In addition, the pop-out-of-the-console cupholder design is carried over, and it is neither big enough nor sturdy enough to be useful. This is typical of most German designers, who, perhaps rightly, feel that they should not encourage any practices that distract from the main task at hand. The coil-sprung, 10-way power-adjustable heated leather seats are in the best tradition of Mercedes, being wide and firm for all-day comfort. The optional multi-contour seats have individually inflatable air cushions, and taking that concept to the extreme, the additionally optional Dynamic Drive seats add backrest side cushion bladders that inflate automatically in response to vehicle motion, such as a turn, for additional support.
Passenger room is both more and less than the previous generation. Rear headroom, front legroom and front shoulder room are increased, while front headroom, rear legroom and rear shoulder room are decreased, albeit all by small amounts. Overall interior volume is up two percent and cargo capacity is increased by three percent. Among the interior luxury features are a four-zone climate control which allows each occupant (assuming two rear seat passengers) to set his or her own air temperature, and a ten-speaker CD audio system. Options include a high-end Harman-Kardon audio system, the COMAND system with GPS and DVD capability, and a Panorama glass sunroof. Reading the owner's manual is not an option in this car.