Everyone has heard of the G-Class — an icon of style and design since more than 30 years. The Ener-G-Force, designed by Mercedes-Benz Advanced Designers for the LA Desgin Challege is a police car of the future based on the G-Class. A more rounded and sophisticated design, the Ener-G-Force gives us a glimpse at what we may be able to expect from future Mercedes-Benz designs across the board.
“The Ener-G-Force is the vision of an off-roader that, while reflecting tomorrow’s adventures, also invokes the genes of the Mercedes-Benz off-road icon, the G model. Modern and cool, it could also be a clue about a new beginning for the off-road design idiom of Mercedes-Benz”, said Gorden Wagener, Director of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Gordon Wagener, Head Designer at Mercedes-Benz, was at the Avant/Garde Diaries and gave us an exclusive presentation of the Concept Style Coupe that we introduced to you earlier this week. The CSC has futuristic look with new exaggerated accents that are then further distringuised by the new headlight design. Made to replicate the human eye, the light glows red when the high-beams go on and the turn-signal moves to indicate you are turning. Very interesting video and worth a few minutes.
Provocative and masculine: the exterior
Its breathtakingly sporty proportions and powerfully dynamic design idiom, featuring the interplay between concave and convex surfaces that is so typical for Mercedes, give this four-door coupé its unmistakable look.
Among its most striking features is the way the hood, with its powerdomes, is set right into the front end assembly, as well as its diamond-look grille, which follows through on design cues set by the Concept A-CLASS. The paint finish of the concept vehicle is in Alubeam – a color that helps to emphasize the sculptural quality of its lines.
The innovative headlamps of the Concept Style Coupé are reminiscent of the intimidating eyes of a predatory animal. In standby mode they shine red. Another special feature are the indicators: individual points of light light up in succession, similar to a piano keyboard.
Three prominent lines give structure to the vehicle when viewed from the side: the front structural edge over the wings flows towards the rear end in a characteristic dropping line. Another, more sinewy line spans the shoulder muscle above the rear axle, while the third line extends upward in a sweeping curve from the front wheel towards the rear. Together, these lines lend more depth and dynamism to the side profile. The ripple design of the prominent exterior mirrors takes advantage of the design freedoms enjoyed by a concept car.
The same is true of the 20-inch wheels, with their very sporty turbine design. Perforated pins on the spokes pick up once again on the diamond-theme of the radiator grille. The Concept Style Coupé features frameless side windows and has no B-pillar.
A large panoramic roof creates a light and airy interior. A metal rib, the shape of which evokes a roll-over bar, separates the roof from the rear windscreen, which in turn flows down to merge smoothly into the tail end. The avantgarde lines of the Coupé are further emphasised by the way the tail lights, with their metallic-red colouring, taper to a sharp point both to the front and toward the rear centre. An integrated dual-flow exhaust system underlines the car’s sporty credentials and gives added width to the tail end. A narrow rear diffuser picks up again on the dotted pattern of the diamond grille.
High-grade sportiness: the interior
The interior opens up to reveal taut, expressively sculptured surfaces. The structure of the instrument panel is reminiscent of an outstretched wing, with a large carbon-fiber trim panel that spans its full width, giving it the elegance and distinctive appeal of a coupé. Standing proud from the instrument cluster are the two tubes, similarly in carbon fiber and individually glazed. When the indicator is activated, a ring lights up in the tubes.
Flowing back in a long, continuous wave from the instrument panel is the center console. Embedded in this is an intricately designed fan module for the two rear seats, which also incorporates a stowage compartment.
The world of fashion provided the inspiration for the color mix of light grey and anthracite. A fresh, sporty touch is added by neon green piping and topstitching, which appear on the instrument panel, steering wheel, seat and door centre panels, amongst other places.
Fine materials combine with high-grade workmanship to set a new benchmark for quality. The instrument panel is upholstered in white nubuck leather, providing an interesting contrast with the anthracite-colored Alcantara® used on the upper section of the instrument panel. Suede is used on the sports steering wheel to ensure better grip. All chrome trim elements and control panels now for the first time feature a black anodised finish, as seen on top-of-the-range limited Sports Edition chronograph watches. The surfaces around the HMI control panel have the glossy shimmer of black anodised aluminum.
The four integral seats with integrated head restraints are already familiar from the Sports version of the new A-Class. An electroplated insert in the upper part of the seat adds to the impression of lightness and is illuminated.
The design of the air vents in the instrument panel evokes an aircraft jet engine. As in the Concept A-CLASS they are backlit and change colour according to the temperature set by the occupants for the climate control system. When cool, fresh air is being brought into the car, they are blue, but they light up red when the airflow is warm. At a mid-range temperature setting the vents are illuminated in fluorescent yellow, and thus match the color of the piping perfectly.
