Hot! Mercedes-Benz, What's Next?

[Swissbob]

It looks like a stranded whale.

 

[Design FIRST]

CLS revisited and...electrified.

 

[Design FIRST]

If they could change the grill and front light graphics to be similar to your render and sort out that ugly angled shutline on the fender then it would be make a major difference and the car will at least very appealing and attractive.

...although I doubt that M-B will be embarking on an evolutionary path when it comes to replacing the current EQE/EQS sedans. The AI image clearly reflects an evolution, albeit arguably quite a bit more palatable than the current vehicles. My suspicion is that M-B will be seeking a more "traditional" ("retro") 2 1/2-to-3 box silhoutte on their next electric sedans. The ICE/BEV exterior design "convergence" anchored in an ICE typical architectural silhouette. Of course, going "too" traditional may have it's pitfalls as well. It could be construed as attempting to move forward in a challenging environment with eyes fixed firmly on the rearview mirror. I suppose that markets such as North America or some selected EU markets may buy this...But I have my doubts about the crucial Chinese and other Asian markets. A fine line to walk.

 

[Rolf]

...although I doubt that M-B will be embarking on an evolutionary path when it comes to replacing the current EQE/EQS sedans. The AI image clearly reflects an evolution, albeit arguably quite a bit more palatable than the current vehicles. My suspicion is that M-B will be seeking a more "traditional" ("retro") 2 1/2-to-3 box silhoutte on their next electric sedans. The ICE/BEV exterior design "convergence" anchored in an ICE typical architectural silhouette. Of course, going "too" traditional may have it's pitfalls as well. It could be construed as attempting to move forward in a challenging environment with eyes fixed firmly on the rearview mirror. I suppose that markets such as North America or some selected EU markets may buy this...But I have my doubts about the crucial Chinese and other Asian markets. A fine line to walk.

I think you have a good point about the design direction. The retro type traditional look could appeal more to the US and EU buyers who are more in tune with Mercedes past models more so than the Chinese or Asian markets which only became attuned to the Mercedes models in the 90s and up. The Chinese market seems to a very much "tech" driven car culture with buyers more interested in the latest in car gadgets and tech with avantgarde styling yet following the traditional saloon and now SUV silhouettes. I think for Mercedes or other German car brands the Chinese market will have to be the focus hub for their R&D for high tech in car infotainment and features. They may in future need to build seperate models for the Chinese markets compared to Western markets

 

[Design FIRST]

The Chinese market seems to a very much "tech" driven car culture with buyers more interested in the latest in car gadgets and tech with avantgarde styling yet following the traditional saloon and now SUV silhouettes.

A very goog point. And THIS can be considered a case in point:

In my opinion, the New Xpeng P7 blends various characteristics that you have mentioned with a high degree of acumen. It's combination of high end product design, compellingly balanced modern proportions and that degree of cyberpunk savvy could potentially make this a "cult" vehicle of sorts. Personally, I find it fascinating. I hope that this car receives the success that it appears to deserve. I hope that this car comes to the EU markets.

 

[Rolf]

A very goog point. And THIS can be considered a case in point:

In my opinion, the New Xpeng P7 blends various characteristics that you have mentioned with a high degree of acumen. It's combination of high end product design, compellingly balanced modern proportions and that degree of cyberpunk savvy could potentially make this a "cult" vehicle of sorts. Personally, I find it fascinating. I hope that this car receives the success that it appears to deserve. I hope that this car comes to the EU markets.

This is probably one of the first Chinese luxury saloons that has made me sit up and take a deep notice. It has a very forward looking design that looks sleek and elegant, like a luxury saloon should. It perfectly blends modern design with a eye at the past with its flowing and sharp lines. I do also find it fascinating and really curious to know how it will fair out in sales in the Chinese market.

This Chery on the other hand still shows the old hand of Chinese car brands, where they totally plagiarize the German car designs. Just look at this cars interior, its door cards and design as well as the seats and even some air vents are a full on copy of the Mercedes E and S-class.

Its a pity as the exterior looks ok and the hybrid powertrain tech is quite impressive.

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[leylandi]

C class EQ estate

 

[Design FIRST]

C class EQ estate

Cool...as well as inevitable, I suppose.

 

[Uygar]

C class EQ estate

Why is it still wearing the old face?

 

[sl123]

Negotiations on a powertrain alliance
What is driving Mercedes and BMW to form an engine pact:
The automotive crisis is opening up new opportunities: archrivals BMW and Mercedes are negotiating an alliance in the powertrain sector, initiated by Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius. The plan is to start with BMW four-cylinder engines for Mercedes.

(m+) Mercedes und BMW: Werden aus Konkurrenten bald Partner? Motorenpakt im Gespräch

Die Autokrise eröffnet neue Möglichkeiten: Die Erzrivalen BMW und Mercedes verhandeln über eine Allianz im Antriebsbereich, angestoßen von Mercedes-Chef Ola Källenius. Losgehen soll es mit BMW-Vierzylindern für Mercedes.

www.manager-magazin.de

Mercedes Could Soon Use BMW Engines: Talks Underway on Four-Cylinder Supply - Report

Mercedes is in talks with BMW to source four-cylinder engines from 2027. The deal could reshape both brands, secure BMW’s Steyr plant, and mark a major shift in Mercedes’ engine strategy.

www.bmwblog.com

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

Why is it still wearing the old face?

