Mercedes Benz underwent a total overhaul in recent years, with the new E-Class being the latest addition to its state-of-the-art line-up, but it’s obvious that the changes won’t stop here for the German car manufacturer, especially from a styling point of view.
Speaking with Automotive News, Gorden Wagener, chief of design for Mercedes-Benz, offered some interesting highlights about the upcoming executive model in an interview:
“The E class is sophisticated, stylish and sporty, and it features many forward-looking and unique elements – such as the “catwalk line” on the flanks and the “stardust” look of the LED taillights. It is an aerodynamics leader, and it will take interior design to the next level.”
Mind you, although the next-gen E-Class is hot on Mercs’ list right now, future models will also benefit from a revamped design philosophy, with the Stuttgart-based company concentrating on more expressive style cues that emphasize the luxury and the sporty character of the models.
Even so, when asked if Mercedes will offer two-door SUVs, the chief designer unambiguously dismissed the hypothesis, saying:
“No. SUV customers want space and practicality. And the last thing we’ll do is an SUV convertible.”
Furthermore, apparently the four all-electric models planned by the German car maker will look like their diesel/gas-powered counterparts, lacking a purpose-built design, as stated by Wagener:
“Our plug-in hybrids are close [in design] to our diesel- and gasoline-powered cars, with a small amount of visual differentiation but no purpose-built design. A full electric is a different topic. We have a strong strategy, and if you look at last year’s concept cars, they can give you some indication of where we are going. A full electric would definitely have an expression of its own. We will keep the grille, although I can’t tell you yet in which form.”
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