Thanks for getting in touch and watching our video! 👍 Desiging a modern Mercedes-Benz, would really be interesting. However, desiging a car from bumper to bumper is a massive amount of work. So that can and will unfortunately only happen after a commission based on a Mercedes-Benz.
I am not a fan of modern Mercedes design. It's such a shame, because Mercedes used to have such elegant designs. In my opinion, they have lost their eleganece, in favour of a far more agressive styling. I think the perfect Mercedes design was the w219 CLS. It was the perfect balance of elegence and muscle. It wasn't grilles everywhere and sharp angles, it was flowing lines. Your eyes were guided over the lines of the car as it passed by. I am confused by today's Mercedes design. I don't understand what they're trying to go for. I am so surprised that they have such an emphasis on sportiness. Since when was Mercedes all about being "sporty"? Sure, AMG is. But, Mercedes? I agree with your points!
Hi Niels, could you describe what design features you would add or remove on this new generation C-class to make it a more “Mercedes Benz like” car? En je reviews zijn geweldig, keep them coming!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for tuning in! Sorry for getting back late. On topic: everything. Explaining more in other videos on new Mercedes-Benz cars on this channel!
You're pretty spot on. I've had the same thoughts. Part of my consideration to buy the w212 E350 Sport Package (13) over the current model was many of your points and I'm just now finding your content. The one design aspect completely missing from current generation Mercedes from around 2016-present is the absence of "chisel" The current models are very feminine and not German. There's a way to maintain presence which this car and generation has none what so ever. These are throw away cars, like icing on top of a turkey. A car that imo is both modern and retains it's identity, is Bentley. Mercedes-Benz designers can learn something from them. The Bentley Continental and GT are beautiful cars with very few flaws which look to be addressed on the 2022 models (the grill color and mesh size). Seriously Mercedes took the wrong turn after the redesigned W212. I don't know what Mercedes hears from consumer's but I literally use my car as a chauffeur service and I literally here constantly how people prefer my gen over the newer models.
You are spot on. The chiseled look was last seen on "your" W212 E class. Also the SLS and the C W204 were more Teutonic. Volvo and Land Rover as well as Range Rover show that these clean, crisp lines work very well on a modern piece of car design too and it makes the car look way more dignified too. Enjoy your W212 and your job as a chauffeur!
I'm seriously considering to buy previous version W205. New one does not express what Mercedes is at all. They got rid of all heritages and design DNA literally.
Sadly that started quite a while ago already - with respect, the W205 is not much better design wise. The brand has sadly lost one of their core values: vision.
@@iFuff I was ready to be really impressed that here is a car that makes waffles! Then I heard the waffles make a strange crunching noise when the people ate them, and I thought, no, these are not very good waffles. Then they told me that after all the car does NOT make waffles at all. VERY disappointed. I think the truth is that what matters with a UX is not WHAT it does, but HOW it does it, and how easy it is to use when you are driving. Probably hard really to convey in a video. I have an Audi A5 with the non-touch screen and a control wheel. It took a little getting used to, but works very well. The screen is near my eye-line when I am driving; the control wheel is easy to reach with my hand without changing my body position. If I buy the same car today, it will have a touch screen mounted high on the dash, and I would have to lean forward to use it. No question that in the showroom or a stupid launch video, the touch screen looks better. In real life, I am not so sure.
@@martinherrington9499 Exactly this. But I see touch as an opportunity to make novices familiar with the interface, but once you're more familiar with it, redundant buttons could speed up the process with less attention needed.
You're so right! I've had a lot of gripe with Mercedes designs for the past decade, and you summed it all up here. I covered the logo and saw a mustang....
@@alexandermoore2982 Thanks for tuning in! So, you did not see a Mercedes-Benz: which is a major issue for the brand. It should be rather clear what this is from the start. It is THE benchmark in the industry for years. And it should be very obvious.
@@NielsvanRoijDesign Speaking of which, if you ever care to examine the W220 (or other contemporary relevant Benzes), it would be interesting to trace where and how Mercedes design lost its way...
@@alexandermoore2982 That is a quick one to answer: after Mr Sacco left... The W220 is a beautiful car but a bad Mercedes-Benz. Or, as one of the people worked at Mercedes as designer once told me: it was a beautiful XJ...
Always look forward to these.. I loved this breakdown and the honesty. I really think the design on the updated E Class and this C Class look frumpy in the front and rear. The lower facia is just strange. I do not care for the styling direction Mercedes have taken. Seeing the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution just reminds me how gorgeous Mercedes can be. Inside it is a disaster. No design, just screens and stripper lighting
Thanks for sitting through the 30 minutes! Glad you look forward to these, some more to come soon... Indeed, the updated E Class and this C Class look frumpy in the front and rear. And, yes, he lower facia is just strange, unpleasant. The 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution is such an icon and 25 years on (similar to a regular 190 for that matter) it shows how relevant, restrained, recognisable and gorgeous Mercedes can be (and could and SHOULD have been!) Inside it is indeed a disaster. Mega screens, shiny plastics and "stripper lighting" haha. We have to remember that one! 😆
Hi Niels! Even though I watch and enjoy his content I agree to some of your criticisms about Zack King. It is a little bit childish (even though it might be to pull the younger demographic to the brand) But in my humble opinion the bigger problem is the fact that it feels so out of place if we remove his sections it doesn’t feel needed so I don’t understand why is he in it… Also I have been using UA-cam as my main source of information since I was 8 y/o (now 19) and watched hundreds of channels but you are the first one that I had difficulty in finding a unanswered comment in the comment section. We also have to add the fact that you don’t do UA-cam as your main job. That is something that I fully appreciate and respect. Thank you for that! 🙌
Hi Mete! The comments are not per say linked to or directed at Zack King. They are at Mercedes for asking him. He is Zack, himself, with his style. The fact they asked him for their product is the problem. Sesame Street is awesome, but does not suit Mercedes either... It, indeed, feels out of place. Glad you enjoyed UA-cam for so long, indeed, I am keen to connect about car design with followers, so no comment is unanswered. UA-cam is not even a source of income, to be fair, let alone a main job. Just started out of fun!
I so agree with you, it's like listening to myself. What is it with us Dutch people and car design? Started with your BMW 3/4 series review. You are so right, so many mistakes just like this C class, sad car. Keep up your awesome work and reviews. But most: Your honesty! I would like to hear your review on the controversial BMW Z3. Hope yo find the time! The fish remark made me laugh out so loud!
