Let's Talk Aesthetics of Luxury Vehicles

Pumpkin_rrr on 05/03/2019 - 21:46

I have my current car for nearly 7 years now and my life has changed so much that I need a new car.
So car-hunting we go!
Must confess I am a novice in this area, although I can name some names and recognise the logos.
Hence Hubby takes care of the technical part, I do the visual aspects.
Have to say I am rather shocked with what I've seen so far.

First we checked out the MB GLA & GLC.
I find there's just too much chrome: the criss-cross aircon vent:they are small and hideous. All the controls below the dashboard and the volume and memory buttons just have chrome randomly. The inside of the doors too copped some chrome for the memory and others. The stitching of the leather/PVC although it was not a Sports model.
Also dislike the way the GPS Monitor sits (Head Up Display?) ; I keep having the urge to push or flip it down.
As for the GPS, I am a little concerned as to whether I can get use to using the joystick.
Sunroof - it is compulsory and cannot be removed.

Then the Lexus NX300.
Here I need to mention that I must have cream interior, or any light color for that matter. This is non-negotiable due to my imperfect eyesight.
I was horrified to find they they all have the "split-color" tone! They must be joking! The Sales guy was very sure they couldnt get it changed, although I can choose between a black-front white-back, or white-front black-back. Sorry if I cant explain properly. Please google images: lexus nx leather seats"
The dashboard is fine and the AirCon vent is not as bad as GLA. But they too have the same GPS Monitor which looks like an after-thought.
Grille- I am not sure whether I like it yet.

I came home and did some quick search, and suspect all these must be new trend.
Just saw a 2014 GLA has all cream colour throughout.

Both of them makes me feel clunky.

Not sure whether I will be brave to visit the Beemer… Kidney grille?

Automotive

Comments

  • ShannonN on 05/03/2019 - 21:52
    +41

    my imperfect eyesight and you want to be a driver?

    • whooah1979 on 06/03/2019 - 05:45
      +5

      As long as it's good enough for the eye test then good enough to drive.

      • Nugs on 06/03/2019 - 06:25
        +8

        username suggest maybe an eye patch (rrr me hearties)
        .

      • HighAndDry on 06/03/2019 - 09:10
        +4

        If it's good enough to drive, a dark coloured interior shouldn't matter. It gets dark outside too.

        • chartparker on 07/03/2019 - 05:57
          +6

          If anything a dark coloured interior would be beneficial to your vision while driving, as it won't reflect into the windscreen as much as a light coloured interior

  • dcep on 05/03/2019 - 22:10

    you need to look at MB's new mbux interior

  • Nexo on 05/03/2019 - 22:16
    +64

    What's there to talk about? You've simply stated your thoughts on some cars. Do you have any questions or points to discuss?

    • Kenb0 on 05/03/2019 - 22:38
      +34

      OP and the other forum poster who posted a thesis on the ins and outs of why he didn't deserve a parking ticket should get together and talk their little hearts out. Unload the full effect of their stream of consciousness on each other.

      • lunchbox99 on 08/03/2019 - 15:53
        +2

        Man this comment made my day. Well done kind sir.

  • spackbace on 05/03/2019 - 23:06
    +17

    I was horrified to find they they all have the "split-color" tone! They must be joking! 

    Most buyers would probably think you're insane for wanting a full light coloured interior, but you're shocked? They're always the first to look old and dirty, over black or dark colours.

    But they too have the same GPS Monitor which looks like an after-thought.

    Function over form. The new styling of a raised screen at the top of the dash is so your eyes don't deviate far from your view of the road.

    • Kangal on 06/03/2019 - 11:45

      I would say a "Medium Brown" leather is probably the "best colour" for cars.
      It looks pretty good when its new. Once it ages and gets wrinkles, they look far more natural and gives it character.

      Though its pretty rare to find that option. Number two would be Red Leather for that unique sporty feel, and Black Leather is a solid third (for price and utility). However, none of these makes any fashion sense if the rest of the interior looks like a cardboard box in the rain.

