EQS EQS (V297) sedan

Daimler Design Boss Says Electrification Will Kill The Traditional [3-box] Sedan

Old Sep 8, 2021 | 09:35 PM
  #1  
syswei's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 797
From: FL & CT
2015 S550 Palladium/Deep Sea Blue, 2016 Tesla Model S 70D, 2015 Volvo XC70
Daimler Design Boss Says Electrification Will Kill The Traditional [3-box] Sedan

“Electrification will kill the three-box sedan for several reasons,” Gorden Wagener told TopGear during the Munich motor show. “Aero is one. Secondly, with a six-inch battery pack a three-box sedan simply doesn’t look good, it looks s***. You have to do something that visually digests the height....

"That’s why we came up with that bold design with the EQ models, because it looks stretched, it looks stylish. So that [electrification] will change the proportions of cars."

(source motor1 article)


Even though I'm personally likely to buy an EQS, I still don't like the exterior as compared to the W223.

Reply
Old Sep 9, 2021 | 09:32 AM
  #2  
Commodus's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 5
I'd say he's right to a degree. Even Tesla's Model 3 and S are, to some degree, based on giving people what they expect in car design, not what 'naturally' flows from having a low-slung battery and relatively tiny electric motors. The current crop of Mercedes EVs may not be conventionally stylish, but they're more in line with what EV tech dictates. That and I doubt an EQS owner will be crying when they get that extra range from the aerodynamic design.
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2021 | 10:32 AM
  #3  
gle43FL's Avatar
Member
Veteran: Army
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 148
Likes: 35
From: Florida, NJ
2024 GLE580, 2013 Jeep Wrangler, 2018 GLE43 AMG *Sold*
It looks kind of like the coupe version of a Mercedes SUV...

Last edited by gle43FL; Sep 9, 2021 at 01:28 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2021 | 12:14 PM
  #4  
Tjdehya's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,133
Likes: 265
From: NM
2023 AMG EQS
That is BS! Compare the Taycan and the Audi GT to the unsightly design of the EQS and EQE. It can be done… MB just were stupid and decided to go for the stupid ugly “One Bow” design.
Where is the “One Bow’ design for the EQS SUV? What is that MB? It wouldn’t work in a SUV? No $h!t!?! It doesn’t work in the sedan either!
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2021 | 02:29 PM
  #5  
Soulman's Avatar
Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 216
Likes: 58
Range Rover Land Rover
Originally Posted by Tjdehya
That is BS! Compare the Taycan and the Audi GT to the unsightly design of the EQS and EQE. It can be done… MB just were stupid and decided to go for the stupid ugly “One Bow” design.
Where is the “One Bow’ design for the EQS SUV? What is that MB? It wouldn’t work in a SUV? No $h!t!?! It doesn’t work in the sedan either!
Yeah! Bring back the "Vision"!
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2021 | 04:13 PM
  #6  
Wolfman's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

