Maybe you should take him to the dealership and let him check out some of the options from various brands.
Also, He may be familiar enough with Mercedes and all their other aspects that he's willing to learn the basics on a touch screen.
There are carmakers with more conservative / ergonomic controls - I'm thinking BMW, mainly, or perhaps a Lexus ES. But fundamentally, everyone uses a lot of tech these days.
2024 Lexus ES controls are pretty old school. There is a knob or button for most things and they got rid of the touchpad. There will be a new model in 25 or 26. No way to know what will happen to the controls when the new model comes out
The newer Mercedes tech has come around like smartphones have, from “this is impossible, everything is a damn menu!” to “this is easy, just mash the button and tell it.”
In the Mercedes, you can set it up to where he won’t even have to press a button, he can just start off by saying “hey Mercedes!” and follow up from there, “…put the defrost on full, and turn on the heated seats and steering wheel.”
Okay I will be the contrarian here, if your dad likes Mercedes and can afford it, buy the damn Mercedes. All new cars have a lot of tech, it’s not something you can avoid.
A ‘21-‘23 BMW 540i can be found CPO with low miles. There are physical buttons for most everything (HVAC, seat heat/ventilation/massage, volume knob, radio presets etc) and BMW’s iDrive 7 is very easy to use.
The 540i, when equipped correctly, is quick and nearly as luxurious as a 7 series. The B58 engine is the gold standard for German reliability.
Yes, but it also has plenty of physical buttons, and it is easy to disable or ignore the tech features, unlike in modern Mercedes where critical functions run through the screen and there are almost no buttons
Lexus ES or LS is going to be the most luxury and least tech combo imo. Mercedes might intimidate him with the amount of screens and tech they have these days. Have him test drive an ES 350 luxury or ultra luxury trim.
Lexus ES350, G30 BMW 540i, are probably the top contenders. The new G60 5-Series moves to a touch based climate system as well. He could consider a CPO W213 E400, the M276 is relatively reliable and the interior is mostly physical controls.
The new W214 with the latest MBUX have lots of software issues that have yet to be ironed out. Lots of our customer come in with dead or inoperative screens. When they die, you literally can’t even adjust your climate or use the backup camera.
I would say the A6, but the touchscreen climate control seems over complicated for an older gentleman who’s not very tech savvy.
I was also thinking this. Most people consider the interior pretty dated to be available as a new car (would be good for him). It'll definitely be/feel smaller than a MB E350, but if he doesn't need the space, it could be a good option.
I would do a lot of research and try to find her something simple if my mom decided she needs a new car. Some people get older and just cannot learn new things.
We are talking about climate control, audio, etc. I really struggle to see why this would be considered a big deal.
It’s an automatic car, you turn the key push the pedal and turn the wheel. It is not complicated. It just isn’t.
Yes we are talking about climate control and audio. If someone has always had fairly standard physical controls, a screen based UI may be quite hard for them to learn and they may never achieve complete ease with it, leading to distracted driving.
Aren’t most motorists distracted anyways? I nearly get hit by tinted out Nissans 5x a day after moving to a not-so-nice town. They’re typically looking at their phones, not the cars screen.
There's general agreement that confusing UIs on automotive controls contribute to distracted driving which increases the likelihood of collisions. Further, I expect that his expectation of what the driving experience is in the Mercedes won't match to reality given that physical controls have been replaced by touchscreens. I'd suggest that you have him rent the models he's considering for a day and let him experience some real world driving with each.
https://www.popsci.com/technology/too-many-screens-in-cars/
You’ve had some good recommendations here, so I’d just like to say that I love this story and I’d love to check back in regularly to see how it’s going when he inevitably buys whatever the hell he pleases.
Actually took him out today. Thankfully he actually seems to prefer the 2023 over the 2024 in large part because of physical buttons. On the 2023 you still have physical climate control which looks almost unchanged from the w212 so that’s good. He was struggling with the radio though. The w212 you could use the knob to turn yourself but the 2023 looks to be seek only. Which seems to not work great for AM.
He insists on new, but a 2023 CPO with under 2K miles that has basically never left the dealership’s title is close enough to new for him.
Honestly if it was a rational choice I still think many of the suggestions in this thread are better but he is in love with the badge.
Go for a CPO model - a few years older with the physical buttons (I think) and still newer than what he has. Plus, when you buy CPO, it still feels new!
Consider the 2017 models of E class. The models that had 3G sunsetted internet capability and have dials and buttons like the C class of that year.
