What's With All The Bare, Unpainted Plastic?
#1
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C280 (W202), E63 AMG (Pre Facelift W212)
What's With All The Bare, Unpainted Plastic?
I love the new designs that Mercedes-Benz has given us. However, there's something I absolutely despise when it comes to detailing, and that's bare, boring, cheap looking, unpainted plastic on lower portions of a car's body.
It feels like Mercedes drew the "go back three spaces" card on the monopoly board here, because the flawless 2013 GLK was painted all around with almost no exposed plastic around the fenders and lower rear bumper.
Does anyone else think we've back tracked a little?
It feels like Mercedes drew the "go back three spaces" card on the monopoly board here, because the flawless 2013 GLK was painted all around with almost no exposed plastic around the fenders and lower rear bumper.
Does anyone else think we've back tracked a little?
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chassis (11-11-2022)
#4
I actually like that design. one being that it doesn't look bad and two that's the part most easily damaged by rocks, scrapes curbs etc. and replacing the plastic is a hell of a lot cheaper than paint.
#5
Junior Member
I agree with OP. I think the car would look nicer and more like a luxury vehicle without the unpainted rocker panel. However, it is likely not painted to maintain the roughness which is most resistant to pebbles and rocks debris.
#6
Super Member
Probably looks better and less noticeable on cars with certain colors. On my grey with the night package, it actually blends in nicely. I didn't even notice it until this thread pointed it out.
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#8
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It seems all the manufactures are going in that direction. Some are using wider pieces than others around the wheel arches. I personally am not a fan of the black plastic. I have looked at those pieces and they are easily removable. I was thinking about painting them but, if I don't nail the color it could look worse. The GLC has the best interpretation of its use, not overwhelming.
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C280 (W202), E63 AMG (Pre Facelift W212)
Your absolutely right. I personally like white cars, the plastic just makes it less attractive with white paint. however, my wife will be leasing a black AMG GLC43 w/ the chrome package when it becomes available, I don't think the plastic will be a problem with black paint.
#13
Mercedes, I think, is going for a rugged look with the plastic panels, like the X3. I think this is especially because they think the car needs to look like an SUV with the more sleek, car like styling on the sheetmetal. I think, however, some of us would like body colour moulding like the GLK (which worked fine) and of course the dressier Euro spec Chrome front bumper lip.
If there is an aftermarket for these additions, then sign me up.
If there is an aftermarket for these additions, then sign me up.
#14
Senior Member
Mercedes, I think, is going for a rugged look with the plastic panels, like the X3. I think this is especially because they think the car needs to look like an SUV with the more sleek, car like styling on the sheetmetal. I think, however, some of us would like body colour moulding like the GLK (which worked fine) and of course the dressier Euro spec Chrome front bumper lip.
If there is an aftermarket for these additions, then sign me up.
If there is an aftermarket for these additions, then sign me up.
I know some owners of other cross-overs/SUVs with exposed plastic have them painted, but it needs to be done right. Some automakers such as Land Rover (RRS) have an option for the factory to paint them.
Personally, if you're going to be more active with your cross-over or SUV, it beats getting them banged up and looking very tired, very quickly.
#15