New E-Class ..... NOT!!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 561
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From: New Mexico
2014 E350, 2012 SL550
New E-Class ..... NOT!!
I got the current MB Club of America magazine the other day and thought: "Look! They have my new E350 on the cover"! Then I read the caption.
Do you think MB is taking this unified design language philosophy too far?
Regards,
Don
Do you think MB is taking this unified design language philosophy too far?
Regards,
Don
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: NM
2023 AMG EQS
Yes!
Its sad but it works for Audi/BMW/Cadillac/etc.
So why go through the trouble of designing 3 different sedans... Just design one sedan and sell it in Small/Medium/Large.
At least the Small Mercedes sedan (formally known as the C class) has a unique interior. Lets hope that the W213 Medium Mercedes sedan (currently known as the W212 E class) will also have a unique interior.
Its sad but it works for Audi/BMW/Cadillac/etc.
So why go through the trouble of designing 3 different sedans... Just design one sedan and sell it in Small/Medium/Large.
At least the Small Mercedes sedan (formally known as the C class) has a unique interior. Lets hope that the W213 Medium Mercedes sedan (currently known as the W212 E class) will also have a unique interior.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Absolutely. Only decent looking MB sedan now is the "S" Class, which is largely unaffordable by most people.
All MB's are beginning to pretty much look the same. Take the star off and can't tell them from Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, etc.
Positive view is that the 2010-2014 "E" sedan is last of classic MB mid-sized sedans.
All MB's are beginning to pretty much look the same. Take the star off and can't tell them from Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, etc.
Positive view is that the 2010-2014 "E" sedan is last of classic MB mid-sized sedans.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 737
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From: HESPERIA CA
2011 E550
Yup. Mercedes is going way to deep with the unified designs. Its getting harder and harder to uniquely distinguish one Mercedes sedan from another. Hopefully Mercedes will address this issue in the future.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 561
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From: New Mexico
2014 E350, 2012 SL550
I wish they could have found a way to keep the twin headlight concept on the E Class. That was unique to the E for so many years that it would have clearly differentiated the new E from other models regardless of the other similarities.
Regards,
Don
Regards,
Don
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
It is puzzling to me why MB wishes to follow in the footsteps of BMW/Audi with the same styling theme for each model, making them almost indistinguishable from each other , e.g. the rear ends of BMW 3,5 and 7 all look so much alike.
The front end of the 2014 W212 Sport version looks almost exactly the same as the new 2015 C Class.
Whilst the 2014 W212 Sport version front end seems to have been well received in the market, I'm not convinced that this trend of MB's to merge the models' styling will serve them well in the long term.
Part of the E Class appeal in the past has been its distinctive styling within the Mercedes oeuvre and amongst the competition. Now it seems that there really will be no external distinction between a C Class and an E Class. Perhaps I am one of the few who feels that the E Class star should remain on the hood ? Maybe it's a good thing that I'm driving a MB diesel, known for their longevity !!!
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
But, wait a minute, the senior executives @ Daimler voted to ditch their most identifiable trademark from their most profitable model, the E Class, and place it inside the grill so as to make it look like a lessor C Class. Brilliant decision !
By the way, I think you meant to write '2010-2013 "E" sedan as the last of 'classic' MB mid-sized sedans'. It's the sad truth !
Last edited by DerekACS; Mar 9, 2014 at 02:35 PM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 88
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From: Bay State
2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 (luxury)
Split headlights and star please!
Yes, I agree with you that the twin headlights were a distinctive identifier for the E Class. The 2010-2013 W212 front end, to my eyes, seems like the best looking E Class since the W124. The luxury version of the 2014 (Eclassy) comes a close 2nd, but I have yet to see one in the flesh.
It is puzzling to me why MB wishes to follow in the footsteps of BMW/Audi with the same styling theme for each model, making them almost indistinguishable from each other , e.g. the rear ends of BMW 3,5 and 7 all look so much alike.
The front end of the 2014 W212 Sport version looks almost exactly the same as the new 2015 C Class.
Whilst the 2014 W212 Sport version front end seems to have been well received in the market, I'm not convinced that this trend of MB's to merge the models' styling will serve them well in the long term.
Part of the E Class appeal in the past has been its distinctive styling within the Mercedes oeuvre and amongst the competition. Now it seems that there really will be no external distinction between a C Class and an E Class. Perhaps I am one of the few who feels that the E Class star should remain on the hood ? Maybe it's a good thing that I'm driving a MB diesel, known for their longevity !!!
It is puzzling to me why MB wishes to follow in the footsteps of BMW/Audi with the same styling theme for each model, making them almost indistinguishable from each other , e.g. the rear ends of BMW 3,5 and 7 all look so much alike.
The front end of the 2014 W212 Sport version looks almost exactly the same as the new 2015 C Class.
Whilst the 2014 W212 Sport version front end seems to have been well received in the market, I'm not convinced that this trend of MB's to merge the models' styling will serve them well in the long term.
Part of the E Class appeal in the past has been its distinctive styling within the Mercedes oeuvre and amongst the competition. Now it seems that there really will be no external distinction between a C Class and an E Class. Perhaps I am one of the few who feels that the E Class star should remain on the hood ? Maybe it's a good thing that I'm driving a MB diesel, known for their longevity !!!
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From: East coast
2010 E550 4M P2 Distronic, CLK550 Cab P2
Saw one at the dealership the the other day, not feeling it... SA called it a complete redesign, and also had no clue what w212 meant..sharp as a tack that one
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W212 FL
FL W212 E Class seems to have no longer quad lights in front end but MB designers somehow manage to keep it so distinctive . I can see hundreds of meters away a FL W212 is approaching thanks to it's DRL headlamps design .
