PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

Veloce300DT · #6 02-11-2005, 02:09 AM

The tables have turned!

I remember seeing the LS400 when it was relatively new, back in the early 90's. Looked like it was clearly "inspired" by a mix of Mercedes-Benz products. The two-tone body styling of most of the Lexus products added to that. Then came the early 90's redesigned ES300... which was offered in a trim level that had 15" wheels that were certainly a mocking of the AMG monoblocks.

Somewhere in the mid-late 90's, Mitsubishi's Mirage coupe and sedan recieved tail lights VERY reminescent of the the W202 tailights. There have been countless times when I have been approaching a Mirage from quite a distance.. only being able to pick out shapes, thinking it could possibly be a W202! Surprise surpirse, as I close in on the car it turns into a Mitsubishi!

Now I see a Mercedes and nearly mistake it for a Lexus, Toyota, Ford or Pontiac! If so many people are buying new MBZ's for style alone, dont they realize that there isnt anything really distinctive about them anymore?!?
Seems the last straw for me in MBZ's design dept. was the demise of the W202, W210, and W140. I dont mind the current C-class, its kinda cute, but where has Mercedes gone!?!?! Seems like the 3 pointed star on the hood and trunk are more important to have than the rest of the car for alot of "style driven" consumers. And as long as thats what consumers want, MBZ will continue to provide that.. I wish current MBZ consumer values would revert to those upheld 20 years ago! The cars bearing the 3 pointed star at your local dealer would probabaly be very different.

I miss the teutonic and over-engineered feel of MBZ cars from the past. The current CLS, C, E SLK, S, CLK, M, SL, etc etc etc are now clearly over-designed, over-equipped, and lacking in that certain timeless flair, staid personality, and quality that the 3 pointed star used to represent to me.