PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Is THIS The PERFECT Interior OR Is It A Bit Too Old School For YOUR Taste?

For me one of the most intriguing automobiles is the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. It's not because the company renamed the CL-Class or because it has several fantastic engine options.

It all comes down to the styling.

OFFICIAL Paris Motor Show Gallery

I am so conflicted about it. When I've seen the all-new S500 Coupe in the flesh I thought it was pretty nice but a bit awkward and catfish-like from some angles. And then when you really inspect the interior space, it's largely lifted from the S-Class sedan — no surprise there.

Thing is, there's a lot of what I think are old-school touches to the cabin. Check out the HVAC vents and the stitching — in this case the Designo diamond pattern. How about those painfully large displays that dominate the dashboard? It seems poorly executed to my eyes and a bit too 1980s.

One thing I can speak to is the remarkable quality of the new S' interior. Mercedes really took it to another level with its all-new S because everything you see is TIGHT.

BUT in a thread about style, quality means zippo. So, what say YOU? Is the all-new S-Class Coupe's interior PERFECTION or a bit too old-school for YOUR taste?


OFFICIAL Paris Motor Show Gallery

MDarringer - 10/4/2014 10:27:23 AM

+4 Boost

Garish, grotesque, and made for people who have taste only on their tongues. I predict this will sell well to its intended audience: drug dealers, ballers, and low-level rappers.

jeffgall - 10/4/2014 10:45:50 AM

+3 Boost

Feel like it is trying to hard to be both luxury and sport, and the mix is failing. Pick one direction and go with it.

gkearns56 - 10/4/2014 12:57:30 PM

+5 Boost

I hate the DASH in the new S MB. This has such a LONG dash that never stops. I like the nice "pod" look rather than these ALWAYS up NAVs; LONG dashes and Buick looking steering wheel in the 4 door, S model. My father would have loved this dash since it looked like his OLD Buick he held onto, even when he got his first MB.

Agent00R - 10/4/2014 6:48:31 PM

+2 Boost

Completely with you on this.

W208 - 10/4/2014 1:03:31 PM

+1 Boost

The day an interior looks like that of the Pagani Huayra, is the day they've mastered an interior.

MDarringer - 10/4/2014 2:17:27 PM

-1 Boost

I have to agree. The "steampunk" look works quite nicely.

TomM - 10/4/2014 3:25:59 PM

+2 Boost

Another STUPID question

You cannot tell if an interior is PERFECT - from pictures

Frankly - to me - the most important thing about the interior is the actual Drivers seat - and how it supports - or does not support ME. Can I adjust it easily - and is there enough adjustment available. And then - it is WHERE the various Pedals are and how well I can heal/toe between them. Of course - can I adjust the steering wheel to my needs?

How easy is it to turn on the wipers - or the radio - or adjust the radio volume.

IF any of the above is not good - how the interior looks is meaningless.

MDarringer - 10/4/2014 4:29:38 PM

+1 Boost

You may not be able to tell if it is perfect but you can certainly see ugly in pictures.

Agent00R - 10/4/2014 6:51:26 PM

+2 Boost

Tom, we're talking about styling. It was noted we're talking about styling above. AND to a lot of buyers the interior's styling IS A BIG SELLING POINT as that's where you spend your time while you drive your car.

By your metrics of a perfect interior I'd think you were a rally driver.

jeffgall - 10/4/2014 6:42:39 PM

+3 Boost

The lock/unlock button seems to be in a really awkward place. I feel like I would have to try too hard to hit it.

Sciros - 10/4/2014 8:13:47 PM

0 Boost

It's pretty crazy how shitty this interior is. I mean nothing is where it should be, and it doesn't even look good. The seat controls on the doors are absolutely appalling. How did that make it all the way to production, good grief. The rest looks like an ancient radio.

bjones682001 - 10/6/2014 1:49:58 AM

+1 Boost

You are aware, right, that there are COUNTLESS models of cars that have the seat switching mounted on the door, right?!?!? Swedish, Japanese, Korean, German, American....many cars have them located on the door. MB was the first, so why would you be surprised they would still be there....like about every MB product has been this way for years.

dwagent - 10/5/2014 5:33:50 PM

+3 Boost

I don't like these colors. Otherwise, it seems nice for what it is. They are going for upscale traditional-style luxury, along the lines of a high-end classic Jaguar, or a Bentley...and I think they hit that target. It's just a matter of taste. It's not for me, but I'm sure it will appeal to some.

cidflekken - 10/6/2014 2:03:27 AM

+1 Boost

Personally, I love it. I think it's old-school-meets-today to perfection. Those colors are horrid, but the design is excellent.

scorveyron1 - 10/6/2014 11:33:16 PM

+1 Boost

Not a Merc fan, but this this is gorgeous inside and out.