Any new Mercedes-Benz is a milestone in automotive history for the simple reason that it comes from the world’s oldest car maker. But within Mercedes circles, it is the E-class which carries on the German design tradition more than any other model from the Stuttgart firm because it has been the backbone of the range for more than five decades.
The new E-class design concept also applies to the new coupe version which was shown at the Geneva show together with the new saloon. In addition to the overall new E-class design themes the coupe features an additional aesthetic attractiveness through its similarity with the elegant silhouette of the CLS sports saloon.
Who else but Gorden Wagener, head of Daimler Design and responsible for the new E-class could better answer key questions about the new E-class design background.
So what were the design briefs for the new E class only six years after the previous version?
“As you can see, the new E class makes a leap forward to a more organic form. But at the same time, important Mercedes styling cues, in particular the radiator grille and the twin headlamps, have been re-interpreted in a more modern way, for the purpose of making the model instantly recognisable as an E-class. It allowed our design team perfect freedom to exploit new and creative ideas.”
The article continues in Auto & Design no. 176
