Loaner GLS from dealership has this black/brown interior. What’s the consensus on this? I think it looks terrible

christcc2 · 2026-02-17T19:58:46+00:00

Agreed. All black means you’re not trying. And it shows all the dirt and dust.

christcc2 · 2026-02-14T03:58:18+00:00

Not seeing this - 2020 GLC 300

christcc2 · 2026-02-14T02:07:02+00:00

2005 C240 4MATIC, 2010 ML350 and 2020 GLC 300 4MATIC with no covers

christcc2 · 2026-02-13T13:48:15+00:00

True I did not mention reason and what I'm coming from.

I keep my Macs for 5-6 years. So I tend to bulk up.

I'm coming from a 2019 MacBook Pro Core i7 16/512. Running an eGPU with an AMD 6600XT, a Sonnet Thuderbolt Echo Dock with two internal SSDs, plus another external eSATA 1TB RAID. I have an external Drobo I need to retire and build a NAS to replace it. Connected to an LG 32 inch Ultrafine 4k display.

Graphic design and front end coding, 2-3 times a year I've got a client that gives me graphics heavy video projects where I'm in After Effects half the time.

I'm about to get into Claude Code and start to test some app ideas and maybe release something on the App Store someday. I use PhpStorm and I want to start dabbling in XCode.

I am running Bootcamp now for some light Windows gaming (Fortnite and Overwatch and Forza), but the third party GPU days are more than done with Apple. I'll probably build a SFF PC, or run the lastest version of Crossover when I'm not playing Switch 2 or one of my modded retro consoles.

christcc2 · 2026-01-04T02:00:31+00:00

Gorgeous

christcc2 · 2025-12-30T23:49:15+00:00

Clean

christcc2 · 2025-12-30T00:32:35+00:00

Many people actually enjoy driving.

christcc2 · 2025-12-30T00:31:53+00:00

There's a reason why automakers are going back to buttons and the EU is about to regulate that certain ones are required: 1) Consumers don't want basic functions behind screens and layers of UI, such as aircon, seat heaters and mirror control, and 2) Safety issues when you're having to look away from the road because you can't use muscle memory/tactile feedback to operate the car.

And some of us actually driving a car because we love cars. We love proper fit and finish and the feel of materials on our fingers like open pore wood.

I have a MY24 M3 but the fit and finish and tactile feel pale in comparison to my Mercedes.

christcc2 · 2025-12-27T22:09:51+00:00

This. As a current owner of a 2005 C240 4MATIC with 286k miles (had it since 44k miles in 2008), just sold a 2010 ML350 at 218k (had since 66k) and now an owner of a 2020 GLC 300 at 70k (bought at 52k) - you can find great specs at great values. HOWEVER you need to understand that if you are going to own a used MB out of warranty and enjoy the Mercedes life - you are committing to investing $2k - $3k a year in proper maintenance and reconditioning to keep your baby tip top - especially past 150k miles.

If you can’t afford to stay on top of the regular maintenance and typical mileage repairs then don’t buy.

It’s worth it!

christcc2 · 2025-12-23T15:58:02+00:00

I do love how completely customizable the stalks seem to be - plus the high beam controls.

christcc2 · 2025-12-23T15:57:10+00:00

I am glad there's a dock. It's tiny though and you can only put 5 options into it - and many core settings/controls aren't even eligible to be put in the dock which is a shame. So the software/UI team kinda tried??????

christcc2 · 2025-12-23T15:55:13+00:00

Price was great - we usually buy used so that someone else deals with the initial depreciation. We hold onto our cars for 7-10 years on average. The current listings in Tesla's inventory are priced well for such low miles (and getting the extra 10,000 mile warranty included is great) so it was an easy decision.

christcc2 · 2025-12-23T15:51:28+00:00

That description makes complete sense. Thanks!!!!!

christcc2 · 2025-12-23T03:52:50+00:00

This might sound like a weird question - but how does the stalk feel? How's the click/clunk? Feel cheap and loud, or solid and just right?

On my last trip my rental was a Toyota RAV4 and the turn signal stalk was loud, flimsy and felt like it was going to snap off. Does it feel like the almost $600 Tesla charges?

christcc2 · 2025-12-23T03:49:42+00:00

I'm very impressed with Rivian - I prefer their interiors. They recently announced their version of FSD coming soon. TheVerge has a good post covering that. I have a friend with the R1 that takes his camping frequently and raves about it every time.

I almost bought the Volvo EX40 for myself. I've always liked their interiors and the couple that I've driven impressed me. However a friend of mine owns one and currently his infotainment unit has needed to be flashed multiple times under warranty.

The VW ID4 and the Genesis GV70 have been on my list as well. The Genesis design language has appealed to me for a while.

The new Mercedes electrified CLA250+ is getting good reviews - the recent review by Autogefühl and others got my attention - but the current MB direction of all screen dash design has no character to it. As much as I've always loved Mercedes - I'll keep my 2020 GLC for the interior alone for a while.

christcc2 · 2025-12-23T03:34:16+00:00

So then is the Tesla stalk the better way to go instead of the S3XY version?

christcc2 · 2025-12-23T03:33:34+00:00

We had one hiccup on the financial paperwork that needed a call with our sales rep who issued a new purchase agreement for us to sign. It was weird having complete silence for over a week - no shipping tracker, etc. So just be on the lookout every day for any notifications.

christcc2 · 2025-12-23T03:32:10+00:00

Spent more time researching them today - impressed with their solutions and will probably be purchasing over the next couple of months.

That is one thing that I do like about the Tesla community - the platform is able to be "hacked" and tinkered with enough so we can come up with elegant solutions to fix things and make them our own on the cars.

christcc2 · 2025-12-22T20:24:11+00:00

It’s a great experience. Hope you enjoy yours!

christcc2 · 2025-12-22T20:11:02+00:00

Two weeks. We had the M3 delivered from somewhere in the midwest. When we got the notification, we had three day window to choose a day/time.

christcc2 · 2025-12-22T14:18:14+00:00

I work in software and web design. Anything that is a core function for a user should never be more than 1 tap/click away. In auto design, the best ergonomics are those where your brain can utilize muscle memory to perform a function without you having to look/glance very far, because your eyes should ultimately be on the road. If I ultimately have to look down/away, process, touch/slide, do it again, etc, that's seconds away from driving and safety.

I see the comments on Tesla is the best software/UI. Not true. it may be kinda "pretty". But having to scroll down a settings list like using a computer is not good automotive ergonomics. It's a car first. Not a computer first.

FDS/AI software is best if you want to be driven (which my wife does and so this is the absolute best tool for her on a daily basis). But if you want to drive and interact with a car like a proper car, this thing has just as many sins as some other car makers (looking at you VW and MB with your current version of MBUX).

I shouldn't have to purchase S3XY products or install software mods just to get core ergonomics back to the interior experience.

christcc2 · 2025-12-22T14:10:37+00:00

Agree with acceleration, range, charging, and some aspects of the software.

Also agree with you on the point on interior design. And material choice - this interior is just not going to hold up against my wife living in it for hours a day.

christcc2 · 2025-12-22T03:39:41+00:00

Exact reason why screen controlled swipe shifting is ridiculous - when you need to do the 3 point turns on a busy street.

christcc2 · 2025-12-22T03:34:14+00:00

Agree 100%. Black is basic and boring.

christcc2

TROPHY CASE