Interior. X308 versus X350

[mdowning]

I remember being hugely impressed with the interior of a friend's X308. I loved how low and snug it felt, and the deeply recessed dials. But this was 10 years ago.

I went to have a look at an X350 this week. I expected to be wowed, like I was with the X308 all those years ago. But I left feeling disappointed. I really wanted to like it but, to me, the interior was let down by its quality - the finish just wasn't as good as I had expected it to be. There are areas that I hoped would be leather that are plastic, and other simple things, like the cup holders and instrument cluster just seem to be pinched straight out of a family hatchback.

How do others perceive the X308 interior versus the X350's?

Is my memory serving me correct in thinking that the X308 interior is a nicer place to be than the X350? Or was I just more easily impressed 10 years ago, and my views on the X308 probably need updating?

[Rich1973]

Yes, I really like my X308 interior. The only thing that I find "cheap" are the hard plastic door cards which are disappointing considering the price of the car when new.
Having said that, I do like the look of the X350 interior.

Richard

[chris.mapey]

I'm likely to be biased (having just bought an X308 XJR) but I love the interior of them. Such a great place to be

[anonymous-user]

Personally I think the X300 interior is better still. Sure it could be considered a bit dated but it's far more imposing and much less like an upmarket version of the usual car interior style than the X308. I also think the feeling of solidity is far greater. I think this debate has gone on since the X308 came out in 1998 though! Personally I felt the X350 interior was no better or worse than the X308 though. In both newer cars the ambla material seems like a less convincing replica of leather, and the leather itself doesn't seem as nice in the X350. The X300 Daimler Double Six which had connoly autolux leather everywhere and no ambla was really something special.

Dave

[mdowning]

dme123 said:

...and the leather itself doesn't seem as nice in the X350.

This was something that felt when I sat in the X350 this week. The leather used for the seats seemed to feel quite thin and fragile compared to the leather in my 07 Boxster.

[Pettsie]

My 308 is 11 years old and I love it to bits. Its still referred to as the "flying carpet" by family due to its pace and ride. Recommended!