Good explanation of what you mean by brand DNA. Could you then post some videos to let us understand which models of which brands are more correctly interpreting the brand DNA? On C class, I agree with your criticism of front face and interiors, but side and back are very well designed here.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for tuning in. Glad you enjoyed the explanation brand DNA. Please find videos in the links below on which models of which brands are correctly interpreting the brand DNA: Porsche 911 992 car design deconstructed!: ua-cam.com/video/TBnuodPXeKk/v-deo.html Fiat Ecobasic: a rolling display of tech to make city cars: ua-cam.com/video/97dV13CRza8/v-deo.html Citroën My Ami Buggy Concept car design review: ua-cam.com/video/eXnD_GJ-2Lc/v-deo.html Volvo Concept Recharge is the next gen Volvo electric SUV: ua-cam.com/video/YxuAJ_jdbjc/v-deo.html The NEW 2022 Range Rover why this is the BEST SUV ever: ua-cam.com/video/cffXngsd_CQ/v-deo.html And many more examples on our channel. Hope you'll enjoy the videos and our channel. Please do consider a sub if that's the case. Thanks!
Not very fond of the blobfish grill. But as they're targeting the current A-class driving managers that recently got a promotion; Mercedes-Benz is trying to continuously appease them with the aggressive looking front end. I miss the days of the distinctive differentiation that the C-class used to have. The _Classic_ with the traditional horizontally lined grill with the Mercedes-Benz logo on top of it. And the _Avantgarde_ that looks like this new C-class with the big star on the grill. I like the traditional small overhang at the front, the long hood and the cab backward design. It's conservative but unmistakably Mercedes-Benz. The interior is a big improvement. All-in-all it's a cohesive design except the blobfish grill. That needs to go.
Not very fond of the blobfish grill here either... But that must have been more or less clear from the vid. 😆 Indeed, the aggressive looking front ends apparently are key, in their view. To not make the video too long the point of a lotal lack of distinctive differentiation between the Mercedes line-up both within the C-range and outside of it (C, E, S, etcetera) was not touched in this video, but that also is indeed lacking. The Classic with the traditional horizontally lined grill with the Mercedes-Benz logo on top of it: so iconic! So lovely to see from the driver seat! Gone... The traditional small overhang at the front, the long hood and the cab backward design iswell executed. The platform is well done, not the execution within it.
Luxury cars used to be marketed in a way that made them feel exclusive and something to strive for. That’s not the case with this car in its design philosophy and marketing strategy. It seems like they’re trying to shake older consumers and focus on those who really value connectivity to the digital world. I also find it odd that they’re trying to relax you as you sit in the car- when I get in a car I want to feel invigorated and inspired, not “relaxed”. And those vertical slits on the rear need to go, they look like they came off a Camry. Give it some time and German automakers will eventually get back to business and create wonderful vehicles again.
@@roscoechance5155 We get a lot of requests on the different channels for reviews... so we have to be selective. The Elantra is very bold indeed - might be worth a try!
Interesting to see how different people look at the same things. I got this "being a Benz" thing after you mentioned it, but I would never think about it otherwise. For the looks, for me it was like "well, ok, looks good" - basically the same as if you look at a person and your brain immediately tells you whether you think they are attractive or not. Since I'm from Germany my first question was "can it do 250 km/h on the Autobahn?". And since I'm a software dev and kinda geeky, my second question was "this MBUX thing, how well does it integrate with my phone? Will Google services all work without issues?". And yes, this "digital magician" showcasing what you can do with After Effects was a bit too much... 😂
The "being a Benz" thing is key for any brand. Well, being a Kia, being a Rolls-Royce, an Audi, etctera... Just looking good is nit good enough any more. Design tells a story on what you are as a brand, why you built cars and how. A great Mercedes for that reason is a bad BMW, or Bentley. And the other way around. The MBUX thing: we will never know! 😁 😆
The e46 m3 is universally loved. I've never heard someone call it ugly. Deserves a review. The launch was awful. And the car doesn't look good either but I can't put a finger on why?
The E46 M3 is universally loved indeed. It definately is not ugly, but the reasons for change at BMW after it where definately legit. Interesting take for a review indeed. Thanks for the suggestion. On the C: the launch was awful, wasn't it?! Imagine many have signed of on this... And, indeed, the car doesn't look good either. What would be your favorite Mercedes design?
@@NielsvanRoijDesign My favorite Mercedes design will have to be my first car, the 190. After that i had a W124 e280, which was also a great car. I also like the w202, more modern but still classic look. Then Mercedes had some very weird design choises for a while, but i have to admit i like the w211 a lot. Another interesting topic would be the major design change from the e30 to the e36. I can imagine it was not liked at the time, maybe a bit like we see with the new M3/4 today? But of all BMW cars, my all time favorite is the e92 M3. It's as beautiful as a Aston Martin. And i'm saying that as a e46 m3 owner.
@@sjoroverpirat To have as your first car a 190 is like starting at the Olympics! The W124 is fantasic too. , which was also a great car. The w202 indeed was also well executed. A truly Teutonic yet modern Mercedes. Much like the new C-class, the w211 is not a bad car in general. It is just not a very good Mercedes-Benz. We indeed sometimes forget major design changes happened in the past too, the e30 to the e36 is a good example. Usually big changes are first met with resistence and later accepted once seen in the street - when it comes to car design. The big difference compared to the new M3/4 today is that the previous changes where all very much A) needed and B) in control. That sadly cannot be said about the current 3/M3/4 The e92 M3 is very well executed too. A big leap when it comes to surfacing, the skin, a major part of car design which often is not credited in the press.
I liked the last C-Class. I think it achieved the aim of looking like the smaller, sportier brother of the elegant S-Class. Its biggest problem was that the E-Class looked so similar that I suspect that for many people in the US there was no point spending the extra money for the E-Class. (Americans don’t buy this kind of car because they want more space in the rear seat. If they want that, they buy an SUV.) This new C-Class looks to me like they stuck the jewelry of the A-Class onto the C. So instead of looking like a compact version of a classy car, it looks like a bigger version of a cheaper car.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The last gen C-Class also matched the describtion of this car: not an ugly car per say, but not a good Mercedes either. Your point on making the models look like (more) different identities within the brand is key though. To not make the video too long, the point of a lotal lack of distinctive differentiation between the products in the Mercedes line-up is another problem not touched in this movie. This is problem is both within the C-range (star on bonnet in Avangarde versus the Classic with the traditional horizontally lined grille with the Mercedes-Benz logo on top of it) and outside of it (C, E, S, etcetera) it was not touched in this video, but that also is indeed very much lacking...
