Hot! Mercedes-Benz, What's Next?

[Amat46]

The man who made difficult to recognize which Mercedes you are looking at.

The man who is in the process of taking back Mercedes where it belongs. If you have a problem with that deal with it!

 

[SKY]

MB is back at the helm again but their cars look all the same. Which is something the fans need to deal with as well.

 

[DjordjeC63]

The man who is in the process of taking back Mercedes where it belongs. If you have a problem with that deal with it!

They are good and nicely styled, but would'nt more individuality be better?

 

[Wolfgang]

Agree, it can be difficult to strictly adhere to those design principles. MB also tries to add surprises to differentiate and accentuate each model's individuality, though. As an example, the new E, is the first Benz with a catwalk line, to further differentiate and enhance its personality, while it still can be recognized as a Mercedes-Benz.

The first Mercedes-Benz model with the catwalk line.

And yet an all-too-strict interpretation of the striving for formal continuity entails the risk of running into a stylistic dead-end alley, where there is no room for individuality. There is no such formal monotony at Mercedes-Benz; on the contrary: every model – whether it is a luxury saloon, a coupé, a roadster or a compact-class car – presents itself as an independent "personality". The common, well-known basic patterns of the form language are combined with new style elements that at first appear surprising, yet in conjunction with familiar elements condition, ever anew, the perception of the Stuttgart-based automotive brand.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

To me it's more important the several generations look different (W212 vs W213 for example). I've got absolutely no problem with a similarity between the different contemporary Models (S, E and C). Reminds me of the era W126, W124, W201.

 

[mercpassion]

To me it's more important the several generations look different (W212 vs W213 for example). I've got absolutely no problem with a similarity between the different contemporary Models (S, E and C). Reminds me of the era W126, W124, W201.

Interesting opinion, which I agree with as well to an extent. I'm certainly of the thinking that it is more important for a new model to look different to it's successor rather than it's contemporary siblings, but I think they could have just done a little more to differentiate things further, I mean it was fine in the 80's but now, not too sure..

 

[DjordjeC63]

To me it's more important the several generations look different (W212 vs W213 for example). I've got absolutely no problem with a similarity between the different contemporary Models (S, E and C). Reminds me of the era W126, W124, W201.

Yes, I agree with that. That is not problem for Mercedes Benz, hopefully won't be problem ever. Still, more individuality would be better.

 

[hannaz]

Yes, I agree with that. That is not problem for Mercedes Benz, hopefully won't be problem ever. Still, more individuality would be better.

I think there is a clever move in differentiating the sedan, coupe & small cars. Those who find similarity, it would be only on same body shape. Where as Mercedes have brought a clear distinction on the different body shapes.

What I personally feel on Mercedes designs are the lack of mass presence in SUV segment, especially on high-end model GLS. Keep the G-class apart, GLS can't be called the S-class of SUV as it doesn't have enough stance like the Range Rove Vogue. It look like a regular seven seater luxury SUV. Mercedes designers must consider this area as their own S-class stand a part from the crowd of similar premium cars.

Also to consider is the individuality to give for Maybach variants.

 

[Merc1]

^ Bingo! The SUVs is where Mercedes must move the needle, arguably even more than they did with the C,E,S redesigns. The GLC is nice, but generic, the GLC43 adds a little spice, but still. The next GLE needs to be dynamic like the RR Sport and Cayenne with an interior to match and as hannaz has said, the GLS must be S-Class level.

I hope the next CLS has it's own look that stands are apart from the entire lineup, but still says it is a Mercedes. Maybe that is why they went back to giving the E-Class the family look, because the next CLS will be the standout design wise in their middle segment. Whatever dedicated electric car MB comes up with needs to look unlike anything else on the road, but in a good way IMO. I worry about every new Mercedes even though I need not have since the S-Class, but the worry is still there concerning the next E Coupe and Cabriolet.

Now, where is the C63 Cabriolet? Last minute surprise at NYC? They wouldn't introduce it in China where people can't even drive convertibles. After Beijing it will be a long wait until Goodwood for the AMG GT R.

M

 

[Serpens]

What I personally feel on Mercedes designs are the lack of mass presence in SUV segment, especially on high-end model GLS. Keep the G-class apart, GLS can't be called the S-class of SUV as it doesn't have enough stance like the Range Rove Vogue. It look like a regular seven seater luxury SUV. Mercedes designers must consider this area as their own S-class stand a part from the crowd of similar premium cars.

Agree, and I think they'll there for the next generation. What's interesting to me is I previously didn't realize just how closely Mercedes benchmarked the Cadillac Escalade for the current GLS. The dimensions, cargo capacity, and towing capability fall directly on top of the GMT900 Escalade.