      • Pumpkin_rrr on 06/03/2019 - 21:29
        -1

        Haha, "Medium Brown", is that the same as what I'm thinking "tan"?
        I dont really mind other colors from all sorts of grey to brown, as long as it's not red or blue.

        Yes pity it's rather rare, unlike handbags and office bags.

        But no red leather. Reminds me of the Love Hotel in Japan!

        No, no cardboard box, and no overdone chrome.

        • WhyAmICommenting on 07/03/2019 - 00:01
          +17

          Tell us more about this love hotel…

          • Pumpkin_rrr on 13/03/2019 - 14:07
            +1

            @WhyAmICommenting: I dont have the link now but if you google "Osaka Love Hotel" you might get some insight.

            Apparently in Japan because accommodation are expensive, many people share with family, parents etc. So some couples have to take occasional trips to the Love Hotel to rekindle their relationship. Most if not all have no windows, so that you cant tell whether it's day or night, and it's fully-equipped with all the essentials to enhance your relationship….

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 05/03/2019 - 23:21
    +7

    I wouldn't consider a GLA a luxury car; and the entry level NX / GLC models might just barely pass as a luxury car.

    • hmac on 06/03/2019 - 10:27
      +4

      CX3 and XV vs GLA? do you really wanna say it's not a luxury car? you gotta be joking.

      • TheMindsetTraveller on 06/03/2019 - 10:45
        +11

        GLAs aren't luxury cars to me; they have a premium badge and Mercedes Benz were hoping a new group of customers could start buying their cars. For example, if someone was in the market for a CX3 or an XV, they might wanna think about finding another $10-15k and you get a Mercedes.

        Try driving/enjoying/sitting in a S Class or equivalent - which is the definition of a luxury car - and then you'll have a different opinion about the GLA.

        • dcep on 06/03/2019 - 12:17
          +1

          https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_GLA-Class

          can you suggest another subcompact luxury crossover SUV ?

          S class is not a subcompact luxury crossover SUV obviously.

          • TheMindsetTraveller on 06/03/2019 - 12:35
            +6

            @dcep: Personally, and that's just me, I don't consider the sub-compact class of cars "luxury" - no matter which car brand it is. However IF I had to buy a car in that class, I would probably be tempted by the BMW X2.

            To me, the GLA series is getting a little dated especially the interior given that the A series have freshened things a lot and no doubt will flow onto the new GLA's when they get updated.

            The Volvo XC40 might sneak in for me - I would have to have a decent test drive comparing both the X2 and XC40 before deciding though.

            But then, for similar amounts of money of an X2 / XC40 - I would consider going up a car size and getting a VW Tiguan R Line. I know stretching to an equivalent Q5 / GLC would be pushing it if I had an X2 / XC40 budget.

            • Pumpkin_rrr on 06/03/2019 - 21:27
              -1

              @TheMindsetTraveller: Hi @DrunkOnTheGoodLife : this is one of the most sensible piece I read today!
              Your comment on GLA is spot-on, and that's what I felt.
              But my Technical Director aka hubby wont have A-Class.
              Volvo would be on my next trip.
              As for X2/3, I need to get over the kidney-grille.
              Tiguan - many people around me have it, might check.
              GLC- would love it but I'm supposed to be downsizing!

              • TheMindsetTraveller on 06/03/2019 - 23:03

                @Pumpkin_rrr: I am the opposite; I am loving BMW's kidney-grilles, especially on the new X7's!

              • abuch47 on 07/03/2019 - 11:21

                @Pumpkin_rrr: go for function over form, also look at resell value. looks are important at every step of life but in no way do they make you happier. its a vehicle you'll have for 5 years, make a brain decision not a heart one.

              • rave75 on 07/03/2019 - 11:42

                @Pumpkin_rrr: The upcoming Touareg is cool for me

            • Milk tea on 06/03/2019 - 22:30
              +1

              @TheMindsetTraveller: I agree. Sub compact cars aren't luxury no matter the brand.

