Mercedes-Benz is on a roll lately – starting with the W222 S-Class in 2013, it has unveiled a slew of models to replace its entire lineup, from all-new models like the W205 C-Class and X205 GLC to significantly revamped (and sometimes renamed) ones like the GLE, GLS, SL and SLC. And it won’t stop there, according to Automotive News.
Design boss Gordon Wagener talked to the publication about the styling of the upcoming W213 E-Class, which will make its debut on January 11 – specifically the “sophisticated, stylish and sporty” direction the executive sedan will take in its 10th generation.
“[The E-Class] features many forward-looking and unique elements – such as the “catwalk line” on the flanks and the “stardust” look of the LED tail lights,” he said. “It is an aerodynamics leader, and it will take interior design to the next level.”
Wagener also touched on the grilles that will be offered on the W213, adding that while there is an 80:20 split in favour of the sports grille (with the big three-pointed star) on the C-Class, there will be a greater emphasis on luxury on the larger car, something that the classic grille – with the small, upright bonnet ornament – will better express. “The luxury grille has a future, and we will carry it forward intelligently,” he said.
The design of some of the facelifted models, particularly the SL, was also discussed. “I think we did a very good job bringing both [the SL and GLS] to the next generation. If we would have changed the side and the rear, we might as well have started from scratch.
“But the front end of the SL is perhaps the most modern one in the entire lineup. It is the first series application of the ‘Rennsport’ grille, inspired by the 300 SL Panamericana of 1952 – and that’s just an evolution of our pre-war race cars,” Wagener said, adding that the SL’s new trapezoidal grille would work well on sportier models, and might be applied on full-fat AMG models to give it a “sharper identity.”
Wagener was also cautiously optimistic over the Maybach sub-brand, saying that it has room to grow but will also require patience. “We are just at the beginning of its relaunch. Its success makes us very confident to evolve it further. But we need time,” he said.
Lastly came the subject of fully electric vehicles, and how to differentiate them from regular vehicles. Wagener pointed to some of the concept cars introduced last year – including Frankfurt’s Concept IAA – as an indication of its strategy.
“Our Frankfurt concept was inspired by the airflow and streamlined spirit of the 1930s; we wanted to show that an aero car can look beautiful. The aero effect, with the long tail end, brings significant advantages at highway speeds, and this is important in an [electric vehicle],” he said.
One more thing – before you think the BMW X6-aping GLE Coupé as a gateway to other SUV variants like two-door and convertible versions, Wagener puts the brakes on the idea. “SUV customers want space and practicality. And the last thing we’ll do is an SUV convertible.”
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Uncle will like this!