MB design 1999-2005, did you like it?

[PC Valkyrie]

I think the W220 S-class, which made its debut in 1999/2000 marked a significant turning point in MB's design philosophy. Instead of the conservative "boxy" designs of the prior years, the W220 S-class started a trend of more swoopy, curvy design theme for MB. When this car was introduced, it really turned heads. I personally thought it was a much better looking car than its predecessor.




In 2000/2001, MB introduced the W203 C-class, which in essence looked like a mini S-class with sharper edges in the rear. However, it marked the debut of the "fused 4 eye" headlamp design". One could argue this design feature started with the W220 S-class, but it wasn't as obvious in that car.




In 2002/2003, MB introduced the W211 E-class, W209 CLK-class, and R230 SL-class. The CLK and SL class followed the "fused 4 eye" headlamp design of the C-class, while the E-class retained its separate 4 eye headlamp design from the previous W210 E-class. For these models, the sharp edges of the C-class were rounded out, especially in the rear with the shape of the trunks and rear lights.

During this design era, specialty cars like the SLR McLaren and CLK DTM AMG were also introduced, both of which followed the established "fused 4 eye" headlamp design, which made them instantly recognizable as a Mercedes Benz.




As much as I liked this era, when Mercedes Benz cars actually could be considered "beautiful" in some people's eyes, MB is already moving on and pursuing another theme. This started with the introduction of the current SLK, ML, and new S-class cars. These new models are more chiseled with more angular features, have more aggressive flared wheel arches, and they no longer subscribe to the "fused 4 eye" headlamp design. The CLS is just different from the other models and unique right now. It is a start of another era.....

Having said all this, what do you guys think? Did you like this era of MB design from 1999-2005? Do you think the design theme was boring with too much similarity between models? Or do you prefer the older conservative designs?

 

[CAR-NNOSSEUR]

With the exception of the S-class i felt the other model's were poorly exucuted!

 

[Zafiro]

yes, actualy these are the only models that intrest me. Older ones, not so intresting IMO.

 

[RikfromBelgium]

and you're almost showing every car in a 2006 upgrade

 

[bum-man]

Woops, I didn't notice you had 'prefered older models,' that would have gotten my vote.

 

[PC Valkyrie]

and you're almost showing every car in a 2006 upgrade

That was deliberate, as the "facelifted" versions are the latest ones we have for these cars which seemed to be designed with a common theme. I could post pics of the pre-facelifted versions too, but they don't look that much different in terms of overall styling.

 

[Deleted member 182]

and you're almost showing every car in a 2006 upgrade

IMO facelifted models are more refined and more in the way the artist intended them to be in the first place.

 

[RikfromBelgium]

I disagree. IMO these facelifts give the cars influences from newer models. Bumpers, rearlights etc are clearly influenced by newer models like R-class and CLS. If you really want to discuss 1999-2005 models, pre-facelift cars give a moch more honest look.

 

[PanterroR]

I disagree. IMO these facelifts give the cars influences from newer models. Bumpers, rearlights etc are clearly influenced by newer models like R-class and CLS. If you really want to discuss 1999-2005 models, pre-facelift cars give a moch more honest look.

Agreed!

Did i or do i like '99 - '05 models? You bet!

 

[Bruce]

I'm a huge Mercedes fan myself, so nearly all those designs appeal to me.

The SLR and the CLK DTM especially, but I am quite fond of the E-Class and S-class.

 

[cawimmer430]

I think the designs were ok, overall. They were still pretty much adherent to a conservative Mercedes design philosophy. Now with Peter Pfeiffer at the helm, it will be interesting to see how MB design will progress.

I think the car which actually started the revolution in Mercedes designs was the CLS, I think we can all agree on that. Next up was the SLK followed by the M-Class, which even though an evolution of the old W163 M-Class was almost slightly radical by Mercedes standards, slightly though.

The W221 S-Class and now the new CL coupe are without a doubt one of the most revolutionary Mercedes' when it comes to design - although I don't think major styling cues from these cars will make it on to other MB's.

 

[LaArtist]

i dont think i need to tell you what i voted..
all of those MB´s look superb to me..