@@NielsvanRoijDesign is the problem for these famous companies simply that the rest have got better? When a guy can leave Audi, join Kia, and make Kias that look like Audis, it must be harder for the premium brands to retain their differentiation.
@@martinherrington9499 Wouldn't argue the problem for the famous or older companies is that the rest have gotten better. Good design has nothing to do with the amount of money (Mercedes has LOADS!) or how old or young the brand is. Not even with the capacity of their designers. In the end the board/CEO is picking. And when they think they know better and rule rather than discuss with their capable teams, you get sh*t... Schreyer indeed left Audi, joined Kia, but did not make Kia's that looked like Audi's in any way shape or form. He design relevant Kia's. Gave the brand its own strong face and DNA. Just like he did at Audi before. It is not harder for the premium brands to retain their differentiation. Good design is good thinking with relevant outcomes for the brand and its users. It is just as hard or easy to design a great Dacia or Kia as it is to design a great Ferrari or Rolls-Royce.
Thanks for tuning in and for sharing your thoughts. The A2 is very interesting! Thanks for the usggestion. Did you see the TT gen 1 review? Comes close to the A2 in its DNA. Very, very good work. Peak Audi no doubt! TT: ua-cam.com/video/s02m73umgOk/v-deo.html Also have a look at the D3 A8: ua-cam.com/video/_ahqvGvBdik/v-deo.html
Ciao Niels, happy you like my suggestion. Drive an A2 myself and highly appreciate the clean and purposeful look. Compared to modern cars there is absolutely no forced „look at me factor“ on the A2. Just purposeful german avant-garde.
@@andreasmi5120 Friendly, clean, and most important: relevant. Very distinguishable from any other brand at the time. Through all its facets: very bold proportions, very unique surfacing telling the story of the brand (vorsprung durch technik) and very simple and pure jewellery doing the exact same. Truly 10/10.
@Niels van Roij: at 19:53 you ask what Mercedes has to do with aircraft engines? Mercedes built engines for the Messerschmitt aircraft so I could understand it being part of their history? As with al Germans, they don't like to be reminded of the War but just look alt the prop of a Messerschmitt and then look at the logo of Mercedes..
Hi there, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Well, factually you might be right about how Mercedes built engines for the Messerschmitt aircrafts. But since WW2 they (understandably...) have not spoken about it. And in the days almost any and every factory in or outside of automotive did something around the war industry. Lets put it like this: there is no truly relevant link and definately not to jet engines.
Hello Sir .... You are 100% correct about this half hearted attempt by the most glorious automobile brand of all time ! It does not remotely resemble anything that deserves a TriStar in the front ! Hyundai Sonata has more character than this creature !!! Horrible design . We love your Chanel and are always looking forward for a new video . Great job , take care 👍 P.S. please do not forget about the RITMO !
Hi there! Thanks for sharing your thoughts again. Indeed: this car is generic design. Not bad per say, but not "Das beste oder nichts" either. The Ritmo is on the shelve... more to come!
Mercedes like most other German brands today are not exclusive like they use to be since most people can afford to lease one these days so it's a completely different target audience to attract. This new target audience only really care about showing off the latest gadgets and over-styled, aggresive exterior styling and performance numbers and they don't care that they'll never own one because they'll just lease a newer model or version. Older Mercs were designed to look like they were still sturdy and relevant even at the end of their model cycle. Unfortunately this relatively new method of car ownership means that MB like Audi and BMW, have to now constantly push the boundaries to stay relevant, maintain their sales with their customer base, maintain a good market share whilst attracting new customers. Sadly these once prestigious German brands will never be what they once were because we now live in the age of cars being one giant smartphone and companies have to adapt or die just like Kodak, Nokia and Blackberry did. As for the presentation, i think it reflects people's short attention span these days, hence the lights and illusions. Not a fan of any current Mercedes design or model.
Thanks for sharing your view. Interesting take! Mercedes, indeed like most other car brands in general today (not just German brands) are not exclusive like they use to be. But the 190 we refer to in the videos was a very similar car in the 80s. So although most people can only afford to lease one these days, the target audience to attract might have changed. That does not mean however they should or could do this stuff. A selection of brand in the exact same arena do very well: Volvo, for instance. Sure, showing off the latest gadgets might be a part of some peopls life, but it should never be a part of your brand if you are going for strategically aimed design, longevity. This is, as per your statement, over-styled and aggresive. One could argue push the possibilities and boundaries to stay relevant and maintain their sales/lease contracts is a job all brands have to do now to not go bankrupt. Cars use to run 5-10 years, now it is 3-5 before an entirely new model comes along! With a proper design director (that is who is at fault here!) prestigious German brands can again be what they once...
12:51 I consider this design language to be "pure tectonic understatement" A german rolls Royce, yet abbreviated, futuristic and sporty Please review the new SL next
It is such a shame, isn't it? The brand used to be the prime example of build quality and engineering. Thanks for tuning in to the videos! Many more on this brand and on some Korean brands too: ua-cam.com/video/ErTHoDSILds/v-deo.html
Briljante video en een scherpe analyse! Ik ben het op veel vlakken met je eens, vooral ook over de belachelijke manier waarop Mercedes hun C-Klasse presenteert.
Dank voor je comment. De presentatie zegt iets over hoe veel er mis is binnen de organisatie. Idem voor de presentatie van de EQS recentelijk: ua-cam.com/video/sLnyal_cqL4/v-deo.html En ook de S Maybach: ua-cam.com/video/FiPqRJrzT0c/v-deo.html
@@NielsvanRoijDesign Dat denk ik ook ja. Ik had de andere twee video’s ook bekeken, die waren eveneens erg interessant. Ik ga zelf in september beginnen met de studie Industrieel Ontwerpen in Delft en wil misschien ook auto-ontwerper worden, dus je video’s zijn voor mij erg leerzaam. Bedankt voor de tijd en energie die je in je video’s steekt!!
