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I think Hyundai has done a hell of a job. Good looking lineup, although I would never consider one. Kudos to them.
I have both... a 2014 Hyundai Sonata, and a 2016 W212 E-Class. What the Hyundai lacks in ride quality (a bit less refined than the Benz, but only a bit less) it makes up with impeccible reliability. My six year-old E-Class is on its third battery, while the Hyundai's OEM battery is 8-years old and still going strong. Just replaced the OEM tires at 38,000 miles. Can't ever say that about either of my two Mercedes.
No rattles in either car so far, and the road noise is actually less in the Sonata.
The only thing the Hyundai lacks is Mercedes-Benz snobbery.
I think Hyundai has done a hell of a job. Good looking lineup, although I would never consider one. Kudos to them.
As for Mercedes, unless you look at EV or AMG only offerings everything looks the same and mundane. Boring and predictable, hence why AMG trim packages are so popular. Some models simply need it just to be palatable. Most modern MB reference don't age well. Look at how many older Mercedes entry level and SUV's look like dogs, pretty much all their SUV offerings age terribly. Nothing new that people are critical at first, I get that but regardless I don't think MB is nearly as attractive as they once were. No longer a timeless design, just trendy and current for the time. The interiors have really been their strong point as people seem to really like that part. Tesla interior excluded.
While I agree that some of the vehicles do need the AMG-Line, such as the GLE which my wife would not buy without, I disagree on the timeless aspect, some of the current crop I believe will age well thanks to designs which are more conservative and simplified featuring a cleaner sheet design compared to competitors which are more brash and in your face. The current GLC and C-Class (W205/X253) still look fresh despite being at the end of the line, even in non-AMG form. While there are some older beautiful Benz's, not all have aged well, especially from the late 90's to early 2000's like the W202, W210, W220, and especially the W163 and C208 which look awful, have not in my opinion, and it didn't help either that they're all rusted out too.
Compare a new C-Class Coupe and a 4-Series Coupe and its easy to see which one will age better over time. If you think MB is going for trendy and current, I wonder what you think of BMW and Lexus.
While I agree that some of the vehicles do need the AMG-Line, such as the GLE which my wife would not buy without, I disagree on the timeless aspect, some of the current crop I believe will age well thanks to designs which are more conservative and simplified featuring a cleaner sheet design compared to competitors which are more brash and in your face. The current GLC and C-Class (W205/X253) still look fresh despite being at the end of the line, even in non-AMG form. While there are some older beautiful Benz's, not all have aged well, especially from the late 90's to early 2000's like the W202, W210, W220, and especially the W163 and C208 which look awful, have not in my opinion, and it didn't help either that they're all rusted out too.
Compare a new C-Class Coupe and a 4-Series Coupe and its easy to see which one will age better over time. If you think MB is going for trendy and current, I wonder what you think of BMW and Lexus.
I think face lift models make the difference, always have. No offense but I have not seen a GLE or ML over a few years old that aged well. They get tired looking fast. I think current lineup ages even faster since it all looks the same. As for the BMW comparison, that's more like a race to the bottom, not really saying much. If we need to look at a 4 to feel better, sad. Not flattering for either. What a low bar we've set.
Looks a bit bigger than the W213, styling looks pretty conservative. Hard to comment considering all the camo on the car, it kind of shape like a old Nissan Maxima to me instead of a Hyundai, a few rendition of the E class design do look Japanese. I hope the W214 will not be the case and retain its German design cues.
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
I thought they like big grilles instead at least that is what BMW said in one the news reports (I need to find it again though). I don't know but does big grilles also look sinister? (I guess depends on the design of it, right?)
I thought they like big grilles instead at least that is what BMW said in one the news reports (I need to find it again though). I don't know but does big grilles also look sinister? (I guess depends on the design of it, right?)
I find the whole "sinister" topic bizarre. If you want sinister, pay up and get a AMG GTR. An entry level or even mid level car looking sinister doesn't exist. Except for maybe a C63 or E 63.
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
I thought they like big grilles instead at least that is what BMW said in one the news reports (I need to find it again though). I don't know but does big grilles also look sinister? (I guess depends on the design of it, right?)
Sinister? I think they just look ridiculous and butt ugly.
My yearly service was in Dec. I asked when a new E would come, he didnt really say much. Just mentioned it wont be for a while and its going to have a mild hybrid on all models. Being that we did get a facelift, I dont know how eager they are to roll out a new generation. I really think electrification is going to be a key role in this model. Maybe having 30 miles of range on just electric? It depends on the competition too. I still like my 2.0L 4 popper. I dont plan to trade this car in. Its But heck who knows maybe next gen will be a totally upgraded design all around.
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
Originally Posted by mobster600
My yearly service was in Dec. I asked when a new E would come, he didnt really say much. Just mentioned it wont be for a while and its going to have a mild hybrid on all models. Being that we did get a facelift, I dont know how eager they are to roll out a new generation. I really think electrification is going to be a key role in this model. Maybe having 30 miles of range on just electric? It depends on the competition too. I still like my 2.0L 4 popper. I dont plan to trade this car in. Its But heck who knows maybe next gen will be a totally upgraded design all around.
Ya they should be a different design to the W213 because it is a new generation but it will share a lot of similarities with the other MB vehicles. There are going to be differences for sure, It is not just a shorter S-Class or longer C-Class (at least that is what we hope).