 

[PC Valkyrie]

OK, here are some pics of the PRE-FACELIFTTED W220 S-class, W203 C-class, W211 E-class, W209 CLK class, and R230 SL-class, just to please those who complain the facelifted pics I posted aren't a fair assessment of MB's design theme from the early 21st century. Also, I deliberately chose models which are NOT AMG models or have any fancy AMG sport packages. Frankly, I doubt these pictures will change people's opinions.











To be honest, I personally think the W220 S-class is the least appealing model here (purely from my visual point of view). Of course, it's also the oldest model here.

 

[SDNR]

I prefer the W221 much more than the W220. The W140 was not a particular favourite of mine ...but I still love the looks of the old W126.

I always liked the C215 much more than the W140 coupe

The R230 is beautiful ...but I still love the R129 more.

I will always love the W123 and W124 -- the W210 and 211 are not cars I have great affection for at all.

Some things just improve with age. I was very young when these were in production -- I have come to really love the modest and functional design of the W123.

 

[warot]

In my honest opinion, I think the best looking Benzes ever were from the early 90's.

Those were the days when I had no idea which team I was on (BMW or Benz). Absolutely beautiful cars. After that era, I give the designs an "ok".

 

[SDNR]

In my honest opinion, I think the best looking Benzes ever were from the early 90's.

Ahhh yes, the R129 is really great ...even if it is starting to show its age a little bit.

Those were the days when I had no idea which team I was on (BMW or Benz). Absolutely beautiful cars.

the days before you chose 'the dark side' warot.

 

[warot]

Ahhh yes, the R129 is really great ...even if it is starting to show its age a little bit.

the days before you chose 'the dark side' warot.

Secretly though, when I was a kid, I played with cars (rather than toy soldiers and what not) and back then, I definitely had more Benzes than anything else. It also didn't help that my dad only drove E classes (still does). Then came the E39

I still think that the R129 is still one of the best looking cars from that period. It is still looking fresh even after all these years. Now those cars were definitely cool.

 

[Merc1]

The greatest MB designs of the last 20 or so years are the, W124, R129, W126, C215 and the current CLS and R230. The new CL I'll have to see in person to see if it makes it onto this list.

The W221 is awesome and the W211 is too, but I gotta see how they stand up once they've been replaced.

I loved the W220's design, but when I think about the build of the car I get upset. Especially the pre-facelift models.

I still think the W124 E500 was the best looking Benz sedan ever. It had that menacing, but elegant look no Benz since has had, only the CLS comes close to this standard IMO.

The R129 SL is another design that I can't say enough about. It really was Brunno's finest hour.

The W140 I'm not completely sold on. I like the early look as opposed to the facelifted look toward the end of its run. The early W140s looked massive with their broad expanses of unadorned sheetmetal. It was a giggawatt Benz from a throwback era.

M

 

[7saen]

I disagree. IMO these facelifts give the cars influences from newer models. Bumpers, rearlights etc are clearly influenced by newer models like R-class and CLS. If you really want to discuss 1999-2005 models, pre-facelift cars give a moch more honest look.

It's not about design elements but design language. Facelifts do not change the general form of the car but some details.. and those ones have to fit to the design language of the car.. so even if they were developed later, the count as a part of this design lenguage.

 

[cawimmer430]

The greatest MB designs of the last 20 or so years are the, W124, R129, W126, C215 and the current CLS and R230. The new CL I'll have to see in person to see if it makes it onto this list.

The W221 is awesome and the W211 is too, but I gotta see how they stand up once they've been replaced.

I loved the W220's design, but when I think about the build of the car I get upset. Especially the pre-facelift models.

I still think the W124 E500 was the best looking Benz sedan ever. It had that menacing, but elegant look no Benz since has had, only the CLS comes close to this standard IMO.

The R129 SL is another design that I can't say enough about. It really was Brunno's finest hour.

The W140 I'm not completely sold on. I like the early look as opposed to the facelifted look toward the end of its run. The early W140s looked massive with their broad expanses of unadorned sheetmetal. It was a giggawatt Benz from a throwback era.

M

Don't forget the W123. That IMHO is the best Mercedes ever in terms of build quality easily outclassing the W124 IMHO.



In North Africa, the W123 is heavily used as a taxi. There are not many cars as durable and tough as the W123 that can take the pounding the environmental conditions of that region impose on vehicles.

There's even a guy in Singapore with a 1985 230E and 1.7 million kilometers on the odometer: original engine and transmission too.