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Old Nov 5, 2025 | 05:45 PM
  #7831  
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Originally Posted by SW17LS
The base models perhaps, but not when you start adding options and packages to the 3 Series and C Class.
Reason 3/Y sell so well is that they are premium, and i would say their interior quality is more comparable to 3/C than something like Rav4.

Heck, even equipment side of things I bet, especially here in Europe, that they get more equipment on average than 3/C.
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Old Nov 5, 2025 | 05:50 PM
  #7832  
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Maybe just me, but by and large an optioned-up 3 Series or C Class is still just a 3 Series/C Class.
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Old Nov 5, 2025 | 08:18 PM
  #7833  
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This is the interior that puts Tesla to shame? Maybe this isn't the correct car in question because the ski slope look is horrendous.


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Old Nov 5, 2025 | 10:08 PM
  #7834  
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^^ at least there are texture and visual elements. I will say the updated 3 and Y are much better than prior, but if I had to choose, I would say the C class interior you posted is a step above the Tesla. The aluminum etched wood is always a nice touch.
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Old Nov 5, 2025 | 11:48 PM
  #7835  
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Originally Posted by RXSF
^^ at least there are texture and visual elements. I will say the updated 3 and Y are much better than prior, but if I had to choose, I would say the C class interior you posted is a step above the Tesla. The aluminum etched wood is always a nice touch.
The attention to minute details like this, and use of varying unique blend of material appointments is what really I value in a luxury car. I respect those who like the minimalist design in a Tesla, just not my cup of tea, and best left for the economy brands.


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Old Nov 6, 2025 | 05:08 AM
  #7836  
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Originally Posted by Framestead
The attention to minute details like this, and use of varying unique blend of material appointments is what really I value in a luxury car. I respect those who like the minimalist design in a Tesla, just not my cup of tea, and best left for the economy brands.
minimalist huh?

c-class vehicles don't have:
- ventilated seats standard
- screen for rear occupants
- self driving (supervised) option
- automatically open/close your garage
- massive amount of center storage
- frunk, under floor back storage (massive)
- a million other thoughtful smart features

since i bet most c-class vehicles are sold with mb-tex, then there's no difference there either.

the interior 'details' on the c-class vehicles consists of a lot of silver plastic 'bling' and all kinds of shape that don't mesh and that angled center screen is HORRIBLE.

the y does have stitching, cloth or CF type door insert panels and other details. even the DUAL wireless phone charger area is lined with a soft felt like material.

tons of Y interior pics here...

https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/...erior-gallery/

it's a serene very nice place to be, without 'flashy' busy 'details' for the sake of trying to impress.

i wanted the model X at first because it's even nicer inside, but in the end, i couldn't justify the cost for the differences. and didn't need a vehicle that big.

Last edited by bitkahuna; Nov 6, 2025 at 05:10 AM.
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Old Nov 6, 2025 | 06:10 AM
  #7837  
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Originally Posted by spwolf
Reason 3/Y sell so well is that they are premium, and i would say their interior quality is more comparable to 3/C than something like Rav4.

Heck, even equipment side of things I bet, especially here in Europe, that they get more equipment on average than 3/C.
I would agree that they are premium, but they aren’t luxurious.

Originally Posted by LeX2K
This is the interior that puts Tesla to shame? Maybe this isn't the correct car in question because the ski slope look is horrendous.

I MUCH prefer the interior posted above and would choose it every time. Ski slope FTW over one tacked on computer monitor in the center. Nice wood trim with real metal accents…a gauge screen in the proper place.

If we’re ragging on the fact that most C Classes have MB TEX, NO Teslas have Napa leather or any leather. You just have to get the options you want. Lots of mainstream cars have more equipment than low package luxury cars, that’s nothing new.

Like AMIRIZA himself says, it’s a mainstream car.

Originally Posted by swajames
Maybe just me, but by and large an optioned-up 3 Series or C Class is still just a 3 Series/C Class.
And whats wrong with a 3 Series or C Class? I have had several C Classes as loaners and like them a lot. 3 Series I haven't spent much time with but they are good looking. Great chassis on both cars...