Niels, I have never seen the new C class in person but from what I have seen online, it looks waaay better than the CLS and the E!! I think Merc is obsessed with low drag coefficient, always ending up with “blobs.” Lol
Even an obsession with a low drag coefficient, is not reason to end upo with “blobs.” Many other manufacturers make interesting, inspiring, well excuted pieces of relevant vehicle design without making them look like this... 😆 😅
Im not a car designer, just a regular person who loves to observe car shape and design, also cars in general. To me the W204 has some character for a modern C class design, but somehow in w206.., as you said it's an ok design but very generic.., it has no strong identity.. :( I kind of disappointed how Mercedes keep trying to shove the "blob mouth" Grille to replace the previous good design line as their new design language. Guess what, it's not. Well not for me at least. W205 is just an ok design too but at least it has that "merc" Identity somehow that carries the w204 line and evolve it into a more dynamic design hence a continuity. W206?? It has no continuity of its predecessors. If the w206 embodied into a person, i'd like to think of it as a rich bratty gen Z that don't even recognize the legacy of the great predecessors it has. Great review video anyway!! 👏👏👏
Thanks for tuning in to this review. Many more Mercedes-Benz reviews on this channel if you're interested! On the W204: that indeed was a great Teutonic piece of car design, much like the SLS was very much part of that short bit of clean, modern, Germanic design with crisp surfacing and taut details. No more sadly, indeed!
Thanks for the video! It's always great to hear your professional opinion, especially when even 99% of media only examine things from a surface level (like the giant grilles on the new M3/M4). I personally think the new C class does look better than the new S class because it looks a bit crisper overall with more defined body lines (though that could just be lighting from the video) and sharper taillights (which really do a lot for me). The positioning of the headlamps still look a bit weird to me though as they're a bit higher than the grilles, which wasn't the case in previous generations. I'm also very saddened by the lack of physical controls on the new generation. At this point the C class/S class interiors are pretty much identical which was something that so many people were giving BMW slack for previously. Audi started this whole "light show with big screens" fad and quite frankly it's a cheap derivative of the RGB stuff that gamer laptops came up with. Is there any chance you can examine the iX? I'd love to hear your thoughts on that one.
Thanks for tuning in to the video and for sharing your thoughts! Indeed, 99% of media only examine things from a surface level or just say "design is personal" which is the greatest nonsense in the world... You are correct in saying the new C class does look a bit crisper overall with more defined body lines than the S, but that car is just plain bad. The C is a well executed incorrect briefing. The lack of physical controls on the new generation is plain bad design, cheap, yes, a great film and showroom gimmick, yes. But bad human machine interface design too. BMW did it actually better at the time with the old gen i-Drive, as at least they had some buttons around it. (not saying it was ideal, mind you...) Audi started this whole light show thing and the big screens was likely Tesla with their Model S, but it is just distracting from what is needed: design thinking rather than cheap styling. The iX is interesting! We have a long to do list, but we'll try to do that too...
At least the previous model had a bit of a smile. I don't like that grim frowning fish face. Also if it's supposed to look sporty and fast, why does it have a blunt vertical front end? It's not enough to be aerodynamic, it should also look aerodynamic.
Indeed, the previous model had a more sympathiek view out in the world. A smile, more friendly eyes. No angry grim, no frowning face. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
So here is my take on it: Mercedes is not brave with their design. Brave in a sense to stay true to their brand and their history. This car lags the class and also the authority in the design. Mercedes always had that majestic kinda „bossy“ look but they did it in a way it looked natural and not try-hardish. This however is exactly doing that - trying so hard to look mean and sporty and aggressive. Which destroys all the design qualities mercedes used to have as i described already. It is too round, too generic - and not very inspiring. It is not bad, their design is still far ahead of the mess that BMW is creating right now but for a company that made the first car, has archieved so much, this car does not look like that. Also i would like to see more differentiation with the different models. Interior and the chosen infotainment technology is taste of course but i think they did a very good job inside. I‘d liked to have a iDrive-style turn/push system to control everything but that‘s just personal preference. Outside i want to see sharp lines again and especially a more classy elegant design. W204 Mopf is my personal favorite. So classy and elegant but as an AMG - especially the Black Series - also one of the meanest and most powerful looking cars. They nailed that generation.
Thanks for tuning in to the vid and sharing your thoughts. You are on point indeed. Nothing about this exterior design says "Das beste order nichts.Das beste oder nichts"
As the three cars came into my mind regarding the rear view, one of them is Hyundai Elantra, that's not a good sign. ;) (+ a bit of skoda and audi) I think the lack of strong design language is not always bad, the previous C-class hasn't that either and aged very well. However I can't see the potential in this one.
Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts. Although your thoughts are understandable, they are - with respect - incorrect. A strong design language is always needed. That does not mean a outspoken or provocative design language is needed. But a clear sense of identity is key for all OEMs, from cheap to expensive from luxury or sporty to basic. Dacia is a great example of a cheap car manufacturer doing a great job despite very limited budgets and possibilities for the designers. Much like the current, the previous C-class hasn't aged very well as it is a poor piece of car design, mainly conceptually. A very different story to this BMW, but more on that here: ua-cam.com/video/7Eulyz1zj8s/v-deo.html
Thanks for getting in touch. Feel free to like the design of the C-class, it is not ugly by any means. It is, however, failing utterly and completely at being a Mercedes-Benz, and that is the essence of the rather sad message in this video.
@@NielsvanRoijDesign Thanks Niels! I think I can see your point. Was agreat video btw. Would love your view on Mazda Rx7 Fd3s and the new concept they recently showed.
@@NielsvanRoijDesign, this is your best video so far. You call things as they are. That's the honesty so much needed these days. Sadly, something important has been lost not only in design of Mercedes line up (Daimler tries hard to appeal to younger masses and fails at that due to sheer cost of owning a Mercedes - youngsters can't afford a Mercedes) - directness, honesty, clarity, openness, truthfulness has been lost in Daimler Benz corporation. This long presentation has been painful to watch. Likewise, your comments were funny to listen to. :) As you've said, such a serious car as C-klasse shouldn't have been promoted by balaganesque buffoonade, but even that wasn't the worst part of it. It's the thick marketing speech overloaded with soft words which take the life out of life that makes one read very faint message hidden between them: "you are the target audience, you are client, be our client". Um-m, sorry, no. People don't like familiarity, but they equally don't like to be approached as limitless money pits. Can you, please, speak directly, honestly and with feel of pride for the car you have created? It feels like hosts don't care about new C-klasse themselves, how someone else will? Mercedes lost its way. W206 looks no more modern than W205. If I didn't knew which is which, I would tell that both cars come from the same generation. Speaking of design elements that make Mercedes a Mercedes, you are 100% right that without tristar and badges, nothing identifies brand's legacy. It is that generic. Nice looking, not disbalanced, but generic nevertheless. Lack of physical controls is appaling. Design has to remain functional. Touch screens are the bane of usability. Congrats on very precise analysis, Niels!
