jaworks3d

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?

dieseldoc

I actually like the new designs on the cars.

larrypmyers

+1

Jason Zhang

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.

Jaccub

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.

JEVA

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.

gbahri

Guaranteed its like that so when they do the "refresher" in 3 or 4 years they will then make it the same body color.

MITCH1975

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.

MB190

+2

jaworks3d

I do too, the GLC looks much smoother and isn't as boxy looking as the GLK.

jaworks3d

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.

ML63 AMG

Just have a good auto body shop take off the plastic peaces and have them painted Piano black with clearcoat (just like black nigh effects package)

chillysyrup

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.

Count Laszlo

I agree with your observations - they're positioning the GLC to be more rugged and utilitarian as much as it's being positioned as a refined cross-over.

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.

dadalook

That is exactly what the 2023 GLC will look like.