          • Antikythera on 08/03/2019 - 01:43
            +1

            @dcep: "subcompact luxury crossover SUV"

            oh god the marketers really have won haven't they?

            I feel old. I find it funny what my dad would think if he were still alive. When he bought his second car the options were Holden <insert current years model> or Ford <insert current model>

      • p1 ama on 06/03/2019 - 20:17
        +1

        CX3 and XV vs GLA? do you really wanna say it's not a luxury car? you gotta be joking.

        How is the GLA ia luxury car? The only reason why it's in the conversation is that it's a Mercedes.

      • whooah1979 on 06/03/2019 - 20:33

        do you really wanna say it's not a luxury car?

        The GLA is priced under the LCT thresholds. No LCT, no luxury.

        https://www.carsguide.com.au/mercedes-benz/gla-class/price/2…
        https://www.ato.gov.au/rates/luxury-car-tax-rate-and-thresho…
        Financial year Fuel-efficient vehicles Other vehicles
        2018–19 $75,526 $66,331

        • [Deactivated] on 06/03/2019 - 22:33
          +2

          I really hope you're not serious.

    • Skramit on 07/03/2019 - 15:47

      Have you actually been in the NX, absolutely a luxury vehicle.

    • [Deactivated] on 07/03/2019 - 19:35
      +3

      You're not wrong. The GLA is for status-seeking suckers. They're buying a low-end budget car gussied up with the Benz badge and paying premium prices for it.

  • pegaxs on 06/03/2019 - 00:16
    +36

    Do you have eyes in your arse? Who cares what colour the seats are once you have your carcass spread across them. They could be green with hot pink polka dots for all I care. Get the white edged ones. Kinda like lane markers as you come in for landing.

    Is this just another humble brag/troll post? Seems strange that you have eyesight issues yet you are in charge of “aesthetics”.

  • p1 ama on 06/03/2019 - 00:41
    +9

    Honest question, are you buying a car to drive, or to look at?

    • Tech5 on 06/03/2019 - 02:17
      +5

      Why not both lol

    • Milk tea on 06/03/2019 - 22:32
      +2

      Most women don't care or want to know the specs of a car but more so the looks of them

      • abuch47 on 07/03/2019 - 11:18
        +1

        and most men. people are simple, brand = recognition.

        I cant wait till people cant have personal vehicles and transport is 30s away via an app.

        • soaringphoenix on 07/03/2019 - 21:38

          Just curious, why the R34 picture if you can't wait until people can no longer have personal vehicles?

          • abuch47 on 08/03/2019 - 10:28
            +2

            @soaringphoenix: because that goes hand in hand, we CAN currently have cars. I am a motorsport enthusiast but I also believe social responsibility needs us to not have personal 2 ton speed machines.

            OZbargain has some of the worst opinions. the person above me makes sexist remarks and it gets votes.

            Loving cars and motorsports also is much more than the looks of a car which the comment was a about. The BNR34 is iconic to me due to its dominance, bang for buck all around performance and styling aka looks. I downloaded that picture 10 years ago as its probably the rarest and most sought skyline in existence.

      • dogboy on 08/03/2019 - 16:29

        Wow, you got away with a sexist comment on this site and actually got upvoted! The lefty snowflakes in this country must be asleep at the wheel.

  • daalinz on 06/03/2019 - 08:04
    +2

    How about Volvo XC40/60? It looks like they should have options for your interior preference (not R-Design model).

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 06/03/2019 - 21:22

      Yes, that's the next one on my car-hunting weekend trip.
      Volvo has always been associated with boring… but I've heard a lot of good things about them. Finger crossed I might find my true love.

      • p1 ama on 07/03/2019 - 20:36

        Volvo has always been associated with boring

        By who?

        • ak47wong on 08/03/2019 - 11:41
          +2

          I think it's a holdover from the 70s and 80s. You may remember the old boxy 244 models and similar. Personally I think all that changed in the mid 90s when completely new models came out with modern looks, but old impressions remain in some people's minds, even 20 years later.

