MERCEDES IDENTITY CRISIS

After reading the winning letter in the December 2018 issue, I share the feeling with the author in his love for MercedesBenz. I am currently driving my fifth Mercedes and, although my 2011 C220 CDI is not new, I consistently get around 5,0 L/100 km and it has proven to be solidly built, safe, comfortable, reliable, luxurious and with lots of oomph.

I cannot help but wonder where Mercedes is heading with its ever-changing grille design. I know times and designs change but where is the consistency with this brand?

Mercedes-benz has always been famous for the Threepointed Star on top of the bonnet alongside the all-familiar Mercedes grille, but now you find that only on some vehicles and every grille looks different.

Luxury brands Rolls-royce and BMW’S grilles have evolved to be more modern but remained unmistakable. The same applies to Volvo, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin and Bentley. In my opinion, that has been what has set the European manufacturers apart from the emerging Eastern carmakers who have had to find their identity.

I personally feel the new design direction of Mercedes-benz, as seen on the A- and B-class, is boring and bland. If you look at the exciting new Hyundai Kona, Mazda MX-5 or Volvo XC90’S headlamp designs, the lights on the A and B certainly look very dull and uninspiring. Definitely a step down as far as charm, design and looks are concerned compared to the outgoing models, in my opinion.

So, my question: “Is MercedesBenz losing its identity”? ETIENNE RAATH Pringle Bay

[That’s the great thing about design, Etienne; each person’s response is different yet equally valid. Having recently seen the new Benz GLE at the LA Auto Show – read Ian’s impressions on page 46 – I like the elegantly understated design. Same with the A-class – editor.]