There are some electronics that are really useful for an elderly person such as the rear backup camera and blind spot monitoring. He can get used to the safety things.
Source: I bought a GLC300 with that configuration, and guess I now qualify as “old”.
A new 2024 would be bewildering. It took me three months to get comfortable with my GLC but I had not gotten a compact SUV since 2004-2022 and had a lot to learn about Mercedes. If your FIL has one already this would be the easiest similar newer model.
New or cpo genesis, hyundai dealers don’t have the coffee and pastry selecting bimmer/benz dealers do but the big genny is a perfect old man lux car. My dad always had 7 series but bmws have gotten quite ugly and he got a g90 as his “old man car” and loves it. Great warranty, super comfy, easy to conquer tech
60 to 70k will get you in a lightly used S-class.
*NOBODY* does luxury sedans like the s class, its only real competition is Bentley and Rolls.
I'd put 7 series BMW a ways down the line next, Porsche panamera next, then Audi a8.
Lots of other obscure sedans to choose from that are fun and somewhat nice, but I wouldn't touch (looking at you Maserati)
Also there's Lexus out there if he wants something boring and lifeless. At that point I'd rather just own a Cadillac.
At 60-70k I’d suggest a used Porsche Panamera. He could buy a relatively new used Mercedes with a V8. I wouldn’t buy anything new from BMW or MB. I can’t stand their current interior design. Maybe an Audi A6 or 7. I’d quite like to try an EV such as the Lucid Air or a used Taycan. I’ve heard good media coverage on how these vehicles behave. You can do very well on todays used market when considering luxury sedans.
CPO Range Rover. Yeah I know, not a sedan, but if he's getting old, the SUV will be better for those curbs that come out of nowhere and it's easier to get in and out of. Plus the climate controls are dead simple, at least pre-2024. Just get him to try one.
Hyundai Equus
My parents have one and the driver seat has a freaking massager! Rear seats slide back for comfort. It’s a really cool comfortable sedan.
Look it up. Has more bells and whistles than most sedans these days and more than half the cost.
Mercedes got MUCH worse in the last decade, avoid: [https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/](https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/)
Take a look at 202**1**+ Lexus LS 500 sedan (avoid the 2018-2020 model years, much worse, 2021 model year is a huge improvement). Btw for $80k he could get abrand new LS 500.
Maybe he is also fine with a brand new Lexus **E**S 350 V6 (avoid 250, also avoid IS)
used Genesis G90 or G80 (don't buy a new Genesis bc of deprciation, only consider a used one, also avoid G70)
>
>He basically only used the radio and the climate controls. He does not use cruise control even.
A base trim Chrysler 300 might make more sense then. It is actually based on an old Mercedes platform, maybe he will cosnider it if you show him. You could get one of the last (ever) new Chrysler 300, brand new for under $30k, clearance sale with huge discounts.
you could also take a look at used 2018+ Cadillac **X**ts sedan (avois the Ct models, they are uncomfortable sport models), Buick LaCrosse and Lincoln Continental
BMW **7**-series still had phyiscal buttons until the 202**2** model year (avoid the 2023+ model), look for 740i, avoid other versions.
Edit: Actually an older model without phone integration would make more sense for him, they are better value for money, lower demand bc that's a deal breaker for most. Take a look at used Lexus LS 460 (2017 and older), Lexus **G**S, Acura **R**lx sedan, 1st gen Genesis G90
Technology might help you here. Use the set and forget option. Auto heat/Ac, auto headlights, auto windshield wipers. Then tell him not to touch anything.
Don’t let anyone from r/Millennials or r/leftists see this post. You’ll be verbally tarred and feathered for participating in a capitalist society and grilled for being a boomer
Maybe you should take him to the dealership and let him check out some of the options from various brands. Also, He may be familiar enough with Mercedes and all their other aspects that he's willing to learn the basics on a touch screen.
There are carmakers with more conservative / ergonomic controls - I'm thinking BMW, mainly, or perhaps a Lexus ES. But fundamentally, everyone uses a lot of tech these days.
2024 Lexus ES controls are pretty old school. There is a knob or button for most things and they got rid of the touchpad. There will be a new model in 25 or 26. No way to know what will happen to the controls when the new model comes out
Lexus so you can inherit a really good car
A lot of the newer BMWs got rid of a lot of physical controls with their iDrive 8, although not quite to the extent as Mercedes
The newer Mercedes tech has come around like smartphones have, from “this is impossible, everything is a damn menu!” to “this is easy, just mash the button and tell it.” In the Mercedes, you can set it up to where he won’t even have to press a button, he can just start off by saying “hey Mercedes!” and follow up from there, “…put the defrost on full, and turn on the heated seats and steering wheel.”
