Hot! Mercedes-Benz, What's Next?

[Uygar]

Looks like a Polestar…

I quite like it actually. This new GLB will look very similar to the Smart #5. Just with different graphics.

 

[Uygar]

There you go.

 

[Serpens]

This is a comment on jesmb.de about Gorden Wagener:

"I can't name the source, but Gorden Wagener will be replaced in October.
Wait until mid-fall before calling me ignorant
It's true, and his successor has already been chosen."

Mercedes-CEO Ola Källenius steht unter zunehmenden Druck

Mercedes-CEO Ola Källenius gerät unter Druck: sinkende Margen, Kritik von Investoren und Mitarbeitern. Hält er sich noch bis 2029 – oder wackelt der Posten?

mbpassion.de

I hope that's true. I loved Wagener's work during the 2010s but after some of the recent notable misses, it's time to go. I think he had trouble balancing elements that suggest being technologically advanced with Mercedes' heritage. The EQ models were a big risk that didn't play out, but the CLA grille and headlight treatment was just a total unforced error.

 

[Design FIRST]

Great stance on the AMG version of the C-Class EV sedan:

 

[Der Hofmeister]

Mercedes-Benz on Instagram: "A new era of iconic design at Mercedes-Benz starts with the all-new electric GLC at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, Sep 7. #MercedesBenz #GLC"

34K likes, 359 comments - mercedesbenz on August 4, 2025: "A new era of iconic design at Mercedes-Benz starts with the all-new electric GLC at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, Sep 7. #MercedesBenz #GLC".

www.instagram.com

When BMW first did the LED-lit/animated grill with the Vision i Circular & the Vision Neue Klasse concepts, most Merc aficionados bashed it. Now that Mercedes does it, it becomes sort of a religion. Hypocrisy at its finest.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

When BMW first did the LED-lit/animated grill with the Vision i Circular & the Vision Neue Klasse concepts, most Merc aficionados bashed it. Now that Mercedes does it, it becomes sort of a religion. Hypocrisy at its finest.

I think you'll find there's hypocrisy enough with BMW fanboys too. No need to be pointing fingers.

 

[leylandi]

 

[leylandi]

When BMW first did the LED-lit/animated grill with the Vision i Circular & the Vision Neue Klasse concepts, most Merc aficionados bashed it. Now that Mercedes does it, it becomes sort of a religion. Hypocrisy at its finest.

I don't know who makes fun of LED lighting, but the exterior of this car should leave the same impression on those who make fun of EQ cars.

 

[leylandi]

Really excited about the exterior styling of this thing. I think the big grille will suit beautifully. I wonder what kind of an approach they are going to take with the Maybach version.

New Mercedes designs are starting to excite you. nice to see this.

 

[Merc1]

Everything looks good in the last set of pics. The AMG C and GLC and S FL in particular. I hope they realize that quality needs to take a big step up also.

Gotta love this bs from BMW nuts for whom Mercedes can’t do anything right. Try something new, I can’t see it. Stay the same, they have no vision.

M

 

[Merc1]

There you go.

If true this is why they aren’t going to even think about bringing Smart back here.

M

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

If true this is why they aren’t going to even think about bringing Smart back here.

M

I think the GLB is gonna be a fair bit longer than the Smart #5 tbh. They don't look entirely the same shape.

 

[Uygar]

I think the GLB is gonna be a fair bit longer than the Smart #5 tbh. They don't look entirely the same shape.

Smart #5 is at 4.7 meters long while GLB is 4.63, so it's actually even longer than the GLB. I don't think there will be huge changes with the dimensions since the GLB is already a pretty big SUV.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

Smart #5 is at 4.7 meters long while GLB is 4.63, so it's actually even longer than the GLB. I don't think there will be huge changes with the dimensions since the GLB is already a pretty big SUV.

Well, I stand corrected. The proportions really disguise the size of the Smart #5. It looks a lot more squat than the current GLB.

 

[Uygar]

New Mercedes designs are starting to excite you. nice to see this.

Well, believe it or not, between the 2015-2020 period I was actually a big fan of the Mercedes design. I remember back in 2019 I was doing renders of the W223 S-Class and felt truly excited. But after all the flopped EQ models and the repetitive design themes I started to get really bored with the brand. They just weren't exciting anymore. Both design and innovation-wise. But nowadays seeing them trying out new things and experimenting makes me excited. I'm really looking forward to seeing the AMG GT 4-Door and the AMG electric SUV, also new GLC and the facelifted S-class. I'm particularly curious to see the new face that they showed. I hope they turn out great.

 

[Uygar]

Well, I stand corrected. The proportions really disguise the size of the Smart #5. It looks a lot more squat than the current GLB.

Dare I say it actually looks better than the GLB . Love how chunky it looks.

 

[Uygar]

Imagine this grille on the S-Class though…That would be awesome.
I must say the LED surrounding is unnecessary though, let’s leave that to BMW. It makes sense with the kidney grille but don’t see that with Mercedes.

 

[klier]

Imagine this grille on the S-Class though…That would be awesome.
I must say the LED surrounding is unnecessary though, let’s leave that to BMW. It makes sense with the kidney grille but don’t see that with Mercedes.

The surrounding seems to be chrome though. Which is good on a Merc BTW, and I am starting to warm up to the preview pic. Is this a concept or production car??

IAA is going to be something to behold. Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Audi and VW all come with new cars there. What year is this? 1998?

I don't know who makes fun of LED lighting, but the exterior of this car should leave the same impression on those who make fun of EQ cars.

Awesome looking forward thinking modern design. Really hope this becomes the i1. It's 10 times better looking than the current 1er, this funky little RWD EV.

But to each his own, I really liked the BMW i3s too.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

Imagine this grille on the S-Class though…That would be awesome.
I must say the LED surrounding is unnecessary though, let’s leave that to BMW. It makes sense with the kidney grille but don’t see that with Mercedes.

Put the bonnet star on there and we're golden.

I think some of the commentary around this news implies that the LEDs are optional. I think it'll still look good without the LEDs.

 

[Uygar]

The surrounding seems to be chrome though. Which is good on a Merc BTW, and I am starting to warm up to the preview pic. Is this a concept or production car??

IAA is going to be something to behold. Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Audi and VW all come with new cars there. What year is this? 1998?



Awesome looking forward thinking modern design. Really hope this becomes the i1. It's 10 times better looking than the current 1er, this funky little RWD EV.

But to each his own, I really liked the BMW i3s too.

If you look closely there’s also LED surrounding the whole grille. With all the other pixelated ones it can look a bit overwhelming. The new electric CLA also has this issue. Just too much.