They're not conflicting because they refer to different senses of quality, in my estimation. Tesla's models can be said to lack in quality by design (materials, luxury features) compared to German and especially Japanese cars at a similar price point. The German cars generally lack in quality in terms of longevity and robustness, statistically and anecdotally.

Well, yeah they're playing on the meaning of quality. When you spend 80k on a car you expect it to be both solid, pretty and not a money pit on the long run.

$80k cars are the poster children of money pits. You must not be familiar with the space.

I am completely out of touch with this world and based on this thread I may never spend a minute being accustomed to it.

Recent Mercedes C class electronics are junk, software ditto. The interior has been 'upgraded', as a result of which everything feels flimsy and weak. You'd expect stuff like that on consumer electronics from the 90's, not on an A brand car. Usability is down, bling factor is up.