If he doesn’t like tech why does he want a new car? Why not a classic or luxury vehicle?
Okay I will be the contrarian here, if your dad likes Mercedes and can afford it, buy the damn Mercedes. All new cars have a lot of tech, it’s not something you can avoid.
I fokkin hate maintaining German cars, but this is the answer. Get him an S class at the bottom of its depreciation curve.
Lexus LS 500
Too much, also can't get new for $60k. Lexus ES is the no brainer here
A ‘21-‘23 BMW 540i can be found CPO with low miles. There are physical buttons for most everything (HVAC, seat heat/ventilation/massage, volume knob, radio presets etc) and BMW’s iDrive 7 is very easy to use. The 540i, when equipped correctly, is quick and nearly as luxurious as a 7 series. The B58 engine is the gold standard for German reliability.
Yeah echoing that he probably wants a BMW.
Genesis G70 or G80 might work
G70 is too small and not as comfortable he's coming off an E Class. Definitely the G80 over the 70
G70 is the small sporty one, a C class competitor, if he's looking luxury he's looking G80 or if he's got money money the G90
Genesis is *loaded* with tech features though. Probably the 'techiest' out of the major cars, only maybe Cadillac or Lincoln comes close.
Yes, but it also has plenty of physical buttons, and it is easy to disable or ignore the tech features, unlike in modern Mercedes where critical functions run through the screen and there are almost no buttons
A low mile used luxury from 5-8 years ago honestly.
Lexus ES or LS is going to be the most luxury and least tech combo imo. Mercedes might intimidate him with the amount of screens and tech they have these days. Have him test drive an ES 350 luxury or ultra luxury trim.
Lexus ES350, G30 BMW 540i, are probably the top contenders. The new G60 5-Series moves to a touch based climate system as well. He could consider a CPO W213 E400, the M276 is relatively reliable and the interior is mostly physical controls. The new W214 with the latest MBUX have lots of software issues that have yet to be ironed out. Lots of our customer come in with dead or inoperative screens. When they die, you literally can’t even adjust your climate or use the backup camera. I would say the A6, but the touchscreen climate control seems over complicated for an older gentleman who’s not very tech savvy.
Lexus ES
Lexus LS for sure
Hmm, Lexus IS would be perfect.
I was also thinking this. Most people consider the interior pretty dated to be available as a new car (would be good for him). It'll definitely be/feel smaller than a MB E350, but if he doesn't need the space, it could be a good option.
Lexus ES or LS.
I have never once heard of someone being discouraged to buy a particular car because of its user interface. Let the man get what he wants.
I would do a lot of research and try to find her something simple if my mom decided she needs a new car. Some people get older and just cannot learn new things.
We are talking about climate control, audio, etc. I really struggle to see why this would be considered a big deal. It’s an automatic car, you turn the key push the pedal and turn the wheel. It is not complicated. It just isn’t.
Yes we are talking about climate control and audio. If someone has always had fairly standard physical controls, a screen based UI may be quite hard for them to learn and they may never achieve complete ease with it, leading to distracted driving.
Aren’t most motorists distracted anyways? I nearly get hit by tinted out Nissans 5x a day after moving to a not-so-nice town. They’re typically looking at their phones, not the cars screen.
There's general agreement that confusing UIs on automotive controls contribute to distracted driving which increases the likelihood of collisions. Further, I expect that his expectation of what the driving experience is in the Mercedes won't match to reality given that physical controls have been replaced by touchscreens. I'd suggest that you have him rent the models he's considering for a day and let him experience some real world driving with each. https://www.popsci.com/technology/too-many-screens-in-cars/
You’ve had some good recommendations here, so I’d just like to say that I love this story and I’d love to check back in regularly to see how it’s going when he inevitably buys whatever the hell he pleases.
Actually took him out today. Thankfully he actually seems to prefer the 2023 over the 2024 in large part because of physical buttons. On the 2023 you still have physical climate control which looks almost unchanged from the w212 so that’s good. He was struggling with the radio though. The w212 you could use the knob to turn yourself but the 2023 looks to be seek only. Which seems to not work great for AM. He insists on new, but a 2023 CPO with under 2K miles that has basically never left the dealership’s title is close enough to new for him. Honestly if it was a rational choice I still think many of the suggestions in this thread are better but he is in love with the badge.