@@tweed0929 Thank you for the elaborate reply! Much appreciated. It pains me to be so brutal, knowing many people worked very hard on this car. But it needed to be said. They all have worked under a few people (board/chief designer) that truly had no clue at all what they were doing. It is wildly frustrating as a (car) designer to have to execute a bad briefing - you have to do it to A) keep your job and B) make a career. Speaking from experience working in the automotive industry before I started coachbuilding...
@@NielsvanRoijDesign, too many "yes men". A widespread issue in many different industries, particularly in camera market. "Effective managers" care only about quarterly numbers.
😂😂 Had to be done. But to be fair: the fact it had to be done is shame. Who at Mercedes (the brand that invented the car!) is green lighting this BS...?
I wish Benz could go back to the simple, form follows function philosophy. People loved mercedes-benz cars for their subtle, somber, serious but fresh designs, and now all I see is bling-bling and what Bruno Sacco would call 'knicknacks'
A company with the biggest potential to influence public is a slave to the very public it caters for. Hence, the choice to eliminate any notion of engineering at the heart of the product and shift of focus towards ideas of glamor, hysterical excitement and fun. Fashion statement instead of engineering statement, if statement at all. It feels like it is status or an image of success that is offered and sold, and not the product itself. In Lacan's psychology it is called "object petit a". Design in this case serves completely different purpose than that it used to do. When there was an element of chance, there's no chance now but a safe and calculated attempt to play... and not an educated client but a infantile consumer. Sorry for the pathos, but this presentation is almost insulting. Agree 100%.
Thanks for sharing this! Very interesting to hear and spot on. A true shame how one can fall from grace... Imagine, only a few decades ago a Mercedes-Benz was the absolute top achievement in design and engineering. They invented the motorcar. Some say they invented the airbag (although the debate on that one is still out...) but nevertheless: absolutely at the forfront of technology, innovation, ergonomics, aerodynamics, meaning through design, and much more. The current work is flat styling. Worse even than fashion. So fleeting, it is totally replaceable and utterly forgettable.
There's nothing wrong with this design and it looks good but...the previous generation of C-class just out design the new one exterior and interior. Previous design just screams all luxuries. Elegance and beauty with just one look. The new one just too bland and big fat screen in the center looks like some ricer who just swapped out the center infotainment screen😅.
Thanks for tuning in - this video shares a few points on what is wrong with the design, one of them is indeed that there is lack of perceived quality and brand awareness. More in depth similar vids on this channel, enjoy!
i don't really follow why you say aside from the logo there is nothing mercedes to see. take away all the starts and the design is still 90% of that of the A sedan, E sedan and S sedan. from the DRL in the headlight to the shape of the tail lights and all in between. i don't say that is a good thing though, i like my cars (and i am a loyal merc driver) to have their own identity and look
Thanks for tuning in and for sharing your thoughts. The issue is that the cars you mention - and all other cars from the Mercedes-Benz current portfolio are completely off. So, indeed, this has the same DNA as the current cars, which are all extremely poor. Mercedes-Benz has built some truly groundbreaking cars. Very, very important work was done - and then they lost it after Sacco left. A true shame.
@@NielsvanRoijDesign i don't feel much for that generation. For me the mercedes DNA is the 300SL and the best looking generation is the R230, W221, W204, W212
@@Doa744 Thanks again for getting in touch. The Sacco years have been the best years of Mercedes-Benz - that statement is not personal taste, but factually based on the essence of what Mercedes-Benz stood for, for years and still say it is standing for. The line up you're mentioning shows how all-over-the place the brand has been since Sacco's departure, with a complete lack of relevant direction mainly on the conceptual matters of the brand. They are not all equally poor, but they are very inconsistent, which is very much the opposite of a premium brand. In just a few years / generations the DNA completely changed several times, showing a lack of consistency and understanding of the people in charge of design at the brand, sadly.
@@NielsvanRoijDesign true but then again, the target group of buyers has also changed over the years. since the 2000's they shifted with every generation to a younger public and sales figures do support them. i can also understand they can't be consistent because lets face it... the must luxurious? you think about rolls, bentley,... best tech? meh other brands are just as good or maybe just a little less but then also cheaper... best engineered? those days are long gone... overbuild cars hurt sales because they last too long. for me the star stands for prestigue
@@Doa744 Indeed, the target group of buyers has changed over the years. This however has been the case for all brands, all over the world. Any brand has to move and evolve, change over the years, adapt to demands from the market place, a changing demographic and much more. So, the shift since the 2000's to a younger public is a good one. But design wise that change has been executed very poorly. The cars do not say what it does on the tin anymore. Many brands have changed,from cheaper to very luxurious car makers, and have done so in relevant ways. Evolving the brand, making relevant products for both the brand and its heritage as well as the new market place. Think of Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Lamborhini high up and Kia at the bottom end of the market. All driven solely by design and their strong DNA that evolved to suit the market place better - regardless of what one might personally think of each of the brands, the work is very suitable for each of the brands.
New subscriber here…excellent review! Ridiculous, empty, juvenile marketing ‘word salad’ video. Who the hell are they going to convince into buying or leasing that generic blob? I was looking forward to the upcoming CLE convertible. Now, not so much.
Thanks for tuning in and for sharing your thoughts. And for for the sub! Ridiculous, empty and juvenile marketing indeed. We have some more Mercedes-Benz reviews on the channel... and more positive reviews too... 😆 😅 😂
I guess they are trying to appeal to a younger demographic. But I justa can't help but feel that they are trying to step on BMW territory. Even so I do no tthink that apart from the AMG models Merc has been synonymous with comfort and class...not sporty drive!
Don’t you dare about trading in that gem! 😁👍 Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for tuning in to the video. More on the Mercedes brand on this channel!
Could not agree with you more!!!! This new C-class is an disaster and the interior is an absolute disaster. I have owned 5 different MB's and now I am stuck with a W204 and happy at that because I just cannot accept the direction MB has taken in its design, engines and gawd awful interiors. To think a company as revered as MB resorts to such a cartoon introduction of one of its best selling models must surely be an embarrassment to some engineers and designers at MB. Perhaps MB and BMW are hiring from the same agency given the other recent Teutonic catastrophe of BMW designs.
Thanks for tuning in and for sharing your thoughts! Glad you still enjoy your W204. Indeed one of the last cars that could be called Teutonic coming from Mercedes. Such a shame isn't it?! A selection of other videos on the Mercedes-Benz brand on this channel might be interesting to you too, hope you enjoy browsing around!
