Has Mercedes-Benz Gone Chinese?

[Bimmer325]

Is it me, or does the all-new GL look downright cheap and generic? I've seen Chinese imitations that look more authentic than this actual MB design. Everything about it screams dull, plasticky and derivative.

*NOTE: The following images are taken from the official Mercedes-Benz website*.

[Croc]

I actually think it looks pretty nice.

[NOS2006]

Yeah, maybe just a wee bit over-designed, but not too bad..

[Cory Wolfe]

I actually think it looks pretty nice.

Which is why you have bad taste...

Anyways, yeah, lately MB has been putting out some pretty crappy designs that look anything but German. This one and the new S-class especially look like crap. Korean... Chinese... either or, but definitely not German and definitely not expensive looking.

However, MB also put out a design that I really love...

[Nick]

Which is why you have bad taste...

Hey, you're the Pontiac lover

[ocnblu]

The new G-class definitely reminds me of a Jeep, especially in the roofline. It is nowhere near as distinctive as the old model, and you can almost guarantee it will not be as longlived as the outgoing version.

[balthazar]

Is it me, or does the all-new GL look downright cheap and generic?  I've seen Chinese imitations that look more authentic than this actual MB design.  Everything about it screams dull, plasticky and derivative.

I agree: the design approaches by the koreans & germans are drawing closer & closer to the exact same thing with each passing year. This minivan thing has more cut & panels lines than a Rubik's Cube and looks like an angry insect. Are those supposed to be exposed screws in that lower front panel??

Awful.

[CSpec]

Yeah, the GL is pretty gross, especially the rear. Have you seen the pic of the S-class they have plastered over the front page? It looks awful!

[Bimmer325]

What a whale.

[Flybrian]

Remember when Mercedes-Benz made good-looking cars?

As far as the new G...why does it have tailpipes in front? Oh wait, that's another pointless styling cue to make it tough.

[pow]

The new S-class looks good in person, particularly with the AMG wheels.

[balthazar]

Remember when Mercedes-Benz made good-looking cars?

Oh yeah! I remember- it lasted about 5-years... and only encompassed certain models... ahh; the good ol' days!

[MyerShift]

Actually, as far as I know from the latest info., Mercedes-Benz will not only continue making the G-Class in Austria, but also the ML-, R-, and the GL-Class in the U.S.

In my humble opinion, Mercedes should leave the SUV thing to, get ready for it, Jeep. Ta-dah!