I have a new shape E-class 220D and have to say it is the best car I have driven in terms or drive dynamics, fuel consumption and driving pleasure, and I am not really much of a driver. Previous cars were the two previous E-class models.
But... the secondary controls are nothing short of poor, and possibly dangerous when you are trying to drive the car. Almost nothing is available on a button directly.Eeverything is nested away in the interface, often several "layers" down, and the widescreen COMAND has a terrible map compared to the COMAND on the previous E-class, and the live traffic signification on the map is a major backward step.
I think the oveall interface is bad for a car of this type. No show stoppers but many small interfwce glitches. Not possible to see the total mileage on permanent display, except when the car is switched off. Once you are on low fuel warning the remaining range is no longer displayed (yikes). Just when this info is highly relevant to the driver... actually I exagerate. If you pull over, stop the car, and restart, the range is displayed momentarily before the low fuel warning and pretty picture of a petrol pump is put back. Try dialling a phone number (not when driving obviously) - no keypad. etc etc. To be fair the linguatronic is much improved. It doesnt need to be "trained" although it is sluggish in its response.
Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like this? And is this the shape of things to come? I wonder how older drivers will manage?
EnEm
But... the secondary controls are nothing short of poor, and possibly dangerous when you are trying to drive the car. Almost nothing is available on a button directly.Eeverything is nested away in the interface, often several "layers" down, and the widescreen COMAND has a terrible map compared to the COMAND on the previous E-class, and the live traffic signification on the map is a major backward step.
I think the oveall interface is bad for a car of this type. No show stoppers but many small interfwce glitches. Not possible to see the total mileage on permanent display, except when the car is switched off. Once you are on low fuel warning the remaining range is no longer displayed (yikes). Just when this info is highly relevant to the driver... actually I exagerate. If you pull over, stop the car, and restart, the range is displayed momentarily before the low fuel warning and pretty picture of a petrol pump is put back. Try dialling a phone number (not when driving obviously) - no keypad. etc etc. To be fair the linguatronic is much improved. It doesnt need to be "trained" although it is sluggish in its response.
Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like this? And is this the shape of things to come? I wonder how older drivers will manage?
EnEm