Thanks for tuning in. Indeed, the language is absolutely dreadful. Just horrible. Many more videos on Mercedes by the way on this channel - hope you will enjoy a little rant!
So all in all MB is selling a dirty diesel/petrol car with a small battery pack, with "intelligence" that's already in my Android phone, for big money. Could you do a review of one of the Dacia cars? They are actually affordable to 'normal' people.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It is rather horrible indeed. We did a few more videos on Mercedes launches. Make sure you see them too! (Spoiler alert: equally bad!)
@@sebsebseb1905 Very exhausting indeed, and in no way the editing is Mercedes-like. or Mercedes worthy. Some of the vids here: ua-cam.com/video/sLnyal_cqL4/v-deo.html And here on the S Maybach!: ua-cam.com/video/FiPqRJrzT0c/v-deo.html
@@NielsvanRoijDesign the problem is that, they have too low of a number of iterative changes on the design. Toyota on the other hand does the opposite and accelerate the rounds of design especially towards the end phases of this process. Toyota is very much into automation and lean business process management throughout their organization. My theory is that they also developed a lean process design thinking, which they had 20 years experience in refining a framework to take the design from basic concepts to a refined concept. This is why Lexus design is very disruptive in the luxury performance market
@@mechpara4104 Interesting statement. Toyota is working on interesting cars, but not all are overly successful design wise. The difficulty of design is that is integrates so much complex systems and facets of a product, including people, money and much more, that from an outside perspective looking in it is often not easy to understand why things fail or work well. Although one could always argue that if a team fails, the leadership is to blame.
"I don't I don't get this" - That's just because your are an angry white men who doesn't internalized the spirit of time ;-) Social media is everything! Nowadays commercials aren't made for people who actually can afford this car but for all these young and wild full time instagram people.
OK. That is an interesting statement there - which I don't get either... Regardless, commercials are always made for people who actually can afford a product, they are not always depicted, however. On topic: no other brand has recently presented a car in such a blatantly childish way without actually discussing the car or presenting it in a decent manner - not saying with that that is has to be dry and broing at all. But having a children's party magician doing sad tricks is just plain weird for a car with a starting price of around 45-50k Euro's... Non of their competition has lost the plot as much as Mercedes-Benz and even outside of their direct competition nobody has failed like this. Nothing to do with the colour of my skin nor my gender, age or anger issues, but all with having seen a few car launches... 😉
@@NielsvanRoijDesign Obviously the irony I wanted to express with my comment didn't turn out that well. I'm far away from diminishing your opinion because of your gender or age or something like that. I was just trying to parrot the usual comments. And what I tried to say with the target audience of this commercial is what you already pointed out by yourself. I don't think that serious people that are about to spend a lot of money feel adressed by this casual guy and this Siegfried & Roy Show minus the white tigers. I really enjoyed your straightforwarded opinion on this. Regards from the land that once build teutonic cars ;-)
@@diequietschbeus8181 Ah, no, that irony entirely passed me...🤣 A fan of irony here even, but with an increasingly big group of followers and commenters (which is great!) on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, UA-cam and LinkedIn, it is hard sometimes to pick out the irony or sarcasm vs. those who really mean it...😑 Thanks for pointing that out.
@@NielsvanRoijDesign Well, if you were speaking with any significant authority and valuable opinion, you would be self-confident enough to ignore a random internet stranger without getting so triggered. Just proved my point lol. C-class is an awesome car and the current MB design language is aesthetically very attractive. If you don't like it personally, it's ok, but making a full-length video with your worthless drivel to take a dump on a very successful product reeks of attention-seeking. sbt
@@wolfsh4de Feel free to comment what it is you have on your heart, not triggered by that at all: as you might have seen on this channel, I am happy to interact with everybody and explain how car design actually works. Both to those who understand car design, as well as those who do not understand car design. Why would I ignore you, when you take the time to write a comment - even if you show through your input you misunderstand the subject? It is an extra reason for me to reach out. Your points above, doubting knowledge and authority are rather empty. If you woud try to debunk or disprove the selection of reasons mentioned in the 30 minute long video on why Mercedes-Benz is doing such a poor job, you could "unprove" my points - again both those made in the video(s) on the Mercedes-Benz brand on this channel, as well as in my reply to your comment above. Instead, you choose to doubt my knowledge on the subject, rather than your own... Feedback to designers or the design team, as in this video, has absolutely nothing to do with personally not liking (or liking, for that matter) a brand. Again, feel free to watch the videos on this channel to get an idea of how car design actually works. The feedback has everything to do with how strategic car design works. Enjoy!
@@NielsvanRoijDesign "Feedback to designers or the design team, as in this video, has absolutely nothing to do with personally not liking" => yes, if it was feedback, that would be nice. But when I look at some of the comments below like "The gimmicky screens and RGB lights would never conceal the ugliness of the poor and lazy design of this mechanical frog!", "Could not agree with you more!!!! This new C-class is an disaster and the interior is an absolute disaster.", "They use all the red to distract from how ugly the car is. They seriously need to fire their design team", and your welcoming reactions to these, it's not hard to see that you are actually running a hater circlejerk here. The nature of functional feedback is being differentiated and not taking a wholesale dump on something. I would love to invest my time and listen all of your points to unprove them but the first 10 minutes were such a loss of my valuable lifetime, I had to quit with frustration after a couple of fastforwards (you speak mostly about the presentation in a condescending, know-it-all manner instead of the product). I don't like the presentation myself, but I thought the video was about the product? Then after googling your own portfolio I failed to find anything aesthetically noteworthy from your studio. In short, I didn't even know of your existence about 24h ago before UA-cam randomly recommended your channel and your little hateclub in the comments section. As a millenial MB owner for the entire last decade, I am extremely happy that MB assumed that new design language and ditched the aged design that you call teutonic, which is still giving wet-dreams to balding 50-something Swabian boomers. That design had its appeal during its time, now it's a different time with a different taste - a fact that the sales numbers tend to agree with. And another fact is that MB expressedly does not want to do anything with "teutonic identity", which may anger some conservative white European/American men, or shisha smoking mid-eastern machos inhabiting Berlin-Neukölln, but everyone else on the market seems to be quite happy. So apparently it's a good "strategic design" deal. Objectively speaking, the current generation of of MB vehicles are absolute beasts in terms of engineering, design and digital experience (with still some room for improvement here).
What do you think of the New Mercedes Benz C-class? Let us know in the comments below!
can you please design a modern Mercedes-Benz, I really would like to see how you would like it to be?
thank you.