      • 2ndeffort on 08/03/2019 - 12:29

        I have an S60 with a full light fawn coloured leather interior. Volvo do great interiors

  • Ryanek on 06/03/2019 - 08:15
    +2

    You should check out the VW Arteon. It has all the tech you need and 3/4 of the price. I also think it's one of the best looking cars on the road.

    • whooah1979 on 06/03/2019 - 08:19

      Nice grill.

    • Seraphin7 on 06/03/2019 - 09:21

      I think OP is looking for a luxury vehicle?

      • Ryanek on 06/03/2019 - 09:22

        This is VW's competitor to the Audi A5 and BMW 4 series.

        • waterbottled on 06/03/2019 - 15:01

          VW is the poor man's 'luxury' car

          • Milk tea on 06/03/2019 - 22:33
            +1

            @waterbottled: I agree. Fake luxury. I'd have to go for an audi any day over a vw

            • Excelsior on 07/03/2019 - 09:14
              +2

              @Milk tea: They're owned by the same group so you're really just getting a sister car with a different badge on.

              • Milk tea on 07/03/2019 - 09:18
                +1

                @Excelsior: Sooooo technically if I owned a vw, I could say I own a lamborghini? well then why would anyone buy an audi or lambo? If only we all knew this beforehand.

                • Excelsior on 07/03/2019 - 09:21

                  @Milk tea: Lol how is that even the right comparison? Any sane person would obviously compare related cars within the same class/tier, not from one end of the spectrum to another.

                  • Milk tea on 07/03/2019 - 09:25

                    @Excelsior: I'm going by you saying VW owning audi hence them owning lambo as well. Audis aren't in the same boat as VW. If I went and purchased an A4 being the standard, a VW golf is approx 20k cheaper etc etc

                    • brendanm on 07/03/2019 - 14:22

                      @Milk tea: Golf isn't the same as A4. A3 is similar to golf. A4 is similar to passat. They are all much of a muchness. I personally prefer vw interiors to the overdone Audi ones. Can't stand the Audi heater controls myself, and don't like the integrated mmi.

                    • Harold Halfprice on 07/03/2019 - 20:43
                      +1

                      @Milk tea: VW and Audi share a lot of components and technology. The engines used across the brands are identical.

                      The Audi A3 and the VW Golf share the same platform (MQB), along with several other models. You'll find that the A3 is almost mechanically identical to the Golf GTI, and the S3 mechanically identical to the Golf R - they have the same engines and tech.

                      Now, Audis do come with some nicer trim compared to their VW counterparts, and a few other minor differences. But they also cost more. VWs and Audis have far more in common than they don't - and you'd be silly not to compare the two if you were in the market.

            • rave75 on 07/03/2019 - 11:45

              @Milk tea: the quality of Audi's lower end is quite similar to VW these days. They shared the exact same stuff too.

    • pegaxs on 06/03/2019 - 09:53
      -1

      I also think it's one of the best looking cars on the road.

      Hahaha… No, no it isnt. And I think the looks of the car are best summed up by the photo they have on their own page of a blind dude admiring the car.

      God damn that is one ugly car from that angle.

      • Ryanek on 06/03/2019 - 13:38

        Looks are subjective, but I would say you're in the minority.

      • HighAndDry on 06/03/2019 - 15:13

        I actually think it looks good… but weird because there just aren't that many VWs on the road which aren't… Golfs basically. Passats?

    • nubzy on 06/03/2019 - 10:35

      Agree, these look incredible

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 06/03/2019 - 21:19

      Thanks @Ryanek. Might have a look this week. I am so desperate now I will look at anything!
      This one looks sexy! But it's not SUV….

      • Circly on 07/03/2019 - 08:34

        Why do you want an SUV? How importance is the driving/performance?