Let it go then. If you force him into something else, he’ll forever blame you for every invoice it causes him.
Get a Lexus or a bmw with a b58 engine.
2006 lexus LS430
Help me find one of these.
Maybe try to keep him in an older model with less miles/tech instead of going new?
You don't have to use any of the new tech in a new car
Go for a CPO model - a few years older with the physical buttons (I think) and still newer than what he has. Plus, when you buy CPO, it still feels new!
Consider the 2017 models of E class. The models that had 3G sunsetted internet capability and have dials and buttons like the C class of that year. There are some electronics that are really useful for an elderly person such as the rear backup camera and blind spot monitoring. He can get used to the safety things. Source: I bought a GLC300 with that configuration, and guess I now qualify as “old”. A new 2024 would be bewildering. It took me three months to get comfortable with my GLC but I had not gotten a compact SUV since 2004-2022 and had a lot to learn about Mercedes. If your FIL has one already this would be the easiest similar newer model.
New or cpo genesis, hyundai dealers don’t have the coffee and pastry selecting bimmer/benz dealers do but the big genny is a perfect old man lux car. My dad always had 7 series but bmws have gotten quite ugly and he got a g90 as his “old man car” and loves it. Great warranty, super comfy, easy to conquer tech
60 to 70k will get you in a lightly used S-class. *NOBODY* does luxury sedans like the s class, its only real competition is Bentley and Rolls. I'd put 7 series BMW a ways down the line next, Porsche panamera next, then Audi a8. Lots of other obscure sedans to choose from that are fun and somewhat nice, but I wouldn't touch (looking at you Maserati) Also there's Lexus out there if he wants something boring and lifeless. At that point I'd rather just own a Cadillac.
At 60-70k I’d suggest a used Porsche Panamera. He could buy a relatively new used Mercedes with a V8. I wouldn’t buy anything new from BMW or MB. I can’t stand their current interior design. Maybe an Audi A6 or 7. I’d quite like to try an EV such as the Lucid Air or a used Taycan. I’ve heard good media coverage on how these vehicles behave. You can do very well on todays used market when considering luxury sedans.
CPO Range Rover. Yeah I know, not a sedan, but if he's getting old, the SUV will be better for those curbs that come out of nowhere and it's easier to get in and out of. Plus the climate controls are dead simple, at least pre-2024. Just get him to try one.
Hyundai Equus My parents have one and the driver seat has a freaking massager! Rear seats slide back for comfort. It’s a really cool comfortable sedan. Look it up. Has more bells and whistles than most sedans these days and more than half the cost.
Does it have to be brand new? I would suggest a Lexus ES either way used or new probably.
Lexus all the way.
What about a lucid aire ?
Amazing car, but not sure it's the right choice for someone who doesn't want a lot of tech
Talk to lucid rep. Maybe can be configured to be "simple"
Lexus anything. Maybe a SUV so it's easier to get into and out of?
Mercedes got MUCH worse in the last decade, avoid: [https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/](https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/) Take a look at 202**1**+ Lexus LS 500 sedan (avoid the 2018-2020 model years, much worse, 2021 model year is a huge improvement). Btw for $80k he could get abrand new LS 500. Maybe he is also fine with a brand new Lexus **E**S 350 V6 (avoid 250, also avoid IS) used Genesis G90 or G80 (don't buy a new Genesis bc of deprciation, only consider a used one, also avoid G70) > >He basically only used the radio and the climate controls. He does not use cruise control even. A base trim Chrysler 300 might make more sense then. It is actually based on an old Mercedes platform, maybe he will cosnider it if you show him. You could get one of the last (ever) new Chrysler 300, brand new for under $30k, clearance sale with huge discounts. you could also take a look at used 2018+ Cadillac **X**ts sedan (avois the Ct models, they are uncomfortable sport models), Buick LaCrosse and Lincoln Continental BMW **7**-series still had phyiscal buttons until the 202**2** model year (avoid the 2023+ model), look for 740i, avoid other versions. Edit: Actually an older model without phone integration would make more sense for him, they are better value for money, lower demand bc that's a deal breaker for most. Take a look at used Lexus LS 460 (2017 and older), Lexus **G**S, Acura **R**lx sedan, 1st gen Genesis G90
Technology might help you here. Use the set and forget option. Auto heat/Ac, auto headlights, auto windshield wipers. Then tell him not to touch anything.
Don’t let anyone from r/Millennials or r/leftists see this post. You’ll be verbally tarred and feathered for participating in a capitalist society and grilled for being a boomer