Probably hasn't been updated yet. The front facia is probably the least important thing at it's current stage of development.

 

[leylandi]

The Mercedes engine portfolio is newer than BMW engines. It didn't make sense to me.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

The Mercedes engine portfolio is newer than BMW engines. It didn't make sense to me.

I imagine it's because the M252 is manufactured in China. The M254 is getting on a bit and is I think made in Europe. The M139 is an AMG motor that's not going to be made in enough volume (though I do think a detuned factory assembled version would be a good idea).
They'd need time to spin up a factory in the US to produce enough motors to meet demand, and crucially, avoid Tariffs.

All of this is about tariffs. If they weren't a thing, I don't think Mercedes would bother. And the B48 is a fine motor, at any rate.

 

[hannaz]

 

[Design FIRST]

A future spiritual successor to the C107 SLC ? :

 

[SKY]

Negotiations on a powertrain alliance
What is driving Mercedes and BMW to form an engine pact:
The automotive crisis is opening up new opportunities: archrivals BMW and Mercedes are negotiating an alliance in the powertrain sector, initiated by Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius. The plan is to start with BMW four-cylinder engines for Mercedes.

(m+) Mercedes und BMW: Werden aus Konkurrenten bald Partner? Motorenpakt im Gespräch

Die Autokrise eröffnet neue Möglichkeiten: Die Erzrivalen BMW und Mercedes verhandeln über eine Allianz im Antriebsbereich, angestoßen von Mercedes-Chef Ola Källenius. Losgehen soll es mit BMW-Vierzylindern für Mercedes.

www.manager-magazin.de

Mercedes Could Soon Use BMW Engines: Talks Underway on Four-Cylinder Supply - Report

Mercedes is in talks with BMW to source four-cylinder engines from 2027. The deal could reshape both brands, secure BMW’s Steyr plant, and mark a major shift in Mercedes’ engine strategy.

www.bmwblog.com

Damn… Though times to be an MB fan I guess.

And even worse with the new AMG EVs about to come in a time when other manufacturers are suffering for having launched similar products years before.

New leadership is needed urgently.

 

[Rolf]

A future spiritual successor to the C107 SLC ? :

It would have been nice to have a SLC again with a boot instead of hatch like the AMG GT. Proper Mercedes coupe instead of fast back.

 

[Design FIRST]

Damn… Though times to be an MB fan I guess.

Yes, I suppose that this is true.

"Old School" fans of brands that are, or at least WERE, identified and appreciated by way of their "German Heritage" may be in for times of great disappointment. We see indications of this in elaborations by German brand CEOs that increasing commitment and spirit of cooperation will be directed towards China. Increasing frustration with policy making (or the lack of) in a stagnant at best Germany and the EU in general are seeing shifts of leverage foremostly to the benefit of Chinese venues. North American investment, despite it's massive market, is being increasingly put on a back burner due to high uncertainty regarding the Trump administration and it's policies. They present most unstable enviroments for commerce, trade and investment. "Made in Germany" no longer has the allure that it once had. More important is "Made by Mercedes-Benz", "Made by Porsche", "Made by BMW" etc. And the most compelling products will be presented as those having been developed in an environment of cutting edge technological innovation. And this pertaining to product as well as manufacturing process, not to forget security in planning anchored in rationale rather than being exposed to often obstructive regulation.

 

[Uygar]

Probably hasn't been updated yet. The front facia is probably the least important thing at it's current stage of development.

It’s an AI picture. Everyone on the social media says the same thing as well. I noticed it too but wasn’t exactly sure until now.

 

[Swissbob]

Yes, I suppose that this is true.

"Old School" fans of brands that are, or at least WERE, identified and appreciated by way of their "German Heritage" may be in for times of great disappointment. We see indications of this in elaborations by German brand CEOs that increasing commitment and spirit of cooperation will be directed towards China. Increasing frustration with policy making (or the lack of) in a stagnant at best Germany and the EU in general are seeing shifts of leverage foremostly to the benefit of Chinese venues. North American investment, despite it's massive market, is being increasingly put on a back burner due to high uncertainty regarding the Trump administration and it's policies. They present most unstable enviroments for commerce, trade and investment. "Made in Germany" no longer has the allure that it once had. More important is "Made by Mercedes-Benz", "Made by Porsche", "Made by BMW" etc. And the most compelling products will be presented as those having been developed in an environment of cutting edge technological innovation. And this pertaining to product as well as manufacturing process, not to forget security in planning anchored in rationale rather than being exposed to often obstructive regulation.

Well said
Todays cars remind me of the malaise era. It’s malaise era 2.0.

Malaise era - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org