Mercedes-Benz advances design idiom consistently: "The days of creases are over"
With the advent of the future generation A-Class (W 177), Mercedes-Benz will premiere a new design philosophy that is derived from the current one, Sensual Purity. It is, in fact, Phase 2 of the successful design language that was launched back in 2012 on the then new A-Class (W 176). The styling will be reduced to a minimal level, with very few creases and stripped down of any unnecessary details. The new E-Class Coupe (C 238) has given the first glimpse into such a puristic design idiom with its clean side profile, with absent character lines and pronounced, muscular rear wheel shoulders.
The Aesthetics A design study, which is in fact a sculpture, offers further insight onto the next phase of Sensual Purity. It embodies the silhouette of the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine (possible internal codename: V 177), which is to be sold on all markets, with a greater emphasis on the Chinese market where sedans from all classes are selling like hot cakes. Apart from the plain, metal-sheet body sporting just a minimum amount of edges and creases, another design element that is also previewed by the sculpture is the inverted radiator grille, which is set to spread across the entire portfolio of models in the coming years. Compared to the current SL generation (R 231), which which sports a single, horizontally-placed louvre, the grille on the sculpture could signal the arrival of a different styling, with multitple slats placed vertically, very similar to the AMG Panamericana grille found on the GT family. Among the already mentioned, another striking, key visual element will be the new signature front fascia featuring a pointed, shark-like snout that is certain to offer a mindblowing stance for every new Mercedes-Benz model embracing the Phase 2 of the "Sensual Purity" design language.
Read more details in the following press release. Enjoy!
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Sindelfingen - The Mercedes-Benz designers have restyled the product range with great success. The upcoming compact class generation marks the dawn of an even more rigorous implementation of the design idiom of "sensual purity". The "Aesthetics A" sculpture provides a first indication.
The designers at Mercedes-Benz are reconciling tradition and modernity in designing the cars for the future. Their work centres on 'Sensual Purity' as an expression of modern luxury. In applying this design philosophy, Mercedes-Benz sparked a transformation in design with the current A‑Class, launched in 2012. The new design idiom featuring edges and creases – indentations and recesses in the sheet metal – aimed to create clear forms and sensual surfaces which showcase high tech while also arousing emotions. This played a decisive role in making the brand younger and was key to the company's excellent sales results. Every Mercedes-Benz model that followed since was born from this philosophy despite having an individual character.
With the "Aesthetics A" sculpture, the design team now presents the vision of a saloon car in the compact car segment which is stripped down to the essential body. It also provides a clear indication of how the design philosophy of 'Sensual Purity' will be manifested in the not too distant future. The "Aesthetics A" sculpture embodies the advancement of the Mercedes-Benz design idiom.
"Form and body are what remain when creases and lines are reduced to the extreme. We have the courage to implement this purism", says Chief Design Officer of Daimler AG, Gorden Wagener. "In combination with perfect proportions and sensual surface design, the upcoming generation of the compact class has the potential to herald a new design era. Design is also the art of omission: the days of creases are over".
Rather than modifying the basic shape with lines and creases, the Mercedes-Benz designers employ sweeping surfaces at angles to each other to contour the body design with light and shadow and to emphasise the proportions. This makes the essence of a body visible and communicates it in a credible way. The expressive and confident red as a new signature Mercedes-Benz colour underscores the sensuality and emotion of the sculpture.
"Aesthetics A" has a three-box design and is thus also a sign of new forms in the compact class, because outside of Germany and Europe classic saloons are also very much in demand in this segment.
The "Aesthetics A" sculpture is a continuation of a series of sculptures from Mercedes-Benz which to date comprises the works "Aesthetics No. 1" (2010), "Aesthetics No. 2", "Aesthetics 125" (both 2011) and "Aesthetics S" (2012).
Design as a key success factor for Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz design serves to showcase a passion for automobiles in a modern design idiom. The importance which Daimler AG attaches to design today was highlighted when the post of Chief Design Officer was established on 1 November 2016. Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "Good design is about much more than simply creating beautiful products: It combines functionality with fascination and gives brand values a distinctive form. We are delighted that our design team under the leadership of Gorden Wagener is among the best in the industry, because the excellent global sales of our vehicles is ultimately also due to their outstanding design".
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