“Always on”, even in the car: the multimedia system
With COMAND Online and the various Mercedes-Benz apps developed specifically to be used and controlled while on the move, as well as with the ability to browse the internet when the vehicle is stationary, the occupants of the Concept Style Coupé are “always on” and able to maintain their digital lifestyle at all times.
Mercedes-Benz is firmly convinced that the future lies with cloud computing. The software for the COMAND Online applications is not stored in the vehicle, but runs off the Daimler Vehicle Backend. The advantage is that the system can be updated with new applications “over-the-air” (OTA) through a mobile phone connection, without needing to take the car into the workshop. The software is thus always up to date, irrespective of the development cycles of either the vehicles or the consumer electronic devices.
Sportiness in tune with the times: the engine
Sporty driving dynamics coupled with exemplary efficiency are the hallmarks of the engine of the Concept Style Coupé. Powerful wheel-hub drive is provided by the 2.0-liter version of the new gas engine generation with 208 hp (155 kW), combined here with the efficient 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission.
Among the highlights of the four-cylinder engine are its direct-injection system with exhaust gas turbocharging, an enhanced combustion system and extended stratification ranges for lean-burn operation using fast-acting injectors for the multiple fuel injections, and multi-spark ignition according to need.
The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show beginning September 15 will not only be used to introduce next generation models, it will also offer us all a glimpse into the future of the automobile.
At this year’s motor show, Mercedes-Benz is showing us what the future may hold for the 2025 S-Class, and they’ve named it the F125!.
The sweeping roofline has transformed the three-box S-Class into a model more closely resembling a coupe. Gorden Wagener, Mercedes-Benz Design Chief, is quick to point out that “it’s a further developed sedan shape” – with seating for four and a 470-liter boot.
A six-bar grille at the front and sharply defined creases that are clearly reminiscent of the current Mercedes CLS are the only clues that the F125 Concept is a Mercedes-Benz. Unlike the current model’s conventional four-door set-up, access to the front and rear seats is through a pair of elongated gullwing doors.
On the inside, the design stays true to Mercedes-Benz – luxurious and spacious while still being modern and simple. The front passenger seat can be folded away into the footwell to allow one of the rear seats to recline and lie flat. Most of the major controls are activated through gestures so drivers can point a thumb to the left or right for the indicators or swipe a hand to the right to activate the windscreen wipers.
Lightweight construction, using carbon fiber reinforced plastic and aluminium, means the F125 only weighs 1,700kg (3,747 lbs). That’s around 300kg less than the current model.
The F 125! is driven by F-CELL plug-in HYBRID technology, consisting of a further-developed fuel cell and a high-performance lithium-sulfur high-voltage battery. Energy storage is provided by a completely new kind of hydrogen tank that is integrated directly into the bodyshell structure. Using this set-up, 7.5kg of hydrogen can be stored – enough for a range of around 620 miles. Fuel economy is estimated at 105 mpg with a speedy sprint from 0-62 mph in under five seconds.
“When it comes to the drive, there is one figure to note – one thousand. That is the distance in kilometers that you can drive on electricity alone without stopping to refuel,” says Dr. Dieter Zetsche. “And with four electric motors close to the wheels and a peak output of 313 hp, there’s no shortage of fun.” Thanks to intelligent lightweight design with a high proportion of carbon-fiber, the four-seater offers refined performance coupled with exceptional comfort. The display, control and communication concepts are also completely new developments. Dr. Dieter Zetsche once more, “You could say that the F 125! is a smartphone you can sit in.”
Mercedes-Benz Style has officially released there first product: TheEC145 “Mercedes-Benz Style” helicopter from Eurocopter will celebrate its world premiere on May 17, 2011 at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition 2011 or EBACE in Geneva. After showing off in Geneva, the stylish new copter will then be handed over to an unnamed European customer. The EC145 “Mercedes-Benz Style” is tailor-made for luxury-class business and private travel with an interior designed specially by Mercedes-Benz to be versatile and incorporate the finest materials available.
“We are very pleased to have realized the first product of ‘Mercedes-Benz Style’ with Eurocopter,” said Prof. h.c. Dr. Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz. “The interior design of the EC145 ‘Mercedes-Benz Style’ helicopter represents the classic passion of the Mercedes-Benz design language and fulfils the very highest expectations in terms of elegance, luxury and comfort.”
The luxurious interior design was created in the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio in the Italian city of Como and is inspired by the luxury-class saloons created by the brand with the three-pointed star. The EC145 “Mercedes-Benz Style” offers deluxe materials, elegant woods, and ambient lighting familiar from the S and E-Class that can be adjusted to a number of different colour and brightness settings, as well as spacious multi-function boxes with various equipment options.