        • Pumpkin_rrr on 07/03/2019 - 10:25

          Mainly because height. Also sometimes to transport stuff, furniture, markets, beach…

  • malich on 06/03/2019 - 08:19

    Personally, I think Audi has the best looking vehicles in the luxury range currently. But that might be because I'm old and boring. Their interiors are also second to none.

    But.. I wouldn't buy one.

    Too many reliability issues & poor resale.

    The NX is a horrible looking car imo. But it's the one I'd choose.

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 06/03/2019 - 21:18

      So many contradictions, you are starting to sound like me @malich!

      Audi can be "boring", but not as bad as Volvo? Agree with you, might not be too reliable.

      I have mixed feeling with the look of NX. Is it modern, timeless, or just a fling?
      A friend just got one, all black inside and outside. I call it her mid-life-crisis.

      • malich on 07/03/2019 - 06:20

        Funny you should mention Volvo.

        We own a 2018 XC60 and it's a lovely car. The new generation of Volvo is anything but boring.

        It might be worth you checking them out.

        • Seraphin7 on 08/03/2019 - 16:35

          The modern Volvos are a world apart from the boring '80s jobs. These are really nice cars and offer great value.

    • Milk tea on 06/03/2019 - 22:35

      I'd love to get an audi in the future. Maybe an A7

    • rave75 on 07/03/2019 - 11:47

      Even Audi A4 B8 feels cheap compared to its competitor. Personally, I think Audi makes the coolest headlight/rearlight design, but that's it.

  • whooah1979 on 06/03/2019 - 08:24
    +2

    I must have cream interior, or any light color for that matter.

    https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR4y-ZI…

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 06/03/2019 - 21:15

      Nice! Such clean cut and understated.
      What is that?
      Does it come in 4-5- seater please?

      • [Deactivated] on 06/03/2019 - 22:05
        +2

        Looks to be a Toyota Kluger.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/03/2019 - 08:25
    +5

    I cannot think of any eye disorder that would require a light colored interior. Please explain if happy to.

    Do not go light colored interior. It will look terrible in a few years. If you do please don't wear fake tan.

    I know this won't be popular but have you looked at Audi (Q5 maybe) and Land Rover (evoque or base velar). They both have pretty good option lists for custom interior.

    Also dislike the way the GPS Monitor sits (Head Up Display?)

    Most makers are doing this now. Even the Mazda 3 has had this for the last 7 years. BTW the HUD is a completely different beast. It will display speed and sometimes other data projected onto your windscreen or on a pop-up plastic display directly in front of the driver. Pretty wanky in my opinion just like lane guidance and other new safety shite.

    • pegaxs on 06/03/2019 - 09:55
      +6

      As an ex-Land Rover mechanic, I laugh and die a little inside every time someone mentions a Land Rover anything as an option when buying cars.

      • [Deactivated] on 06/03/2019 - 10:43
        +1

        Thats why I wrote this…

        I know this won't be popular but

        😁

      • HighAndDry on 06/03/2019 - 15:14
        +6

        If you're a Land Rover mechanic (not owner)… that's crazy job security.

      • Fobsessive on 07/03/2019 - 10:00

        What are the chances of a Land Rover running well like a Camry after 10 or 15 years?

        • pegaxs on 07/03/2019 - 11:28

          I’ll put it this way… there is a reason that Range Rovers are $150,000+ to buy new and about $10,000 in 10 years time.

          • smartazz104 on 07/03/2019 - 19:08

            @pegaxs: Man where are these sub-10K 2009 Range Rovers, can't find any on Carsales…

      • rave75 on 07/03/2019 - 11:49

        yeah, I don't trust Tata for some specific reasons.

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 06/03/2019 - 21:14

      Thanks for writing, I will look at Q5.
      But will only consider if they have light colour interior.

      HUD… is it another gimmick or real deal? I'll check further.
      I would reiterate: I find aesthetically, those HUDs dont really look nice. But will still keep an open mind and look out for more.
      That, coupled with "joystick", what can I say?