You may think "Hey, you already own a MB E Class you may know how it looks like " .Nope, it's not only about that lol
I am surprised to see W205s look like a baby S Class but W222 is unmistakable overall .
I hope to see next gen E Class will have different look in comparison with W205,W222 yet keeping traditional E Class and MB design
You may think "Hey, you already own a MB E Class you may know how it looks like " .Nope, it's not only about that lol
I am surprised to see W205s look like a baby S Class but W222 is unmistakable overall .
I hope to see next gen E Class will have different look in comparison with W205,W222 yet keeping traditional E Class and MB design
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
If you wish to see the "E" Class design changed, contact MBUSA NOW! DAG and MBUSA believe that the new all look the same front ends are accepted by everyone and the way to go.
BTW, I think the new "S" class retained the traditional sedan front end styling. Maybe MB is trying to "encourage" "E" Class owners to pay the extra $40,000 and get an "S"?
I have seen the new 2014 Sport and Luxury versions side by side. Personally, I wouldn't purchase either of them because of the front ends. Mainly those two gaping holes on either side of lower grille.
BTW, I think the new "S" class retained the traditional sedan front end styling. Maybe MB is trying to "encourage" "E" Class owners to pay the extra $40,000 and get an "S"?
I have seen the new 2014 Sport and Luxury versions side by side. Personally, I wouldn't purchase either of them because of the front ends. Mainly those two gaping holes on either side of lower grille.
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Other
As a potential MB convert, that Sport front end on the 2014 E is what is pulling me in. I think the front end and rear treatments on the Sport are killer.
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From: Virginia
W212 M276 DELA 30 ; W211 M113k, W126 M117, W126 OM617, W211 OM642 ; R107 M117 X2, Sierra 1500 LZ0
I guess no one remembers the 80s or 90s? Every mercedes looked the same, just different sizes, right up until the 1996 W210, which was universally panned by all mercedes enthusiasts.
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: SoCal
07 E63 AMG / 07 C230 / 14 E350
yes, i do think they are moving in the wrong direction with these nearly identical designs for all sizes of sedans and coupes. it comes off as lazy and far too cost effective, to me. i don't mind the same basic look, but it would be nice to have some details that distinguish the models a little more.
at least they're not alone, as i can barely tell the difference between current BMW's without seeing the front faces. i also have a hard time with A6 and A8 from some distance.
i also think they're partnerships are questionable, as i can't seem to understand why one of the world's oldest automobile producers has enlisted nissan to teach them how to build cars a certain way. perhaps they are looking to disintegrate infiniti...
at least they're not alone, as i can barely tell the difference between current BMW's without seeing the front faces. i also have a hard time with A6 and A8 from some distance.
i also think they're partnerships are questionable, as i can't seem to understand why one of the world's oldest automobile producers has enlisted nissan to teach them how to build cars a certain way. perhaps they are looking to disintegrate infiniti...
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
Unless one's goal in purchasing an MB is so that everyone else knows you don't have the C but an E, then I can alsmost understand the disappointment. If, however, you are buying for all the virtues of the vehicle, then I have no clue what the issue is. It does not bother me in the least that the C class has so many design cues from the S. I do not think it cheapens the marque in any way. Just my 2 cents. Your opinions probably vary.
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From: NM
2023 AMG EQS
While the nobody on this forum buys based solely on the fact that it is an E-Class.
The E-classes distinctive design may have been one of the "virtues" that influenced their purchasing decision. If it wasn't one of yours does not mean that they were wrong!
So this thread is discussing the fact that some of us feel that the distinctive "virtue" is now gone. That is what the "issue is"
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
huh, just got mine today 
I always go straight to the back of the issue to look at all the cars for sale....then work my way through the 'zine backwards......
I'm saving the rest for tomorrow because I just got some new books tonight
the design:
it does not bother me that bad because I can tell the difference from model to model......
I should work for Benz in some capacity
the new C class looks awesome if I say so myself
I always go straight to the back of the issue to look at all the cars for sale....then work my way through the 'zine backwards......I'm saving the rest for tomorrow because I just got some new books tonight
the design:
it does not bother me that bad because I can tell the difference from model to model......
I should work for Benz in some capacity
the new C class looks awesome if I say so myself
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Correct!
One of the "virtues" of a vehicle that I like is its exterior design.
While the nobody on this forum buys based solely on the fact that it is an E-Class.
The E-classes distinctive design may have been one of the "virtues" that influenced their purchasing decision. If it wasn't one of yours does not mean that they were wrong!
So this thread is discussing the fact that some of us feel that the distinctive "virtue" is now gone. That is what the "issue is"
While the nobody on this forum buys based solely on the fact that it is an E-Class.
The E-classes distinctive design may have been one of the "virtues" that influenced their purchasing decision. If it wasn't one of yours does not mean that they were wrong!
So this thread is discussing the fact that some of us feel that the distinctive "virtue" is now gone. That is what the "issue is"
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 573
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From: Los Angeles
'19 MBZ E450 Wagon, '19 BMW 530e
Market shift time across the line as product
S moved up closer to where Maybach left it
New kid CLA comes in and allows C to moved up market closer to E
E is the next for refresh and define the new executive saloon market.
S moved up closer to where Maybach left it
New kid CLA comes in and allows C to moved up market closer to E
E is the next for refresh and define the new executive saloon market.