Moreover, the designers have placed a great deal of emphasis on variability. The passenger cabin is incredibly versatile, making the EC145 “Mercedes-Benz Style” ideal for a diverse range of travel needs – from business or family travel, to leisure and sporting trips. All seats are fixed to rails and can be rearranged very easily in a number of different arrangements for four to eight passengers, or removed altogether in order to create space for luggage. The spacious load area also offers a high degree of flexibility with an extensive range of anchoring options on the floor and walls.
“Only one year after Eurocopter presented the EC145 ‘Mercedes-Benz Style’ concept at EBACE 2010, we now are unveiling the first aircraft and can already announce the initial sale to a European corporate operator,” said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter’s Senior Vice President Sales and Customer Relations. “These achievements confirm Eurocopter’s successful approach in developing products that meet the demanding expectations of executive and private customers worldwide.”
The EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style is the first product in the new Mercedes-Benz Style range. Eurocopter and Mercedes-Benz will be jointly unveiling this luxury model for business and private travel on May 4, 2010 at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition 2010 in Geneva. The EC145 is equipped with comfortable seats made of exclusive materials coupled with sumptuous wood for the floors and ceiling. The interior of the special edition EC145Mercedes-Benz Style helicopter by Eurocopter, a subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), has all the style and luxury one would expect from a Mercedes-Benz car. The interior space has been styled by Mercedes-Benz designers.
Professor h.c. Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz:
“Eurocopter and Mercedes-Benz are a perfect match. Both are renowned for groundbreaking innovation and trend-setting products. We are delighted to join Eurocopter in unveiling the first product of our new division “Mercedes-Benz Style”. The interior of the EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style, conceived in a styling project led by the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio in Como, Italy, bears all the hallmarks and passion of Mercedes-Benz style.
The seat upholstery in the cockpit and cabin is available in deluxe materials and a range of colours. A choice of elegant woods can provide luxury underfoot. This overall impression of elegance and style is complemented by a stylish arrangement of wood panels for the ceilings. Ambient lighting borrowed from the E- and S-Class cars can be adjusted and dimmed in various colours.
Multi-functional and fully configurable
But the EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style is not just luxurious; it’s also spacious and extremely flexible. It is the only helicopter in its class that can seat up to eight passengers. For the cabin layout, Mercedes-Benz opted for a modular approach inspired by its new R-Class range. All seats are mounted on rails and can be quickly and easily reconfigured or removed to make room for luggage. There are also three multi-function boxes with features such as a cool box, cup holder, table, 15-inch monitor and DVD player. The interior offers supreme flexibility for both business and private travel: in the partition wall which separates the cockpit from the cabin, extra storage space is provided by drawers.
Mercedes-Benz has made multi-purpose storage a feature of the tail as well. Whether it’s golf clubs for a day on the links with business partners or bikes and surfboards for a family holiday, the high-capacity luggage compartment has numerous attachment points on the floor and walls.
The partition between the cabin and the cockpit has fully retractable windows. Just like the R-Class car that inspired it, the Eurocopter EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style is the most versatile and spacious model in its class.
“Eurocopter’s cooperation with Mercedes-Benz brings together the world’s leading producer of corporate and business helicopters with the automobile manufacturer that sets global standards for luxury and style,” said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter’s Senior Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations. “By combining the expertise of both companies, we are uniting creativity, performance and precision engineering to giving the EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style its exceptional character and unmistakable personality.”
The designers at Mercedes-Benz will be styling other products in the future, in addition to creating beautiful and classic automotive designs. The portfolio of the newly established “Mercedes-Benz Style” division will comprise not only of transport-related products, but also furniture and lifestyle products as well as industrial design.
“Our unique design expertise is appreciated throughout the world. We have therefore decided to establish the Mercedes-Benz specific styling outside the automotive field too – and so far we have met with a very positive response from a great number of manufacturers in a variety of sectors”, explains Professor h.c. Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. Currently the Mercedes-Benz designers are working on styling the exclusive interior appointments of a helicopter, and also the spectacular exterior design of a luxury yacht. The helicopter will be presented as the first product at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition 2010 (EBACE) in Geneva on May 4, 2010.
“Mercedes-Benz Style” undertakes both commissioned work, for which the rights to the styling service are sold to the product manufacturer, and also the allocation of design licences – in which case a product manufacturer will be granted the right to use the styling, but all rights to the styling remain with Mercedes-Benz. In both alternatives it is upon the manufacturer’s discretion whether to label its product with the designation “Mercedes-Benz Style”.”Whether we are dealing with commissioned work or will grant licenses, basically the same principle applies: the product and the manufacturer must both match our premium standards and represent innovation, as well as trend-setting, enduring style”, explains Gorden Wagener. Just as in the automotive field, the designers place great value on brand-typical, passionate styling for “Mercedes-Benz Style”.