This is why I'm curious to see what happens with the next generation. Will there be a standard 7-seat model (6-seats with captains chairs?) and then a Maybach version with an extended 2nd row, a la RR LWB? Can't wait to see what happens.

^ Bingo! The SUVs is where Mercedes must move the needle, arguably even more than they did with the C,E,S redesigns. The GLC is nice, but generic, the GLC43 adds a little spice, but still. The next GLE needs to be dynamic like the RR Sport and Cayenne with an interior to match and as hannaz has said, the GLS must be S-Class level.

I do not totally agree with this. Yes, the GLS will definitely need to be S-class level and I think Mercedes is prepared for that. Does the GLE really need to be RR Sport/Cayenne-esque? I do not believe it does. It certainly needs to be better styled than the current model but there's nothing wrong with the GLE focusing on fundamental luxury car qualities just like the E-class. The GLE needs to be unquestionably a Mercedes, not a RR Sport wannabe.

 

[Merc1]

Agree, and I think they'll there for the next generation. What's interesting to me is I previously didn't realize just how closely Mercedes benchmarked the Cadillac Escalade for the current GLS. The dimensions, cargo capacity, and towing capability fall directly on top of the GMT900 Escalade.

This is why I'm curious to see what happens with the next generation. Will there be a standard 7-seat model (6-seats with captains chairs?) and then a Maybach version with an extended 2nd row, a la RR LWB? Can't wait to see what happens.



I do not totally agree with this. Yes, the GLS will definitely need to be S-class level and I think Mercedes is prepared for that. Does the GLE really need to be RR Sport/Cayenne-esque? I do not believe it does. It certainly needs to be better styled than the current model but there's nothing wrong with the GLE focusing on fundamental luxury car qualities just like the E-class. The GLE needs to be unquestionably a Mercedes, not a RR Sport wannabe.

I think the GLE needs to focus on better design for sure, but it could use some excitement too, that doesn't make it a RR wannabe. I never said that it should be, but it doesn't have to be as dull as it is now.

M

 

[Fido]

What we need is some mules and some renders of the new CLS. The current one previews the entire design that followed later on. For the next one I expect the same clean profile than the latest MB concepts have featured.

I think we will begin to see mules this summer. In fact, I know they have mules built.. But too we can see the prototype

 

[mercpassion]

I think we will begin to see mules this summer. In fact, I know they have mules built.. But too we can see the prototype

Yes I hope so, really looking forward to the CLS 3.0. By the way this makes me think that the next-gen S-Class W223 may have started it's development program as we speak, esp. the early design work....we only have to wait 5 years from now to see it

 

[SKY]

Scott has teased a new concept for Beijing next month.

Any ideas?

 

[SCOTT27]

Scott has teased a new concept for Beijing next month.

Any ideas?

Teased something special I said. But Mercedes don't always turn up in China empty handed.

 

[Wolfgang]

Scott has teased a new concept for Beijing next month.

Any ideas?

The Transformer 3.0, maybe?

Transformer 3.0 – the Mercedes-Benz “Concept Digital Core”.

Gorden Wagener, Head of Design Daimler AG, sketches his vision of the automobile in the year 2030 exclusively for the German magazine “Auto Bild”: the Mercedes-Benz “Concept Digital Core”.

An intelligent and emotional entity.

The design idiom of the car with the star will still be characterised by the values of emotion and intelligence in the year 2030. The current Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of “sensual purity” will thus be expressed in the fully automated and networked vehicles of the future. More than ever, cars will be more than just a means of transport, as the sketch of the Mercedes-Benz “Concept Digital Core”, designed by the Advanced Design, shows: The idea of a sporty, emotive fastback model with a puristically clear design. Quite simply: “hot and cool”. The car of the future will literally anticipate our every desire by monitoring our vision. Numerous sensors and cameras will record information to be forwarded by intelligent fibre structures and processed at the relevant location – that is how the “Concept Digital Core” interacts with its environment.

Then, there are the counteractions which considerably facilitate operation – in many respects the driver and automobile will become one intelligent and emotional entity.

Impressive transformations.

As “Transformer 3.0”, it takes the transformability of the Mercedes-Benz “Concept IAA” vehicle presented last year to extremes. In the “Concept Digital Core” vehicle, the intelligent fibre structures in the interior and the flexible bi-metal structure of the body skin allow the exterior design and colour to change. It is not only the aerodynamics that can be influenced in this way, but also the packaging and space vary as required.

Flowing and without any visible transitions, the “Concept Digital Core” completes this impressive transformation, whilst at the same time managing to present its captivating design perfectly.

 

[SKY]

It would be cool if they introduced a concept that previews the future styling of the brand. In the same way F800 was shown 6 years ago.