Thanks for getting in touch and watching our video! 👍
Desiging a modern Mercedes-Benz, would really be interesting. However, desiging a car from bumper to bumper is a massive amount of work. So that can and will unfortunately only happen after a commission based on a Mercedes-Benz.
I am not a fan of modern Mercedes design. It's such a shame, because Mercedes used to have such elegant designs. In my opinion, they have lost their eleganece, in favour of a far more agressive styling. I think the perfect Mercedes design was the w219 CLS. It was the perfect balance of elegence and muscle. It wasn't grilles everywhere and sharp angles, it was flowing lines. Your eyes were guided over the lines of the car as it passed by.
I am confused by today's Mercedes design. I don't understand what they're trying to go for. I am so surprised that they have such an emphasis on sportiness. Since when was Mercedes all about being "sporty"? Sure, AMG is. But, Mercedes?
I agree with your points!
You are not the only one confused here about what the brand is doing... weird. Very weird what is going on!
Hi Niels, could you describe what design features you would add or remove on this new generation C-class to make it a more “Mercedes Benz like” car?
En je reviews zijn geweldig, keep them coming!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for tuning in! Sorry for getting back late.
On topic: everything. Explaining more in other videos on new Mercedes-Benz cars on this channel!
You're pretty spot on. I've had the same thoughts.
Part of my consideration to buy the w212 E350 Sport Package (13) over the current model was many of your points and I'm just now finding your content.
The one design aspect completely missing from current generation Mercedes from around 2016-present is the absence of "chisel"
The current models are very feminine and not German.
There's a way to maintain presence which this car and generation has none what so ever. These are throw away cars, like icing on top of a turkey.
A car that imo is both modern and retains it's identity, is Bentley. Mercedes-Benz designers can learn something from them.
The Bentley Continental and GT are beautiful cars with very few flaws which look to be addressed on the 2022 models (the grill color and mesh size).
Seriously Mercedes took the wrong turn after the redesigned W212. I don't know what Mercedes hears from consumer's but I literally use my car as a chauffeur service and I literally here constantly how people prefer my gen over the newer models.
You are spot on. The chiseled look was last seen on "your" W212 E class. Also the SLS and the C W204 were more Teutonic. Volvo and Land Rover as well as Range Rover show that these clean, crisp lines work very well on a modern piece of car design too and it makes the car look way more dignified too. Enjoy your W212 and your job as a chauffeur!
@@NielsvanRoijDesign oh yes I see a lot of C W204 on the road, they are really nice cars.
I'm seriously considering to buy previous version W205. New one does not express what Mercedes is at all. They got rid of all heritages and design DNA literally.
Sadly that started quite a while ago already - with respect, the W205 is not much better design wise. The brand has sadly lost one of their core values: vision.
Wow! The “digital” section tells you literally nothing their MBUX can do - except NOT make waffles!
It is truly amazing isn't it?! No information! Indeed, iterally nothing on their MBUX and what it can do it -eh- be-waffles you!
hard cringe at the waffles part :|
as a ux designer I was really looking forward to that section
@@iFuff Ah, yes, a very hard cringe at the waffles part!
Apparently the UX design isn't that bad, so it is just beyond stupid to not show it...
@@iFuff I was ready to be really impressed that here is a car that makes waffles! Then I heard the waffles make a strange crunching noise when the people ate them, and I thought, no, these are not very good waffles. Then they told me that after all the car does NOT make waffles at all. VERY disappointed. I think the truth is that what matters with a UX is not WHAT it does, but HOW it does it, and how easy it is to use when you are driving. Probably hard really to convey in a video. I have an Audi A5 with the non-touch screen and a control wheel. It took a little getting used to, but works very well. The screen is near my eye-line when I am driving; the control wheel is easy to reach with my hand without changing my body position. If I buy the same car today, it will have a touch screen mounted high on the dash, and I would have to lean forward to use it. No question that in the showroom or a stupid launch video, the touch screen looks better. In real life, I am not so sure.
@@martinherrington9499 Exactly this. But I see touch as an opportunity to make novices familiar with the interface, but once you're more familiar with it, redundant buttons could speed up the process with less attention needed.
You're so right! I've had a lot of gripe with Mercedes designs for the past decade, and you summed it all up here. I covered the logo and saw a mustang....
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Glad you enjoyed the vid! Such a shame of the brand, right?!
I saw an Infiniti Q50! 😂
@@alexandermoore2982 Thanks for tuning in!
So, you did not see a Mercedes-Benz: which is a major issue for the brand. It should be rather clear what this is from the start. It is THE benchmark in the industry for years. And it should be very obvious.
@@NielsvanRoijDesign Speaking of which, if you ever care to examine the W220 (or other contemporary relevant Benzes), it would be interesting to trace where and how Mercedes design lost its way...
@@alexandermoore2982 That is a quick one to answer: after Mr Sacco left...
The W220 is a beautiful car but a bad Mercedes-Benz. Or, as one of the people worked at Mercedes as designer once told me: it was a beautiful XJ...
Always look forward to these.. I loved this breakdown and the honesty. I really think the design on the updated E Class and this C Class look frumpy in the front and rear. The lower facia is just strange. I do not care for the styling direction Mercedes have taken. Seeing the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution just reminds me how gorgeous Mercedes can be. Inside it is a disaster. No design, just screens and stripper lighting
Thanks for sitting through the 30 minutes! Glad you look forward to these, some more to come soon...
Indeed, the updated E Class and this C Class look frumpy in the front and rear. And, yes, he lower facia is just strange, unpleasant.
The 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution is such an icon and 25 years on (similar to a regular 190 for that matter) it shows how relevant, restrained, recognisable and gorgeous Mercedes can be (and could and SHOULD have been!) Inside it is indeed a disaster. Mega screens, shiny plastics and "stripper lighting" haha. We have to remember that one! 😆
For God’s sake, where is the traditional grille??? Gorden Wagener vowed to protect it!! 🤦🏻♂️
It was ditched - sadly together with all other links to decent Mercedes-Benz DNA...