The Mercedes-Benz design division has its headquarters in Sindelfingen, Germany, where a modern design building was completed in 1998 in the vicinity of the Mercedes-Benz Technology Center. In addition there are also four international Advanced Design Studios, located in Italy, Japan, China and the USA. Around 400 members of staff from approximately 20 different nations are employed to undertake a number of different roles relating to the future of design at Mercedes-Benz, and they also provide a wide variety of cultural input into aspects of the design phase. The different cultures help to ensure a diversity of style, which is necessary in order to recognise where automotive design trends are heading years in advance, and also how customer requirements may develop.
Interview with Professor h.c. Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz, about the background and objectives of “Mercedes-Benz Style”.
Mr Wagener, with the launch of “Mercedes-Benz Style” you are breaking new ground, venturing away from pure automotive design into the styling of other products, such as furniture, aircraft and boats. What has prompted you to take this step?
With “Mercedes-Benz Style” we are in no way entering into new territory. In the past, our design team has already styled such products as watches and interiors, as well as numerous products for Mercedes-Benz Accessories. Mercedes-Benz design stands for innovation, and trend-setting, enduring style. We know that manufacturers outside of the automotive field are also interested in this expertise. Also we are determined to establish our specific styling in its uniqueness as a brand in other product areas – either by selling a new design or by granting a license. At the same time this field of activity will in turn have its own inspirational effect by helping to extend the creative spectrum of our own designers. “Mercedes-Benz Style” therefore represents a logical progression of our area of responsibility.
Do you and your designers have the expertise to make a successful move outside the field of automotive design?
Automotive design is undoubtedly one of the supreme disciplines of industrial design. Almost no other product is as complex and combines so many different disciplines to create a look and feel for the product. Our design division has all of the necessary expertise in more than ample measure, and has benefited from such skills for many years. We have fashion and textile designers, product designers and typographers all working together for us. And don’t forget that alongside “classic” interior and exterior design, we also count colour and trim, industrial/interface design and even graphic design among our responsibilities. On top of this there is also our unique international positioning. We have five Advanced Design Studios on three continents. Our workshops and computer aided design (CAD) departments are also able to provide all manner of realisation options – from sketches and project management right through to the production of full-scale models.
How big is the “Mercedes-Benz Style” team? Are these designers now working exclusively on other products instead of cars?
Our structure enables us to work in a flexible manner and to put together a specific project team for each customer and partner which is the best possible match for styling their product. In addition to a fixed core team, the entire creative potential of our department will be available for the respective styling job. It is precisely this open design culture, in which each designer works without being limited by boundaries, which accounts for our quality. Of course Mercedes-Benz vehicles will also continue to be the main area of activity of our department in the future.
What are your plans in detail? What actual products have you already designed?
We are already involved in concrete projects with several premium manufacturers in a variety of sectors. This has resulted in the creation of some exciting products in the industrial design field as well as in the transport sector. One of the first products, a helicopter, for which we worked on the interior, will be presented at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE 2010) in Geneva on May 4, 2010.
In which product areas or sectors do you intend to be actively involved? Is there anything you would not style?
In accordance with the original meaning of our trademark the “Three-Pointed Star” – mobility on land, on water and in the air – it is possible that the portfolio of “Mercedes-Benz Style” will include the styling of boats, aircrafts, helicopters and other transport products. Other products, such as furniture, and industrial as well as lifestyle products, will complement our area of activity. The deciding factor is that both the product and the manufacturer match our exclusive design and brand standards.
Do you intend to style all of the products on your own initiative or will you work with well-known partners?
Basically our service portfolio comprises an entire range of expertise from styling outline through to model creation. In individual cases, however, cooperation with creative people in other disciplines, such as architects or fashion designers, can be very inspiring. But the aim is still to achieve a high-quality end product.
How do you choose partners? What criteria do you stipulate for this?
Our business partners have to go with our own high standards in terms of design, innovation and quality. As part of this, we are just as interested in aspiring, innovative, young companies as we are in successful, established manufacturers. We believe in quality not quantity!
What is your sales strategy?
Our sales strategy is oriented not only towards the relevant business partner but also towards the product. There can be no standard solution.
Mercedes-Benz already has a comprehensive range of accessories which are sold through Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH. How does this differ from “Mercedes-Benz Style”?
Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is already one of our customers for product design, and in a manner of speaking is a customer within our own “family”.
Mercedes-Benz car design has a long tradition comprising a multitude of pioneering icons. Where do you see “Mercedes-Benz Style” in five years’ time?
We will progress one step at a time, create the look and feel of a range of products each year and launch them on the market together with our respective partners. As always, however, car design will remain our core business.
What will “Mercedes-Benz Style” contribute to the Mercedes-Benz brand itself? Do you expect there to be some influence on your core business, namely vehicle design?
Design creates connections across disciplines and sectors. Styling something is a creative process which comes to life as a result of new impulses. Our work under the “Mercedes-Benz Style” label will also represent an inspiration for our automotive design work – and of course vice-versa.