When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
"Modular" infotainment screens. No flow to the dash design. Sticks up like an aftermarket bolt on. Is this lazy design, or smart design, or something else?
BMW M4
Audi S5 (2018)
Mercedes CLS
I just noticed this on the German "Big 3", but others are guilty too.
I didn't like it at first either, in almost all the pictures I saw. But after using them in a new 5-series and Mazda 6, I feel they are better than the in-dash screens. Higher in your line of sight, makes the center stack look less cluttered and frees up space for other things (HVAC controls, radio, storage compartment). Gives the interior designer a bit more creative freedom as well. Theoretically there might be an issue with glare, but as long as a quality display is used, that isn't an issue.
Originally Posted by knight rider
That'd at least make it worth it. BTW, since when did a BMW interior look better than an Audi interior? Subjective, I know, but...
Tell me about it. That A5 interior is boring. But that display in the gauge instrument panel is really nice, and a trend that I'm liking.
BMW did the same thing, though perhaps a little unfair since it's comparing a previous gen to the 2017. Still, you can see the effects. IMO the bezel around the screen in the older 5-series looks cheap, especially in comparison to the all-new design (BMW? lol) in the 2017. Upper portion of the dash flows more nicely.
So my mom was deciding between a GLC 300 and a RDX. One of the deciding factors was that she hated they way the MBs screen just looks tacked on like its attached to a suction mount on top of the dash, whereas the RDX one looked like it was designed and integrated into the console. Personally I don't think it looks that bad.
The S-Class, iirc, is just 1 ( or possibly 2) very big screen that outputs the across the driver's view. It's incredible, but I bet it's a nightmare to service if it has issues. I guess the appeal behind this trend is the sleek, crisp detail of the screen and its ability to provide a lot of data. It does look out of place on the Germans, & even a couple Lexus have them looking like pop ups like the new RX.
As far as new nav units go, I'm quite fond of the new Panamera & GT4C Lusso screens even though they're more traditionally set in the dash.
I didn't care for it either, but the ones I've driven with it, it doesn't bother. I suppose it allows them to keep the display more in your line of sight, so you don't have to look 'down' at the screen; without having to raise then entire dash to that height.
^ Change is great, if it looks well thought out. These do not. If it was integrated better then I'd be on board, but like CL Power said they look like they're removable tablets. I'd have a hard time not wanting to rip that thing off my dashboard when locking the car up.
Then again, I have a Dodge Charger, so interior design isn't my top priority obviously.
this caught my attention in the new S-class, I was like wtf is this wizardry
All digital dash. Love it in my [humblebrag]Grandmother's S550[/humblebrag]. I don't think there's a single incandescent bulb in the current S & the only thing that's analog is the little clock.
All digital dash. Love it in my [humblebrag]Grandmother's S550[/humblebrag]. I don't think there's a single incandescent bulb in the current S & the only thing that's analog is the little clock.
only my 2nd time seeing you mention Gma's S550, so I aint trippin like that other poster...
but what color are her seats!?
the one pictured above has some awesome red seats!! very striking
only my 2nd time seeing you mention Gma's S550, so I aint trippin like that other poster...
but what color are her seats!?
the one pictured above has some awesome red seats!! very striking
Hers is Lunar Blue (I think) with the sport package. Black interior. All I have are a couple exterior shots from Thanksgiving a couple years ago.
The A7 I test drove 2 years ago had a retractable screen I like the one in my 6, it's not bad and well integrated. This isn't mine but you get the idea . . .
Thought it was an odd trend as well. First really noticed it in the redesigned Mercedes C class. Went from a nice integrate screen to a tablet stuck on the dash. Then we got one as a service loaner when the E was in for a maintenance and realized that it was pretty well executed. It does not obstruct your view at all and when you need it it's a large, clear, easy to view and use screen. I was pleasantly surprised.
So now I withhold judgement until I am actually in that specific car b/c it may work better in execution than it appears to in the pictures...
Hers is Lunar Blue (I think) with the sport package. Black interior. All I have are a couple exterior shots from Thanksgiving a couple years ago.
/threadjack
/humblebrag
Hot damn....grandmas S550 makes an appearance. It's definitely not Lunar Blue though.....
As far as this trend, I don't mind it. As long as you don't have to look down and take your eyes off the road while driving, I'm all for it. It would be cool if it was a removable tablet, however. Waiting for a manufacturer to come out with that...
Hot damn....grandmas S550 makes an appearance. It's definitely not Lunar Blue though.....
As far as this trend, I don't mind it. As long as you don't have to look down and take your eyes off the road while driving, I'm all for it. It would be cool if it was a removable tablet, however. Waiting for a manufacturer to come out with that...
Maybe Anthracite Blue. Not sure, just judging based on the current color palette. Definitely blue though.
after almost 5 years of ipad looking Navi screen from my F30 and F36, i am used to it, but it does not mean i don't think it looks odd and out of place.
The good things is, BMW's resolution, user friendliness and all the small details that you would only notice after having the car for a while make up for the weird looking screen.
If it was up to me, i still prefer the integrated look rather than a stick on. I blame Apple for this.
Audi has a lot of new technology in their new cars but they wanted the simplified look, end up with something like this:
Last edited by oonowindoo; 11-18-2016 at 02:52 PM.
I never liked the look when I saw it in brochures/online. I bought an A4 and I've quickly forgotten about it. I like that's its more in my line of sight.
I think Teslas are really cool and wouldn't mind owning one but this is the ONE thing I despise the most about the car. It's like having a full-size monitor in the car and too distracting to me.
11-15-2016, 07:03 PM
All digital dash. Love it in my [humblebrag]Grandmother's S550[/humblebrag]. I don't think there's a single incandescent bulb in the current S & the only thing that's analog is the little clock.
I like the one in my 6, it's not bad and well integrated. This isn't mine but you get the idea . . .
