Why The 2014 Facelift Ruined The W212 (Opinion)
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One vote for facelift
Just to add my two cents...I like the facelift version.
Obviously, the front end is the most controversial change. I didn't dislike the old version, very traditional and all. The new is just younger, fresher and bolder. BTW, those who comment about the stand-up hood ornament could always change it. Inexpensive and easy to do.
The rear, IMO, is much improved on the facelift cars. Got rid of all those extraneous body and bumper creases. The FL car looks cleaner, longer.
The facelift interior is slightly improved from the original 2010 (which is what I have) interior. I happen to like the "bright work" in place of basic black, and you 'gotta love that polar ambient lighting.
The AMG spoke wheels are stylish enough, but the early version is just silver painted. Not very awe inspiring for a "luxury" car. Might have to upgrade those.
Obviously, the front end is the most controversial change. I didn't dislike the old version, very traditional and all. The new is just younger, fresher and bolder. BTW, those who comment about the stand-up hood ornament could always change it. Inexpensive and easy to do.
The rear, IMO, is much improved on the facelift cars. Got rid of all those extraneous body and bumper creases. The FL car looks cleaner, longer.
The facelift interior is slightly improved from the original 2010 (which is what I have) interior. I happen to like the "bright work" in place of basic black, and you 'gotta love that polar ambient lighting.
The AMG spoke wheels are stylish enough, but the early version is just silver painted. Not very awe inspiring for a "luxury" car. Might have to upgrade those.
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The rear, IMO, is much improved on the facelift cars. Got rid of all those extraneous body and bumper creases. The FL car looks cleaner, longer.
The facelift interior is slightly improved from the original 2010 (which is what I have) interior. I happen to like the "bright work" in place of basic black, and you 'gotta love that polar ambient lighting.
The AMG spoke wheels are stylish enough, but the early version is just silver painted. Not very awe inspiring for a "luxury" car. Might have to upgrade those.
The facelift interior is slightly improved from the original 2010 (which is what I have) interior. I happen to like the "bright work" in place of basic black, and you 'gotta love that polar ambient lighting.
The AMG spoke wheels are stylish enough, but the early version is just silver painted. Not very awe inspiring for a "luxury" car. Might have to upgrade those.
Although I do still like the front end of the pre-2014, to me, the awkward rear quarter fenders and the chrome side strip overly complicate the side profile of the car. Also, the standard 5-flat spoke alloy wheels of the non-AMG pre-2014 version look dreadful.
Lost in this thread, which seems to be a paean to the pre-2014 version, are the numerous technical upgrades incorporated into the facelift W212. The more important ones include a revised 7 spd transmission (shifts faster and smoother), improved ride, tighter steering and upgraded chassis strength to achieve highest Crash Safety rating (Top Safety Pick+). The 2014+ versions offer much more than just styling changes.
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^^^ too bad they added the fake scoops and dropped the 4 lights. The front end is dreadful and looks like it's trying way too hard. Swing and a miss... Do like the rear tho. Can't wait to see the full refresh, generally never a big fan of a tweener refresh
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Ponton
As for the chrome strip, I like it. Sort of breaks up the flat surface area. I also remember when chrome side trim was the mark of upscale versions of cars.
Happy Holidays and Happy Motoring to all!
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Maybe you and the other members who dislike the 'fake scoops' should take a closer look @ the front end of the 2014+ W212. If you did so, on each side, you would see 4 rows of functional louvers behind the mesh screen. These vents allow cooling air to flow through !
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The Ponton rear quarters looked fine on the 1950s W180 Series, but when they re-appeared on the 2010 - W212, they became the most widely criticized styling element by numerous automotive journalists. So it was no surprise to me to see them eliminated from the face-lift version.
It often occurs in automotive design that retro-stying elements are NOT as successful as they might have been originally.
Last edited by DerekACS; Dec 13, 2015 at 01:30 PM.
