German Car Zone
Home
Go Back   German Car Zone > Mercedes-Benz > GLK-Class
Reload this Page Anyone else disappointed with the GLK interior?
GLK-Class X204 Currently in production (2008 -

Notices
Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  (#21 (permalink)) Old
EnI   EnI is offline
Contributor
Moderator Emeritus
 
EnI's Avatar
 
Posts: 6,556
Join Date: Sep 2005
Thanks: 178
Thanked 3,311 Times in 1,479 Posts
EnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant future
Re: Anyone else disappointed with the GLK interior? - 01-15-2008, 10:36 AM

Can somebody make list of MB design trademarks (beside specific MB grille). Thanks.



I'm a bit lost.

What makes MB a MB (beside grille & badge)?

Eg. BMW have (beside the kidney grille): 4 round headlight projectors, Hofmeister kink, L-shaped rear lights currently with CELIS LED horizontal strips, sharp character (shoulder) line, long bonnet + pushed back cabin + short overhangs etc


So, let's find true MB DNAs ... I really have no idea what they really are.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Spurl this Post!Reddit! Wong this Post!
Reply With Quote

Sponsored Links
  (#22 (permalink)) Old
Fanatic
 
coolraoul's Avatar
 
Posts: 2,487
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: France
I drive: 1974 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC
Thanks: 911
Thanked 1,111 Times in 643 Posts
coolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to all
Re: Anyone else disappointed with the GLK interior? - 01-15-2008, 10:38 AM

For me the high and big GPS screen kills the interior design. Of every car from every brand.

Here the GPS it is quite good integrated, under this second smaller dash...but it still makes the whole heavier and more complex than it would be without this big screen.

Agree with Khaled, the heaters are not fabulously upscale, wait to see IRL though. Good interior, but not that exciting.

I even begin to think that the folding screen of the C is a very very good idea after all!
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Spurl this Post!Reddit! Wong this Post!
Reply With Quote
  (#23 (permalink)) Old
SDNR   SDNR is offline
Trendsetter
 
SDNR's Avatar
 
Posts: 8,022
Join Date: Sep 2005
Thanks: 3,999
Thanked 1,861 Times in 1,108 Posts
SDNR has disabled reputation
Re: Anyone else disappointed with the GLK interior? - 01-15-2008, 10:44 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by EnI View Post
Can somebody make list of MB design trademarks (beside specific MB grille). Thanks.



I'm a bit lost.

What makes MB a MB (beside grille & badge)?

Eg. BMW have (beside the kidney grille): 4 round headlight projectors, Hofmeister kink, L-shaped rear lights currently with CELIS LED horizontal strips, sharp character (shoulder) line, long bonnet + pushed back cabin + short overhangs etc


So, let's find true MB DNAs ... I really have no idea what they really are.
Good challenge

....I struggle to find the exterior of the GLK has much in common with the W102.


I think the main thing is the "wedge" shape which was pioneered on the W102.

Mercedes has invented new styling cues which are interchangeable -- not every car has all these traits.

The rear lights, first seen on the SLK, are one detail that has found its way on to the CL and C class.

Last edited by SDNR; 01-15-2008 at 11:08 AM.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Spurl this Post!Reddit! Wong this Post!
Reply With Quote
  (#24 (permalink)) Old
Merc1   Merc1 is online now
Contributor
 
Merc1's Avatar
 
Posts: 12,290
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Aurora IL USA
I drive: 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Cabriolet
Thanks: 3,696
Thanked 6,582 Times in 2,849 Posts
Merc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Anyone else disappointed with the GLK interior? - 01-15-2008, 10:51 AM

Yawn...sigh...oh god.

M
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Spurl this Post!Reddit! Wong this Post!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Merc1 For This Useful Post:
Yaz (01-16-2008)
  (#25 (permalink)) Old
Expert
 
Centurion's Avatar
 
Posts: 13,434
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: London & Gothenburg
Thanks: 1,818
Thanked 3,517 Times in 1,740 Posts
Centurion has a reputation beyond reputeCenturion has a reputation beyond reputeCenturion has a reputation beyond reputeCenturion has a reputation beyond reputeCenturion has a reputation beyond reputeCenturion has a reputation beyond reputeCenturion has a reputation beyond reputeCenturion has a reputation beyond reputeCenturion has a reputation beyond reputeCenturion has a reputation beyond reputeCenturion has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Anyone else disappointed with the GLK interior? - 01-15-2008, 10:56 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by EnI View Post
What makes MB a MB (beside grille & badge)?
The forward leaning tail lights, mighty grill, steep character line, tail light graphic i.e red-white-red and indicators on the wing mirrors which btw all other manufacturers have mimiced. Lastly we have the clean/elegant AMG bumper and skirt lines plus the very delicious pipes found on all Mercs. You you a Benz when you see one.

Next question!
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Spurl this Post!Reddit! Wong this Post!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Centurion For This Useful Post:
Yaz (01-16-2008)
  (#26 (permalink)) Old
Devotee
Moderator Emeritus
 
martinbo's Avatar
 
Posts: 2,599
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Johannesburg
Thanks: 809
Thanked 1,336 Times in 647 Posts
martinbo is a splendid one to beholdmartinbo is a splendid one to beholdmartinbo is a splendid one to beholdmartinbo is a splendid one to beholdmartinbo is a splendid one to beholdmartinbo is a splendid one to beholdmartinbo is a splendid one to beholdmartinbo is a splendid one to beholdmartinbo is a splendid one to beholdmartinbo is a splendid one to beholdmartinbo is a splendid one to behold
Re: Anyone else disappointed with the GLK interior? - 01-15-2008, 10:59 AM

For me Mercedes Benz DNA is as much about recognisable styling cues as it about perception. With regard to the interior, I recognise the chunky, squared off looks of many a Mercedes Benz that I admired back in the 80's and 90's. I perceive a robust fit and finish because that's the image that the style of the facia and fittings portrays...