      • [Deactivated] on 06/03/2019 - 22:35
        +5

        You are confusing the ipad style nav screen for a HUD. HUD is a reflective projection on a special area of the windscreen. It looks like the speedo is about 20 metres ahead of you on the road.

        • abuch47 on 07/03/2019 - 11:23

          and is another great safety feature.

      • rave75 on 07/03/2019 - 11:51
        -1

        Audi is not that reliable these days, plus their resale value is bad compared to Merc & BMW.

        • brendanm on 07/03/2019 - 14:24
          +1

          Their resale is almost identical to merc and BMW.

          • rave75 on 08/03/2019 - 13:41

            @brendanm: at least back in 2017 when I was looking between C class and A4, I could get 1 year old demo A4 2.0L with few options ticked for less than $50k. Meanwhile, I couldn't see C250 for less than $60k. From my personal and friends experiences, you could get more discount off RRP on brand new Audi compared to Merc & BMW.

            • brendanm on 08/03/2019 - 14:12

              @rave75: Completely depends what options and spec. I would above thought base A4 would be closer to c200. At any rate, look at the prices a few years down the track, they all lose heaps.

              • rave75 on 11/03/2019 - 15:10

                @brendanm: I was comparing similar specs between A4 2.0 non quattro (technic & assistance package, memory seat, sunroof) vs C250 (command, vision, seat comfort packages). Their RRP with those options are very similar, but I could get 1 yo A4 for less than 50k, I couldn't find even 2yo c250 under $60k

    • Janko on 10/03/2019 - 02:19

      I cannot think of any eye disorder that would require a light colored interior. Please explain if happy to.

      Simple night blindness. It is far harder to spot a dark coloured wallet or similar that's fallen into a footwell on black carpet than cream coloured. I've heard a few people echo this same hate with dark interiors, and have it myself.

      Do not go light colored interior. It will look terrible in a few years. If you do please don't wear fake tan.

      I have a 2003 BM with sand biege interior - only 110,000 km, but the leather is stunning inside - clean, unblemished and soft. Had a 1997 version of the same car prior - same interior. At 200,000 km some of the color started wearing on the seats but easily fixed it up with Leatherique products. The same interior was one of the must haves on the car I replaced it with.

      Dark interiors look cheap from day 1 IMO and totally understand why luxury houses are similarly light, not dark.

  • King Tightarse on 06/03/2019 - 08:35
    +13

    Coming to a bargain forum to ask about luxury cars?
    That's just bragging and quite pretentious.

    • whooah1979 on 06/03/2019 - 09:18
      +5

      The model s have >2.6k votes. Ozbargain are a rich bunch.

      • Circly on 07/03/2019 - 08:38
        +6

        Saved up from all the eneloop and QC 35 deals.

    • smartazz104 on 07/03/2019 - 19:09
      +3

      Just because people are hunting for bargains doesn't mean they are poor…

      • King Tightarse on 07/03/2019 - 19:34
        +4

        That's true but in a forum where people regularly get excited about $1 phone plans and $1 cheeseburger hacks, discussing the minutiae of fabric choices of luxury cars goes well past humblebragging.
        Seems very pretentious to me. More like 'new money'

        • smartazz104 on 07/03/2019 - 19:52
          +1

          $1 cheeseburger hacks

          Those do get a lot of criticism too though.

        • Milk tea on 07/03/2019 - 22:13
          +1

          I love both high end cars and $1 cheeseburgers. How do you think the rich get richer?

          • King Tightarse on 07/03/2019 - 22:18
            +1

            @Milk tea: Well, if you'd gone to school and studied harder than the other kids and hoped and dreamed, you might have learned to spell 'Michelle'

            • Milk tea on 07/03/2019 - 22:19

              @King Tightarse: Michelle was taken you mong. You mean, you might have learnt how to spell. I believe you are the one that needs to go to school and hope and dream lol

              • King Tightarse on 07/03/2019 - 22:21

                @Milk tea: Tsk tsk just kidding. Don't get your knickers in a knot.
                So you're rich then are you, 'Mishelle'?
                Do tell…

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