20 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,544
Likes: 3,675
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by Tjdehya
That is BS! Compare the Taycan and the Audi GT to the unsightly design of the EQS and EQE. It can be done… MB just were stupid and decided to go for the stupid ugly “One Bow” design.
Where is the “One Bow’ design for the EQS SUV? What is that MB? It wouldn’t work in a SUV? No $h!t!?! It doesn’t work in the sedan either!
Don’t care for the on bow design whatsoever but the info is correct. The Taycan makes for a poor EV apart from the performance. It is a very traditional design for people to get used to an EV with room for an engine that doesn’t exist.
Reply
Old Sep 11, 2021 | 12:48 PM
  #7  
MBNUT1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,976
Likes: 1,345
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
Originally Posted by Tjdehya
That is BS! Compare the Taycan and the Audi GT to the unsightly design of the EQS and EQE. It can be done… MB just were stupid and decided to go for the stupid ugly “One Bow” design.
Where is the “One Bow’ design for the EQS SUV? What is that MB? It wouldn’t work in a SUV? No $h!t!?! It doesn’t work in the sedan either!
I agree about the looks but I respect Mercedes for adhering to the form follows function credo. They were going for range. The difference in the Cd is worth about 5% at 70 MPH
Reply
Old Sep 11, 2021 | 02:50 PM
  #8  
syswei's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 797
From: FL & CT
2015 S550 Palladium/Deep Sea Blue, 2016 Tesla Model S 70D, 2015 Volvo XC70
Originally Posted by MBNUT1
I agree about the looks but I respect Mercedes for adhering to the form follows function credo. They were going for range. The difference in the Cd is worth about 5% at 70 MPH
They were going for range, I agree, but I'm not sure that was the best choice, at least at the high end of the MB line, meaning the EQS. Most families that can afford an EQS are multi-car families, and if range is an issue can have an ICE or hybrid in addition to their EV. I would rather they had given up 3-5% of range if it meant getting something significantly prettier, as in the Vision. Just imo.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 14, 2021 | 02:29 PM
  #9  
js_cls's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 1,601
From: Florida
He's not wrong in a sense, the design does benefit from smoother aero, and even in regular sedans (non-EV's) the three-box sedan has been slowly being changed into a more sleek, almost "fastback" design with a very short and smooth rear end that is similar to that of a coupe or four-door coupe. We are in a transitionary period, with technology only getting better and advancing quickly we will be getting better EV's in the future, with these simply being the first generation of EV's. With range being the primary concern for EV's at the moment, I guess they wanted to take the chance in order to boast a competitive edge, and range is one area that the EQS really does excel at more than its competition. My thought process is maybe once the battery and EV technology has advanced enough after this transition period, maybe so that long ranges are easy to achieve and better to manage, maybe then the design will become more traditional (or retro) by then.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2021 | 12:30 AM
  #10  
Germancar1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
He's full of ****. Audi, Porsche, Tesla aren't having a problem with it.

M
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2021 | 12:32 AM
  #11  
Germancar1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
Originally Posted by js_cls
He's not wrong in a sense, the design does benefit from smoother aero, and even in regular sedans (non-EV's) the three-box sedan has been slowly being changed into a more sleek, almost "fastback" design with a very short and smooth rear end that is similar to that of a coupe or four-door coupe. We are in a transitionary period, with technology only getting better and advancing quickly we will be getting better EV's in the future, with these simply being the first generation of EV's. With range being the primary concern for EV's at the moment, I guess they wanted to take the chance in order to boast a competitive edge, and range is one area that the EQS really does excel at more than its competition. My thought process is maybe once the battery and EV technology has advanced enough after this transition period, maybe so that long ranges are easy to achieve and better to manage, maybe then the design will become more traditional (or retro) by then.
Yeah designs are getting swoopier, that is the total opposite of what he was complaining about with cars having to get taller to hide batteries. So no he isn't right, he's actually wrong, like totally. The new Audi and Porsche EVs sedans are as slick as anything on the road.


M
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2021 | 10:04 AM
  #12  
js_cls's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 1,601
From: Florida
Originally Posted by Germancar1
Yeah designs are getting swoopier, that is the total opposite of what he was complaining about with cars having to get taller to hide batteries. So no he isn't right, he's actually wrong, like totally. The new Audi and Porsche EVs sedans are as slick as anything on the road.


M
Only part I said he isn't wrong about is the aero. The biggest benefit of the EQS' design is the aerodynamics, I have no comment on height or batteries. Everything else in my comment is mainly my own commentary on design and what I have noticed in the car industry lately and my predictions.
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2021 | 11:33 PM
  #13  
MBNUT1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,976
Likes: 1,345
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
Originally Posted by Germancar1
Yeah designs are getting swoopier, that is the total opposite of what he was complaining about with cars having to get taller to hide batteries. So no he isn't right, he's actually wrong, like totally. The new Audi and Porsche EVs sedans are as slick as anything on the road.


M
Taycan has a Cd of 0.22 vs 0.20 for the EQS
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:39 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE