Hot! Mercedes-Benz, What's Next?

[Swissbob]

Mercedes wirft Luxus über Bord – Källenius startet riskanten Neustart

Nach Jahren des Luxus Fokus kehrt Mercedes der elitären Strategie den Rücken. Konzernchef Ola Källenius streicht das Reizwort aus der Unternehmensplanung – mitten in Absatzkrise und Gewinneinbruch.

mbpassion-de.translate.goog

Full article translated.

 

[SKY]

MERCEDES JACKLES LUXURY – KÄLLENIUS LAUNCHES RISKY REBOOT
MARKUS JORDAN ·
MERCEDES-BENZ GROUP AG
·AUGUST 16, 2025 · 1 MINUTE READ
Under Ola Källenius, Mercedes-Benz has been uncompromisingly committed to luxury for years: more Maybachs, more AMGs, fewer compact models. Now, however, the word "luxury" is quietly disappearing from the company's strategy. What's behind this move – and is it wise pragmatism or an admission of failure?

But of course. MB as a brand has lost equity in the last 5 years. Who is buying its top end models? I have barely seen a few SL and AMG GT of the latest generation. S-Class AMG is a rare sight too, and same goes for the C63. This was not the case 5-10 years ago.

MB needs a complete overhaul of its exterior and interior design. Its halo cars need to be something else. Not just a modified SL, something special, like the SLS was back in 2009. And its fit and finish needs to go back to where it was 10 years ago.

I really don't see MB being up to the task. You can see the company is entirely devoted to margins and has lost its way so badly.

 

[leylandi]

GLC

 

[Swissbob]

Finally no shiny black plastic anymore.

At least on the doors.

But also no Buttons for memory, heating and ventilation which is a little bit disappointing.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

Finally no shiny black plastic anymore.

At least on the doors.

But also no Buttons for memory, heating and ventilation which is a little bit disappointing.

I assume that is spec dependent. Or they've moved the memory function elsewhere.

 

[Swissbob]

I assume that is spec dependent. Or they've moved the memory function elsewhere.

I guess they’ve moved it on the screen like in the new CLA.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

GLC

The seat adjustment looks promising.

 

[Design FIRST]

I would make the humble suggestions that M-B:

1.) Significantly fast-tracks convergence of ICE/Hybrid and BEV exterior design for all models. And abandon any possible reminiscence of the egg-like EQE/EQS sedan design paradigm. In it's place, clearly 2 1/2-to-3 box or "fast-roofed" silhouettes. With sculpturing as unadorned as possible, letting subtle concave and convex surfaces make the statement. Authentic "Sensual Purity" rather than glibby lipservicing. And totally devoid of tacked-on trim, inlays, juvenile, silly application of star images and functionally unnecessary vents and ducts.

2.) No compromise, highest standard of fit, finish and material quality. Inside and out.

3.) Ensure that "Mythos" is a genuine Mulliner competitior with bespoke, very limited production offerings.

4.) Cut ALL cost-consuming kitsch on more pedestrian entry level vehicles. Simply make them solidly assembled, stylistically as well as mechanically/electronically enduring and affordable for broader segments of the demographic.

5.) Make some genuinely compelling propositions to private, non-business customers with attractive leasing and rental models. And for way further down the road...offer attractive buy-back models for the purpose of attaining battery units. The recycling of these into energy storage units will be of increasing importance in the future. Especially when paired with solar panels. As will be the recycling of sheetmetals, glass, wiring, fabrics, steel, etc.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

Mercedes-AMG's New V8 Design Just Leaked, And It Promises To Bring The Noise

We all know you shouldn't cross the streams, but that hasn't stopped this new AMG V8.

carbuzz.com

Interesting if this will make it to their new V8. But the design seems to be a way to sort the exhaust pulses from a flat plane V8, to sound more like a cross plane V8. Which makes me hope that this new one really is a high rev screamer.
Maybe they should get Yamaha involved to help the motor really sing...

 

[Kukobana]

GLC

This is the interior of the electric version. The petrol/hybrid versions will, after the facelift, have very similar interiors to those currently present

 

[Rolf]

Supposedly the sketches of the electric C class. Very similar to the GLC - obviously - but also reminds me of the w124/140 designs, with more rectangular headlights and grill, imho very promising.

That looks fantastic, really proper Mercedes styling that will make the new EV C-class a looker.

 

[Merc1]

But of course. MB as a brand has lost equity in the last 5 years. Who is buying its top end models? I have barely seen a few SL and AMG GT of the latest generation. S-Class AMG is a rare sight too, and same goes for the C63. This was not the case 5-10 years ago.

MB needs a complete overhaul of its exterior and interior design. Its halo cars need to be something else. Not just a modified SL, something special, like the SLS was back in 2009. And its fit and finish needs to go back to where it was 10 years ago.

I really don't see MB being up to the task. You can see the company is entirely devoted to margins and has lost its way so badly.

Customers are still buying at least some of their top end models. I get the sentiment here but let’s not get carried away. The G sells, the AMG GT sells. The SL was dead when it arrived but the high end buyers have not left Mercedes yet no matter how much we like to say it here. When the higher end buyer truly doesn’t consider a Mercedes everything they sell will drop. The SL is overpriced. I don’t see design as an issue. What proof of that exists outside of the EQ cars?

M

 

[Swissbob]

The SL is also to stiff, my dealer told me to rather buy a used R190 instead of the SL. The R190 is stiff as well but much sportier.

 

[Merc1]

GLC

That all metal grab surface will be hot asf when the car is left in the sun. It’s time for a new steering wheel too.

M

 

[Swissbob]

This is the new Wheel BTW.

 

[Rolf]

That all metal grab surface will be hot asf when the car is left in the sun. It’s time for a new steering wheel too.

M

I like the metal grab handle and trim surround the window switch but you have a really good point that it could be really hot to the touch when it's a sweltering day and the sun is blasting down through that glass roof.

I am very surprised Mercedes has not brought out a brand new steering wheel design. Normally the smaller models are first to debut these but instead they just added some physical scroll controls to the spokes. This double spoke AMG wheel has been out for the last 5 years at least and is not one of their best designs.

For me my favourite AMG steering wheel has been this one.

 

[Design FIRST]

Supposedly the sketches of the electric C class. Very similar to the GLC - obviously - but also reminds me of the w124/140 designs, with more rectangular headlights and grill, imho very promising.

As for the moment, I'm having a bit of a problem getting a handle on this. Could it be argued that this is a desperately strained, transparently contrived gimmick meant to somehow recall a more illustrious past ? Or will it look convincingly well integrated "in the metal" ? To the images credit, the grill/shield appears well placed, not towering and also extending deeply into what seems to be a well-designed apron. Hence, a degree of sleekness is featured. The illumination, or the ability alter/completely switch-off patterns will be of importance.

We'll see soon enough.

 

[leylandi]

EQS

 

[Rolf]

EQS

I though the EQS would have a classic grill and not the current shape sports grill to bring it inline with the upcoming FL S-class.

 

[klier]

I though the EQS would have a classic grill and not the current shape sports grill to bring it inline with the upcoming FL S-class.

Gordon has sprinkled it with LEDs. Be happy.