Re: Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK FREESIDE Concept @ 2008 NAIAS
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I have no problems with boxiness of new MBs. Such a design fits MB brand very well. I just don't get the neo-baroque-ish overdone styling ... now it seems done in angular / rectangular MB way. All those swollen angular panels and just too many lines. Lines everywhere. So much overdone styling. Outside & inside. I some dare to say BMW styling is overdone.
Luwalira said:
It is back to basics and the GLK takes us back to the roots. MB has managed to design a car which is very functional but doesn't look boring. Functional but yet exciting looking, a winning concept.
martinbo said:
Overdone styling? I don't see it. Then again I've had around 6 years of BMW design to toughen me up to the concept of overwrought design and extravagantly faceted sheetmetal surfacing.
re: EnI, Luwalira, martinbo
Hello you three
,
some very interesting reading here. Three different opinions (four, including me) ....I guess we all really do see things differently.
The
Cadillac Evoc concept from 1999
The Evoq is a first-class example of Cadillac's 'Art and Science' design theme. The important thing is, this is not just a superficial styling exercise, Cadillac's designers have not just taken a typical Cadillac vehicle and then 'applied' a kaleidoscope of geometric surfaces to it. The whole concept has an intention and a purpose -- this design was guided by a clear understanding of its underlying philosophy.
Cadillac's 'Art and Science' and BMW's 'flame surfacing' have been hugely influential in the auto world. These design philosophies can be traced back to Deconstructivist architecture of the 1980s-present -- and ultimately back to Russian Constructivist art, Cubism, Italian Futurism, and many other influences from 20th century art and design.
The problem with the GLK is that it has no substance, it is totally unremarkable. It is ultimately all just surface decoration, like the myriad of cheap imitations of Frank Gehry buildings: they are just ordinary buildings with complex facades. A real Gehry building is not just complex styling, the entire building is constructed in a radical way. A similar comparison can be made here. The GLK's angularity is merely cosmetic -- there is no evidence of a guiding principle or philosophy underpinning it. You may not consider this to be a big deal, it is what most car manufacturers do -- well it is a mediocre way to design anything. Mercedes is supposed to be a design leader, the GLK is mediocre ....I would expect much better from Mercedes.
Take a look at the X6, it might not appeal to everyones taste, but the design quality is outstanding -- the entire vehicle has been conceived with a clear objective. It is top quality design in every respect.
EnI said:
What I find interesting is the completely different approach to the future design language MB & BMW & Audi are heading. While MB & Audi are going even more superfluous in their styling themes (from simple to complex & overdone), while BMW is going into different direction: to the "reduced design" theme - with more simple & reduced lines & details (in numbers), but sharper (more visisable & exposed) then before. Kind a "zen luxury" design as described by AVH.
Hmm, I don't think Audi are becoming too superfluous -- As martinbo alluded to, BMW have been instrumental in this new interest in the surface of the vehicle -- it could be suggested that some BMWs are over-designed. I think BMW has been very brave, they have allowed their designers to have a lot of creative freedom -- and designers (like artists) can change and expand their ideas very quickly, it is obvious that the design approach at BMW is not the same as it was when Bangle first unveiled his famous 7 series. It can be confusing for onlookers to come to grips with what is going on. People still talk about the "Bangle boot" -- other car manufacturers are still imitating it ...but BMW has moved on from that long ago -- I think the next 7er will have a rear more like the concept CS'.
EnI said:
Or ... BMW are shifting the paradigm again: just to stand out more. Like current models stand out due being superfluously designed ... among other less expressive designs on the road, and now when others have started with overdone expressive design BMW is shifting back to more minimalistic approach. Making new generation BMW cars more exposed in the ocean of overdone designs on the road.
Let's wait & watch what's going to happen ...
Well that sounds dangerously like a fanboy rant Tine
The minimalist thing is not new, and I struggle to see that BMW can be described as minimalist -- but there does appear to be a purity being sought in the CS concept (and the X6) -- a reduction of complex angles in favour of softer forms that merge into ridges rather than sharp edges.
^^
Audi is still going to be Audi in the coming 3-5 years with the typical understated design. The R8 is a odd one out and the A5 and A4 demonstrates that Audi isn't about to change their design philosophy anytime soon. Which is why they aren't selling as many cars as MB and BMW. Too simple and minimalistic designs.
Well I don't necessarily think Audi's design is the problem Lu. Audi has a lot of integrity, and despite people constantly saying how boring their cars look (which is not true imo), it can not be said that Audi does not have an instantly identifiable style of its own -- and imo, Audi has the strongest design philosophy of the three Germans. It might not be as exciting as BMW or as varied as Mercedes, but it is always logical and well thought out.
Is it just me or do I see a nice cohesive link between this GLK and its larger GL sibling?
Yes, there is an initial resemblance, which is not surprising. As I said earlier, Mercedes has pretty much taken a typical Mercedes SUV design and just applied a whole lot of complex angular shapes to it ...in an attempt to make it fit with a current styling trend.
