Luxury" Performance Sedan [ by definition, here ]
I was interested to see that the 2010 BMW 328, apparently both
Coupe & Sedan now do NOT have the sunroof \ moonroof
as standard - it is now a $1,050 option.
PERHAPS this is the start of a trend?
- Ray
Seeing no reason for this NOT to be optional
in the US of A....
This is a true luxury car with exceptional ride and comfort, everything is high quality and it looks great inside and out especially with AMG wheels.
The M was more sporty but I never liked the ride and especially hated the engine noise. I also had issues with tramlining and had the tires replaced with only 5000 miles on them, but that is all over now and I am enjoying my new ride.
I am not saying that the M is a bad car but it is not the right car for me and honestly I don't miss it.maybe I was not so lucky but my experience with Infiniti was not that good.
Good luck to all and stay safe.
jensad
Also, CR recommended the E350 along with the M35, Audi A6 and BMW 535i as good midsized luxury cars.
BTW, April issue is the basis for all of their quarterly issues for the most part.
In points, the E350 essentially scores second to M35 in its class and above 10 other cars. They rate two M's and two E350's.
Should reliability be better than this. You bet.
If you think you see lots of complaints on MB Forum, check out the Hyundai Azera and Genesis forums, as well as some others.
BTW, CR is not all that accurate anyway due to the demographics of their subscribers, the inaccuracies of their surveying and the small sample for some models. I know, I am a member and for last two years had to ask them to send me the darn survey.
Which brings up the question, if MB, BMW, et. al. are so bad and CR is so accurate, why do their members buy the cars?
BTW I have looked real hard at the M and test driven three of them and evern with good offers, just don't like the car. Feel squeezed in, noisy and doesn't ride that well.
Not necessarily. The E class was one of the first to get MB's electronic brake system, which they later had to remove because it was so unreliable. All Mercedes models were terrible from around 2000-2006 or so, E class included. They are supposed to be better now.
have seen the current TL on the road much around Tampa.
stuff going on inside the TL. The previous generation TL and the
TSX had the nice interiors! For instance, why did Acura take away the nice violet/blue trim on the speedometer/instrument panel? Now, it's just one color, light blue over black?? The previous instrument panel was much better looking.
Hope this helps!
The interior is great and the outside is soo sleek I've only had mine for a few weeks, but I'm absolutely astounded at the level of luxury, technology and comfort in this car. With perhaps one or two exceptions Infiniti has thought of everything with this car.
I have the Sport version with the 19" wheels so it rides a little rougher than maybe the other trims, but it's still an incredible ride. Sport pkg seats are perfect, just the right firmness for a balance of support and comfort.
The gas mileage it is not bad either (7 speed tran +303 HP) so far 20.4 MPG combined for this level of sophistication, luxury and comfort.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Congrats. I like the M quite a bit, and the recently added 7-speed on some models does a great deal to correct one of the car's most significant flaws. At this point overall I still prefer the A6 3.0T, but the M's value is certainly hard to ignore. I will be taking a very close look at the new 2011 car.
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/autos/0910/gallery.consumer_reports_most_rel- iable_cars/4.html
Whether it’s cruising on the highway and enjoying Premium Bose, which is way better than the Harman Kardon stereo in 2010 E350 I have tested. The clarity is ultra crisp and clear. Love the interior styling of this car, the center console looks sharp (with even new ’11 model on its way) and very user friendly interface, The new 8" Nav is awesome, love the live traffic and updated graphics on the screen. My favorite has to be heated/cooled seats, music box functions and auto tilt rear view mirrors. The car is super comfortable even with Sport pkg I have, is really not much different from luxury, very slightly stiffer if you ask me. The M35 def has power, I have yet to push it over 3000RPM but I hit 90 in a heartbeat, you can feel the 390lbtq pulling. The car gets a ton of looks, since I install trunk deck lid and roof spoilers’ combo, so I can understand ppl checking the car out. The car glides down the road strong and squeak free, engine is bit loud, but in a good way, it is music to my ears
However Problem one has been the marketing. Nissan fails miserably in this area. There is no reason for this. Whenever you talk about Japanese high line, Lexus comes up. Why not Infiniti?
I think it is interesting that CR ranks the M35 so highly when it gets the same MPG on premium fuel as the Hyundai Azera does on regular and fuel economy is CR's biggest complaint about the Azera. Bias? You bet.