I have to agree that the Nav monitor operation comes off as quite an afterthought, I can see that plastic cover becominig detached in no time.
As for the Infiniti G, nice car but will quickly become an afterthought with time design wise. Kind of a 3 series on the cheap, in so many ways- IMO of course.
The 3er does have a slightly uninspired interior design, but having been a former TD student it makes sense in prespective looking at various inspirations for automotive interior design TD's use, especially BMW. Besides, you don't get in a 3er to sit in it and admire the interior, you get in in a 3er(or any BMW for that matter) because you want to drive, and while driving I'm sure whatever flaws the interior posesses will quickly fade from mind.
I don't think MB intended for the C-class to redifine the exec. small sedan segment, I think they just wanted to show the world that they can still do what everyone regards/ed them for all these years: building sturdy, high quality luxury automobiles like no one else. Looks like they've suceeded.
