As a trendsetter for over 130 years, Mercedes-Benz has produced classics and legendary icons during every automotive styling era. These iconic vehicles are regarded as the pinnacle of elegance and power. Mercedes-Benz design developments continually break new ground with world first innovations, without neglecting the brand’s roots.
Mercedes-Benz is widely acknowledged as the “inventor of the automobile”, and it is not only the technical features that were advanced for their time, but also for their exciting designs.
It is often said: ‘Form follows function’ - but designers at Mercedes-Benz have never really liked this expression. They always see their task as to package exciting technology in such a way that it is reflected in the design. For example, to fit the technical avant-garde that Mercedes-Benz represents into a corresponding guise with sensual appeal.
Sensual purity
Proportions, surfaces and details are the components of Mercedes-Benz’s successful formula, with designers basing their work on the design strategy of sensual purity, a philosophy that provides the foundation for design and production. It is interpreted for each model as appropriate, imparting to each model series its own individual character, while always enabling it to be identified as a Mercedes-Benz.
Naturally, Mercedes-Benz design is always a part and expression of the relevant era, but it has never been subject to fashion trends. This is probably why a Mercedes-Benz never looks old, but is always representative of its time, as reflected by its trademark star.
The aim of the design philosophy of Mercedes-Benz is to create pure and sensual forms and surfaces that showcase high tech while radiating emotional appeal.
Whilst Mercedes-Benz has always been the ‘technical leader’ of the automobile world, the brand has also enlivened automobile design. Frequently adopting an exemplary role and extending the spectrum of what is conceivable in design terms – a unique achievement. Mercedes-Benz design idioms and technological standards have been a guiding star for an entire industry.
Technical expertise and great aesthetic appeal address both the heart and the mind – intelligence and emotion - and viewed in this light, the contours and edges of both the current and future Mercedes-Benz models reflect two basic values in life: sense and sensibility!
Mercedes-Benz takes great pleasure in showcasing some of their latest beautifully designed models for the duration of the 2016 Design Indaba.
From our funky and innovative smart fortwo and smart forfour - smart stands for FUN.ctional design, as the brand is defined by two poles – the heart and mind. The design idiom is clear and purist and therefore very progressive. The typical smart attributes are being carried into a new era: the typical silhouette with the ultra-short overhangs, the clear lines, forms and surfaces, the innovative TRIDION cell and the updated, likeable smart face.
The newly introduced A-Class is all about the latest in design. Customers the world over love the trendy design, which is the number one reason for buying. The A-Class has won numerous awards for its sporty looks and was voted Germany’s most beautiful car.
An iconic model which never fails to draw attention from people from all walks of life is the legendary G-Class. An all-time favourite, this iconic model is more than thirty-six years old yet its basic design remains original.
With its timeless design, the current G-Class has significantly more powerful and more economical engines and even better off-road capabilities with new suspension technology.
Other SUVs in the Mercedes-Benz range, the GLE, GLE Coupe, GLC and GLA models are true off-roaders that all inherit the genes of the legendary G-Class. With their sporty, serene appearance, the new models embody the typical attributes of a modern off-roader. At the same time they follow the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy with its clear, sensuous design idiom.
Mercedes-Benz designers place great emphasis on the individuality of the relevant model, whilst at the same time managing to reflect the values of the brand as a whole.
Evolving the cars of the future today
Design sets brands apart and is instrumental in defining a brand’s public image. The designers at Mercedes-Benz are involved between the poles of tradition and modernity to evolve the cars of the future. Their work centers on sensual purity as the definition of modern luxury, encapsulating an essential aspect of the Mercedes-Benz brand - the bipolarity comprising intelligence and emotion. Rationale and understanding make up one aspect of the Mercedes-Benz brand essence, symbolised by Carl Friedrich Benz.
The other aspect, defined by Gottlieb Wilhelm Daimler, goes back to the era of the early racing cars and classic cars, which is why excitement, desirability and enjoyment are so important for the brand. The aim of the design philosophy is to create pure and sensual forms and surfaces that showcase high tech while radiating emotional appeal. This is how the brand and its products constantly draw attention.
What is visually apparent is that Mercedes-Benz designers apply the modern design idiom of sensual purity to create environments in which customers can experience modern luxury. From its state-of-the-art Brand Centres to various design focused activities.
The Design Indaba with its progressive and individually designed programmes, will bring together the world of fashion, film, music and theatre in a unique and awe-inspiring feast of creativity.