One thing is remarkable about Mercedes Benz, whilst they may not cling as fervently to brand identifiers as, let's say, BMW, they always manage somehow to infuse their cars with an unmistakable Mercedes Benz identity barring, of course, some questionably penned "fashion cars" like the SLK and B-Class.

It's not rocket science - somehow, a new Merc C-Class looks exactly like a credible successor to the (as recognisable) generations before it. In fact, I'd wager to say that a Merc E-Class looks more like a "Merc" than a 5er looks like a "BMW". Of course, that's purely down to opinion...

One may ask why was a W124 series instantly recognisable as a true Mercedes Benz when it represented such a quantum leap in design over its predecessor? Dunno - it just did. Maybe that's simply down to the recognition power of the three pointed star, but I surmise it's something greater all together.

Maybe that's why I like the new M3 so much - it just reeks of pure-blooded BMW M3 DNA.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Spurl this Post!Reddit! Wong this Post!
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to martinbo For This Useful Post:
SDNR (01-15-2008), Yaz (01-16-2008)
  (#27 (permalink)) Old
SDNR   SDNR is offline
Trendsetter
 
SDNR's Avatar
 
Posts: 8,022
Join Date: Sep 2005
Thanks: 3,999
Thanked 1,861 Times in 1,108 Posts
SDNR has disabled reputation
Re: Anyone else disappointed with the GLK interior? - 01-15-2008, 11:04 AM

Sacco style.

These are design studies for the W140. The W140 is probably the most refined example of Sacco's design influence.

1982




1983



1984






1985








1986






1987


1988



Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Spurl this Post!Reddit! Wong this Post!
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to SDNR For This Useful Post:
Centurion (01-15-2008), coolraoul (01-15-2008), Germaniac (01-16-2008), Merc1 (01-15-2008), Yaz (01-16-2008)
  (#28 (permalink)) Old
Fanatic
 
coolraoul's Avatar
 
Posts: 2,487
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: France
I drive: 1974 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC
Thanks: 911
Thanked 1,111 Times in 643 Posts
coolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to allcoolraoul is a name known to all
Re: Anyone else disappointed with the GLK interior? - 01-15-2008, 11:05 AM

True MB DNA? Wow, I never asked me the question...It's more about feelings for me.
MB DNA is much more subtle than a list of characteristics...

You have something I always liked, it is the way the side pillars are slightly higher than the roof, so you have the windshield connected to the roof, and you clearly see the pillars going a bit higher than the roof, don't know you see what I mean. It gives a very clear shape to the roof.

The car appears more edgy, and longer. I love that detail.

You also have the rising windowline, with the strong, rising character line.

The typical bonnet, with big lines coming from the grill to the exterior of the bonnet.

A specific rear window inclination (on sedans)

Very short front overhang, and significantly longer rear overhang

Triangular rear lights (on sedans), but not always, since the W124 and 202

Very often, the chrome strip over the plate. Sometimes short, sometimes long, sometimes all the rear of the car.

Big door opener (now everybody has them, but once there were usually plates one on the competition cars)

A particular connexion between the C-pillar and the rear side, giving the impression that the windowline continues on the rear of the car (hard to explain but pretty obvious on the cars)...

Maybe I'll think to other features...

But also, an overall quite rigid, edgy shape, except on Schrempp-era.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Spurl this Post!Reddit! Wong this Post!
Reply With Quote
  (#29 (permalink)) Old
Merc1   Merc1 is online now
Contributor
 
Merc1's Avatar
 
Posts: 12,290
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Aurora IL USA
I drive: 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Cabriolet
Thanks: 3,696
Thanked 6,582 Times in 2,849 Posts
Merc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond reputeMerc1 has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Anyone else disappointed with the GLK interior? - 01-15-2008, 11:29 AM

Wow Rob..thanks. Where did you get those pics? Very interesting to see that. I wonder what stage the next S and Maybach are in designwise. You'd have to risk getting shot by guards to see design sketches for the next generation S or Maybach.

M
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Spurl this Post!Reddit! Wong this Post!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Merc1 For This Useful Post:
SDNR (01-15-2008)
  (#30 (permalink)) Old
EnI   EnI is offline
Contributor
Moderator Emeritus
 
EnI's Avatar
 
Posts: 6,556
Join Date: Sep 2005
Thanks: 178
Thanked 3,311 Times in 1,479 Posts
EnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant futureEnI has a brilliant future
Re: Anyone else disappointed with the GLK interior? - 01-15-2008, 11:31 AM

MB moved away from angular-designs to attract younger & less traditional buyers ... To increase customer base & the sales ... That's also why they go more sporty ...

But ...

Now they say will concentrate on profit numbers not sales numbers ... Making MB more traditional (boxy) & less trendy ... To attract traditionalists again ... And also with the new-old design trying to convince the customers the times of superbly made & reliable MB cars are back (boxy & angular = solid & durable).

Or why are they moving to boxy designs again? I'm sure there's a rational reason behind.

But ... As said many times: profit margins are not everything. To cover huge R&D expenses huge revenues are needed. Which come with huge sales. And very cost efficient operations.



*****

So, why do you think MB are going back to basics, to the roots - to the more boxy & angular designs?


Btw, those Sacco designs looks close to current Audi design philosophy somehow: intelligent simplicity & sophistication (although Audi is moving away from that lately - heck the A5 & A4). Clean, simple, elegant. More to do with MB than Audi.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Spurl this Post!Reddit! Wong this Post!
Reply With Quote