Last edited by SW17LS; Nov 6, 2025 at 06:19 AM.
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Old Nov 6, 2025 | 06:33 AM
  #7838  
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Originally Posted by SW17LS
And whats wrong with a 3 Series or C Class? I have had several C Classes as loaners and like them a lot. 3 Series I haven't spent much time with but they are good looking. Great chassis on both cars...

Who said there was anything wrong with them? First new car I ever bought was a Mercedes C Class. The point is that they are broadly in the same market segment as the 3 and Y. Cars like these and SUVs like the GLC aren’t in a class above the equivalent Tesla.

Last edited by swajames; Nov 6, 2025 at 06:35 AM.
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Old Nov 6, 2025 | 06:45 AM
  #7839  
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Originally Posted by swajames
Who said there was anything wrong with them? First new car I ever bought was a Mercedes C Class. The point is that they are broadly in the same market segment as the 3 and Y. Cars like these and SUVs like the GLC aren’t in a class above the equivalent Tesla.
Broadly in the same market segment I would agree with just from a size and layout perspective, but the Mercedes and BMW models are more luxurious and have all the tangibles and intangibles that come with a vehicle from those brands and there is a justifiable price premium. The Tesla is a Mazda CX9 to a BMW X5...as a good example. The buyer of the Mazda cares about the "value" and thinks that the X5 is an amount of money more while the person who wants the X5 doesn't think about the Mazda at all. All EV GLC is coming for buyers who want the additional luxury, finish, style and comfort of the Mercedes in a full EV.

Its like your LR Defender. Is a Ford Bronco in the same segment? How do you "justify" the huge price premium of it over the Bronco?

Last edited by SW17LS; Nov 6, 2025 at 06:47 AM.
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Old Nov 6, 2025 | 07:05 AM
  #7840  
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Originally Posted by bitkahuna
minimalist huh?

c-class vehicles don't have:
- ventilated seats standard
- screen for rear occupants
- self driving (supervised) option
- automatically open/close your garage
- massive amount of center storage
- frunk, under floor back storage (massive)
- a million other thoughtful smart features

since i bet most c-class vehicles are sold with mb-tex, then there's no difference there either.

the interior 'details' on the c-class vehicles consists of a lot of silver plastic 'bling' and all kinds of shape that don't mesh and that angled center screen is HORRIBLE.

the y does have stitching, cloth or CF type door insert panels and other details. even the DUAL wireless phone charger area is lined with a soft felt like material.

tons of Y interior pics here...

https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/...erior-gallery/

it's a serene very nice place to be, without 'flashy' busy 'details' for the sake of trying to impress.

i wanted the model X at first because it's even nicer inside, but in the end, i couldn't justify the cost for the differences. and didn't need a vehicle that big.
Im glad your model y is everything and more, it seems like it was the correct decision after the lc500.
I respect your decision, but it does not mean I too have to share it.

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Old Nov 6, 2025 | 07:35 AM
  #7841  
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Originally Posted by SW17LS
Broadly in the same market segment I would agree with just from a size and layout perspective, but the Mercedes and BMW models are more luxurious and have all the tangibles and intangibles that come with a vehicle from those brands and there is a justifiable price premium. The Tesla is a Mazda CX9 to a BMW X5...as a good example. The buyer of the Mazda cares about the "value" and thinks that the X5 is an amount of money more while the person who wants the X5 doesn't think about the Mazda at all. All EV GLC is coming for buyers who want the additional luxury, finish, style and comfort of the Mercedes in a full EV.

Its like your LR Defender. Is a Ford Bronco in the same segment? How do you "justify" the huge price premium of it over the Bronco?
I bought a Bronco Wildtrak and owned both at once for quite a while so arguably yes. That I sold the Wildtrak and kept the Defender tells you which I felt was the better vehicle but yes they're in the same broad segment. I agree there are sub segments, and I think the Defender is well worth the premium over the Bronco. My pushback is solely on the implied suggestion that low end MB/BMW are in segment above the 3/Y. I personally just don't see that.
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Old Nov 6, 2025 | 08:08 AM
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Originally Posted by LeX2K
This is the interior that puts Tesla to shame? Maybe this isn't the correct car in question because the ski slope look is horrendous.

In my head I am screaming, "obviously yes! Is this suppose to be some sort of gotcha?"




put a large tablet in the middle here and remove the ac vents and you pretty much have an interior that looks like a Model 3/Y.