 

[Wolfgang]

^ Concept Digital Core may give some such hints, as it's from MB's Advanced design.

 

[Merc1]

Now that we've got the GLC43, C63 Cabrio and the GLC Coupe out the way, there are some models pending: E63, E-Class Estate, GLC63, GLC63 Coupe, GLA facelift, and the AMG GT R. All this year or early next year.

M

 

[BMW3GT]

2016 New York Motor Show: AMG’s Porsche Panamera rival closer to reality


MERCEDES-AMG’s desire to add a second ‘AMG-only’ car to its model range alongside the GT performance coupe is closer to becoming a reality, AMG boss Tobias Moers told Wheels at the New York Motor Show.

And where early reports suggested a stretched four-door version of the AMG GT, Wheels now understands the second AMG-only car will wear a purpose-designed four-door coupe body to rival the Porsche Panamera, and is likely to share only front and rear graphics with the GT coupe.

“The chance to do something as an additional car within our portfolio dedicated as a pure AMG is increasing,” Moers said. “We had a very successful 2015; we moved up by 40 percent in volume. Sold 68,875 cars last year. Huge success. We hit the throttle. [This year] we are chasing the same growth numbers.

“So now it makes sense to take it more into consideration, having the idea of another variant dedicated to AMG… another car. Let me put it this way: Not every rumour you saw last year is totally wrong,” he said.

In 2015, Mercedes board member Thomas Weber responded to media questions about a four-seat variant of the AMG GT (pictured below) with “Why not, huh … We are always looking [at] opportunities there. The success of the GT is huge, and now let’s see what the future will bring.”

Weber’s comment, it turns out, underplayed the independence the new car will have from the AMG GT. The car, codenamed X290 and due in early 2019, will not be a stretched four-door version of the AMG GT, but a bona-fide AMG rival for the next-generation Porsche Panamera - the design of which was previewed by the stunning Porsche Mission E concept (pictured below) shown at the Frankfurt show in October 2015.

“For AMG… there is a clear mission,” Moers told Wheels. “Even [Mercedes boss] Dr [Dieter] Zetsche stated that AMG could be a more interesting rival for Porsche.”

Where AMG’s current coupe hero makes use of one engine in two tunes, the AMG GT4 is being developed with multiple petrol engines in mind, from a turbocharged six-cylinder to the GT’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. A high-output six-cylinder diesel is also on the cards.

By the time the AMG GT4 launches, the GT range will have grown from two models to five, including a convertible version and two more extreme performance coupes.

Wheels has previously reported on the more hardcore AMG GT R (pictured top), which AMG is positioning to rival the 911 GT3 RS for performance, and which Tobias confirms “is faster on a race track than the SLS Black”. He said it will have more power, a higher top speed and “a little bit lighter” than the 1495kg GT S. “A little bit lighter, sure … we’ve add some weight and we lose some weight. [Overall] we can reduce it a little bit compared to the GT S, but not that far.”

Moers also confirmed the existence of the GT Black, describing the ultimate iteration of the AMG GT scheduled for late 2018 as “something you never would expect from [AMG]. We’ve put some ideas together … and have something unexpected.”

Moers also said that while AMG would increase the uniqueness of its model portfolio, and is rolling out dedicated AMG showrooms in countries including Australia, it would always remain a part of Mercedes.

“Growing to 48 variants [this year] there’s not enough space for a dealer to show every model. So we will have a dedicated AMG look and feel in a shop concept – we’re pushing the throttle in every perspective. We [have] standalone showrooms [already] in Brisbane and are rolling them out in other states. Just as we move forward with our models and performance, we are also bringing the AMG brand to life from the point of sale.

“[But] AMG will never stand separate to Mercedes. It is the performance brand of the three-pointed star.”

Mercedes-AMG will launch ‘43’-badged versions of a number of its models – including the C-Class sedan, Coupe and Cabriolet, and Mercedes-Benz GLC coupe and wagon – in Australia this year. Moers assured Wheels that while they would not have the engine power of their respective ‘63’-baged models, dynamically they would be bona fide AMG models.

“It would be easy to throw a badge on the front and do a little bit of retuning, but no, that’s the wrong way. All the ‘43’ cars we are going to present today have their own kinematic, their own axles, they do have their own steering as well – regarding ratio, rack, everything. Regarding driving dynamics … they have the same targets as the 63s.

“They have their own identity for sure.”

When asked why Mercedes-AMG chose the ‘43’ nomenclature, Moers responded: “You know, somebody didn’t write a doctorate about [it]. We thought it’s a nice number to position the cars. It’s a good interpretation of the performance level.”


http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/news/ev...amg-porsche-panamera-rival-closer-to-reality/