In addition to the next-generation CLS, Mercedes-Benz’s design sculpture at the Detroit
auto show also previews the company’s new design language.
Inspired by the art-deco style of the 1930s, the new language moves away from the forward-leaning wedge shape that currently defines many cars. “
It gives you an abstract idea of how we at Mercedes-Benz perceive distinctive styling,” said Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche.Mercedes design chief Gorden Wagener recalled the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahnkurier while describing the look his studio was after. The falling cut line of the sculpture is reminiscent of the wide rolling fenders of the 1930s.
The silver sculpture shown in Detroit is made of resin, although early work was done in clay. Asked why the studio decided to represent their future look with a sculpture rather than a concept
car, Wagener explained, “We wanted to reduce it to a sheer visual statement. This was the purest way to visualize our new design language.”
The next-generation CLS will arrive as a 2012 model, but the car should make its debut at an
autoshow later this year.