When I see an Model 3/Y interior, I see a living room with a TV, a couch and nothing else. The Mercedes interior I see a TV, couch, art pieces on the wall, accent pillows, a plant or 2, a rug. Is the living room with a TV and a couch functional and does all you need a living room to do? Yes...but it sure does look boring to me.
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Old Nov 6, 2025 | 08:37 AM
  #7843  
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Originally Posted by Framestead
Im glad your model y is everything and more, it seems like it was the correct decision after the lc500.
I respect your decision, but it does not mean I too have to share it.
Same, wouldn't have been a choice I personally would have even thought of making. Teslas just dont feel like competitors to true luxury brands.

Originally Posted by swajames
I bought a Bronco Wildtrak and owned both at once for quite a while so arguably yes. That I sold the Wildtrak and kept the Defender tells you which I felt was the better vehicle but yes they're in the same broad segment. I agree there are sub segments, and I think the Defender is well worth the premium over the Bronco. My pushback is solely on the implied suggestion that low end MB/BMW are in segment above the 3/Y. I personally just don't see that.
I think you misunderstand me. Clearly cars that are comparable in size and type are all in a "broad segment". A GLC and a Rav 4 or CR-V are in the same "broad segment", but the GLC is on another level from the Rav 4 and the CR-V and what puts it there may or may not be of value to a particular buyer. The Model Y and the GLC may be closer, but that separation is still the case.

I think the Defender is worth the premium too, but its no more worth the premium over a Bronco than a GLC is over a Model Y.

Originally Posted by Blaze876
In my head I am screaming, "obviously yes! Is this suppose to be some sort of gotcha?"

When I see an Model 3/Y interior, I see a living room with a TV, a couch and nothing else. The Mercedes interior I see a TV, couch, art pieces on the wall, accent pillows, a plant or 2, a rug. Is the living room with a TV and a couch functional and does all you need a living room to do? Yes...but it sure does look boring to me.
Same!
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Old Nov 6, 2025 | 08:38 AM
  #7844  
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Originally Posted by bitkahuna
minimalist huh?

c-class vehicles don't have:
- ventilated seats standard
- screen for rear occupants
- self driving (supervised) option
- automatically open/close your garage
- massive amount of center storage
- frunk, under floor back storage (massive)
- a million other thoughtful smart features

since i bet most c-class vehicles are sold with mb-tex, then there's no difference there either.

the interior 'details' on the c-class vehicles consists of a lot of silver plastic 'bling' and all kinds of shape that don't mesh and that angled center screen is HORRIBLE.

the y does have stitching, cloth or CF type door insert panels and other details. even the DUAL wireless phone charger area is lined with a soft felt like material.

tons of Y interior pics here...

https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/...erior-gallery/

it's a serene very nice place to be, without 'flashy' busy 'details' for the sake of trying to impress.

i wanted the model X at first because it's even nicer inside, but in the end, i couldn't justify the cost for the differences. and didn't need a vehicle that big.
All the things you posted are not contrary to being minimal. You're listing features, but I thought Framestead of referring to design minimalism. There are tons of other things a C class owner can list, that aren't available in a 3/Y.
  • HUD
  • Apply CarPlay/Android Auto
  • More than 2 interior colors/6 trim options
  • 3D surround view cameras
The updated Y and 3 are nice places to be. No matter how many features you throw in there (software or simply just nature of being EV), they are very minimal interiors. The new ambient lighting does jazz it up a lot. But people shouldn't be boxed into a one size fits all situation that Tesla loves to do because they want to simplify manufacturing. Most people like choice.
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Old Nov 6, 2025 | 08:39 AM
  #7845  
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Interesting discussion. I'm personally a fan of the minimalist approach taken by Tesla, although there is no doubt the Mercedes is definitely more premium, it looks cluttered to me, just my opinion. Also the Model Y and 3 I do consider "Premium", but still an appliance. Do they compete in the same market? I have no idea, but definitely not from a performance/tech perspective, Model Y and 3 win hands down. IMO of course. I do respect that Tesla's minimalist approach is not for everyone

Last edited by AMIRZA786; Nov 6, 2025 at 08:40 AM.
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