I agree with that Rob, to me I'd say that the newer cars aren't as timeless as the older ones. They're what I'd call "prettier", but not as "handsome" as before. I realized this a few days ago looking a new CL550 sitting next to a W124 300CE.

On Maybach though I can't see how they could continue down the same path when all their efforts so far has been an utter failure. I would pay money to see what they have on the drawing boards as far as design proposals!

M

Hello Marcus,

I think you are right, the recent Mercs do have some good-looking aspects about them -- I know how much you like the CLS for instance.

I would be very curious to know what Sacco thought about what has been produced since he left. The funny thing is, Audi seems to be more in tune with the traditional Mercedes ethos than anybody else these days.

Yeah I too have wondered that. Even in a recent interview (CAR Magazine I think) they didn't ask him what he thought of the new designs. I would really love to know what he thinks of the the S, CLS and CL. I can't imagine him finding fault with the SL though.

M

I doubt that he will have anything to say against the interior of the Maybach as well. Was it not his daughter that designed it?

The thing is, is the traditional Mercedes ethos that important to keep? Sure, people like you and me would appreciate it if they designed Benzes like they used to, but to the larger set of population, Mercedes has done just what other automakers have done: progression. And I bet a large majority of potential buyers wouldn't even be able to tell if the ODC lost its integrity or not. It still looks like a Benz and that's all it matters to the common man.

It does matter James. Mercedes was a brand with integrity. That integrity was closely tied to the principles which were at the heart of German product design for 100 years. Mercedes should not just become another follower of passing fads ...they should always remain true to their roots. Sacco was Mercedes first true in-house designer. But Sacco always remained true to the pragmatism of the Mercedes-Benz brand -- Mercedes seldom adopted short-term trends in its design or engineering in the past (the Heckflosse models of the 1960s are a rare exception). The designs of Mercedes cars were conceived for the same longevity as the engineering and build quality the marque is so famous for. I hate to see this being compromised -- I fear we are witnessing a "dumbing-down" of Mercedes design.

I understand very well what you mean Rob... But harsh reality is, apart from you, me and others on GCZ very few people would care whether Mercedes follows fads or keeps to its strict design rules or not.