From the proportions of the spy photos so far, I sort of like it. The E-Class is a very important vehicle in MB's lineup (in my opinion), they really shouldn't mess this up and it is going to be the last generation of ICE E-Class, so it is in their best interest (imo) to get everything perfect.
As for this new W214 generation, it might arrive in late 2023 or early 2024 in Europe as MY24 and then be available in North America in the coming months.
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
Originally Posted by places
I find the whole "sinister" topic bizarre. If you want sinister, pay up and get a AMG GTR. An entry level or even mid level car looking sinister doesn't exist. Except for maybe a C63 or E 63.
True.
Originally Posted by Streamliner
Sinister? I think they just look ridiculous and butt ugly.
That is why I mentioned depending on the design. Although it isn't easy to make a big grille look good (well, in my opinion) maybe other than AMG GT but I guess we wouldn't call that a big grille, would we?
Audi was first with big grilles, of course, others follow. The Lexus and BMW’s big grille are pretty hideous, so are the big SUV and big pickup truck grilles. I am glad Mercedes kept the grille conservative and some what traditional.
Their "designs" are slanted toward the Asian (China) market. They may like sinister.
Sinister =/= big grille. Big grille can/should be done gracefully, even though I have not yet seen one.
Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
I thought they like big grilles instead at least that is what BMW said in one the news reports (I need to find it again though). I don't know but does big grilles also look sinister? (I guess depends on the design of it, right?)
I would be interested to see what BMW said about the Chinese market liking big grilles. I, as a Chinese, most certainly do *not* like big grilles. Of course, I cannot speak for the entire market.
But, looking at the best selling models in the Chinese market, all (except a very very few ones) do not have big grille.
Check this list out:- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...biles_in_China
Originally Posted by Streamliner
Sinister? I think they just look ridiculous and butt ugly.
Audi was first with big grilles, of course, others follow. The Lexus and BMW’s big grille are pretty hideous, so are the big SUV and big pickup truck grilles. I am glad Mercedes kept the grille conservative and some what traditional.
Not sure if Audi started the big grille trend. Toyota's hands are equally dirty, if not dirtier.
Anyway, I know, for sure, the Toyota Alphard definitely is the first culprit in the category of 7-person van.
Also, take a look at 5:49 here (and maybe watch the whole video for pure entertainment) for Toyota's mother of all jokes.
Unfortunately, I think the overall gradual move (from ICE to EV) does not produce more elegant designs, but rather uglier designs (so far).
I agree, I think automotive design in general has really lost creativity. Some pretty desperate designs that say "look at me even if I'm obnoxious". I understand the industry has always had its dogs but it seems like inspiration and the rush to be "modern" looking (whatever that means) has created many compromised and lazy designs.
I agree, I think automotive design in general has really lost creativity. Some pretty desperate designs that say "look at me even if I'm obnoxious". I understand the industry has always had its dogs but it seems like inspiration and the rush to be "modern" looking (whatever that means) has created many compromised and lazy designs.
With the advent of EVs which do not need as much front air intake for the radiator, this is really a golden opportunity for the automotive industry to come up with more elegant design, particularly the front grille part is now more free up. But somehow the design of many EVs is just going in the opposite direction.
Look at this pic and I just cannot say I like any of these:- https://car-images.bauersecure.com/p...jpg?scale=down
Not sure if Audi started the big grille trend. Toyota's hands are equally dirty, if not dirtier.
Anyway, I know, for sure, the Toyota Alphard definitely is the first culprit in the category of 7-person van.
Also, take a look at 5:49 here (and maybe watch the whole video for pure entertainment) for Toyota's mother of all jokes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCTuWNJ2Is4
Unfortunately, I think the overall gradual move (from ICE to EV) does not produce more elegant designs, but rather uglier designs (so far).
When thinking of big grilles, the first thing that comes to mind will be the 2004 A8, when Walter de Silva unveiled the new A8 with the Single frame grille, its revolutionary design shock the automotive design world. At the same time, Audi introduced the LED day time running lights in the same year. With those two Audi revolutionary designs, it put much of the other car manufacturers in catch up mode as far ad big grille and LED DRL designs. The big grille Toyota Avalon in your post was not designed until 2018, 14 years after Audi’s design. The difference here is that some of Audi’s grilles actually look good but the Toyota big grille is hideous and over done.
Currently, most of the EV designs are still try to mimic the shape of a traditional grille, Tesla has shown that the no grille design does not work, it will be interesting to see what designers come up with for a grille design now that EV will become main stream.
When thinking of big grilles, the first thing that comes to mind will be the 2004 A8, when Walter de Silva unveiled the new A8 with the Single frame grille, its revolutionary design shock the automotive design world. At the same time, Audi introduced the LED day time running lights in the same year. With those two Audi revolutionary designs, it put much of the other car manufacturers in catch up mode as far ad big grille and LED DRL designs. The big grille Toyota Avalon in your post was not designed until 2018, 14 years after Audi’s design. The difference here is that some of Audi’s grilles actually look good but the Toyota big grille is hideous and over done.
Currently, most of the EV designs are still try to mimic the shape of a traditional grille, Tesla has shown that the no grille design does not work, it will be interesting to see what designers come up with for a grille design now that EV will become main stream.
Yeah, I knew the Toyota Avalon is not the first to have big grille. I was just saying it is probably the worst.
01-13-2022, 10:00 AM