Hi Niels! Even though I watch and enjoy his content I agree to some of your criticisms about Zack King. It is a little bit childish (even though it might be to pull the younger demographic to the brand)
But in my humble opinion the bigger problem is the fact that it feels so out of place if we remove his sections it doesn’t feel needed so I don’t understand why is he in it…
Also I have been using UA-cam as my main source of information since I was 8 y/o (now 19) and watched hundreds of channels but you are the first one that I had difficulty in finding a unanswered comment in the comment section. We also have to add the fact that you don’t do UA-cam as your main job. That is something that I fully appreciate and respect. Thank you for that! 🙌
Hi Mete! The comments are not per say linked to or directed at Zack King. They are at Mercedes for asking him. He is Zack, himself, with his style. The fact they asked him for their product is the problem. Sesame Street is awesome, but does not suit Mercedes either... It, indeed, feels out of place.
Glad you enjoyed UA-cam for so long, indeed, I am keen to connect about car design with followers, so no comment is unanswered. UA-cam is not even a source of income, to be fair, let alone a main job. Just started out of fun!
I so agree with you, it's like listening to myself. What is it with us Dutch people and car design? Started with your BMW 3/4 series review. You are so right, so many mistakes just like this C class, sad car. Keep up your awesome work and reviews. But most: Your honesty! I would like to hear your review on the controversial BMW Z3. Hope yo find the time!
The fish remark made me laugh out so loud!
Glad you liked the video - and the fish! 😆 😅
Agreed with and laughed about your sarcasm!
Excellent! Thanks for tuning in! 👍👍
Good explanation of what you mean by brand DNA. Could you then post some videos to let us understand which models of which brands are more correctly interpreting the brand DNA? On C class, I agree with your criticism of front face and interiors, but side and back are very well designed here.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for tuning in. Glad you enjoyed the explanation brand DNA.
Please find videos in the links below on which models of which brands are correctly interpreting the brand DNA:
Porsche 911 992 car design deconstructed!:
ua-cam.com/video/TBnuodPXeKk/v-deo.html
Fiat Ecobasic: a rolling display of tech to make city cars:
ua-cam.com/video/97dV13CRza8/v-deo.html
Citroën My Ami Buggy Concept car design review:
ua-cam.com/video/eXnD_GJ-2Lc/v-deo.html
Volvo Concept Recharge is the next gen Volvo electric SUV:
ua-cam.com/video/YxuAJ_jdbjc/v-deo.html
The NEW 2022 Range Rover why this is the BEST SUV ever:
ua-cam.com/video/cffXngsd_CQ/v-deo.html
And many more examples on our channel. Hope you'll enjoy the videos and our channel. Please do consider a sub if that's the case. Thanks!
Not very fond of the blobfish grill. But as they're targeting the current A-class driving managers that recently got a promotion; Mercedes-Benz is trying to continuously appease them with the aggressive looking front end.
I miss the days of the distinctive differentiation that the C-class used to have. The _Classic_ with the traditional horizontally lined grill with the Mercedes-Benz logo on top of it. And the _Avantgarde_ that looks like this new C-class with the big star on the grill.
I like the traditional small overhang at the front, the long hood and the cab backward design. It's conservative but unmistakably Mercedes-Benz.
The interior is a big improvement. All-in-all it's a cohesive design except the blobfish grill. That needs to go.
Not very fond of the blobfish grill here either... But that must have been more or less clear from the vid. 😆
Indeed, the aggressive looking front ends apparently are key, in their view. To not make the video too long the point of a lotal lack of distinctive differentiation between the Mercedes line-up both within the C-range and outside of it (C, E, S, etcetera) was not touched in this video, but that also is indeed lacking.
The Classic with the traditional horizontally lined grill with the Mercedes-Benz logo on top of it: so iconic! So lovely to see from the driver seat! Gone...
The traditional small overhang at the front, the long hood and the cab backward design iswell executed. The platform is well done, not the execution within it.
You have a great sense of humour, I like you reviews.
Thanks for tuning in! Glad you like the jokes here and there. Hope you enjoy the channel and future content too!
Luxury cars used to be marketed in a way that made them feel exclusive and something to strive for. That’s not the case with this car in its design philosophy and marketing strategy. It seems like they’re trying to shake older consumers and focus on those who really value connectivity to the digital world. I also find it odd that they’re trying to relax you as you sit in the car- when I get in a car I want to feel invigorated and inspired, not “relaxed”.
And those vertical slits on the rear need to go, they look like they came off a Camry.
Give it some time and German automakers will eventually get back to business and create wonderful vehicles again.
Thanks for tuning in and for sharing your thoughts. Very much hope you are right about your last statement... The industry is in much need!
@@NielsvanRoijDesign I’d love to hear your take on the new Hyundai Elantra, it’s quite bold in styling
@@roscoechance5155 We get a lot of requests on the different channels for reviews... so we have to be selective. The Elantra is very bold indeed - might be worth a try!
Interesting to see how different people look at the same things. I got this "being a Benz" thing after you mentioned it, but I would never think about it otherwise. For the looks, for me it was like "well, ok, looks good" - basically the same as if you look at a person and your brain immediately tells you whether you think they are attractive or not.
Since I'm from Germany my first question was "can it do 250 km/h on the Autobahn?". And since I'm a software dev and kinda geeky, my second question was "this MBUX thing, how well does it integrate with my phone? Will Google services all work without issues?". And yes, this "digital magician" showcasing what you can do with After Effects was a bit too much... 😂
The "being a Benz" thing is key for any brand. Well, being a Kia, being a Rolls-Royce, an Audi, etctera...
Just looking good is nit good enough any more. Design tells a story on what you are as a brand, why you built cars and how.
A great Mercedes for that reason is a bad BMW, or Bentley. And the other way around.
The MBUX thing: we will never know! 😁 😆
The e46 m3 is universally loved. I've never heard someone call it ugly. Deserves a review.
The launch was awful. And the car doesn't look good either but I can't put a finger on why?
The E46 M3 is universally loved indeed. It definately is not ugly, but the reasons for change at BMW after it where definately legit. Interesting take for a review indeed. Thanks for the suggestion.
On the C: the launch was awful, wasn't it?! Imagine many have signed of on this... And, indeed, the car doesn't look good either. What would be your favorite Mercedes design?
@@NielsvanRoijDesign My favorite Mercedes design will have to be my first car, the 190. After that i had a W124 e280, which was also a great car. I also like the w202, more modern but still classic look. Then Mercedes had some very weird design choises for a while, but i have to admit i like the w211 a lot.
Another interesting topic would be the major design change from the e30 to the e36. I can imagine it was not liked at the time, maybe a bit like we see with the new M3/4 today?
But of all BMW cars, my all time favorite is the e92 M3. It's as beautiful as a Aston Martin. And i'm saying that as a e46 m3 owner.
@@sjoroverpirat To have as your first car a 190 is like starting at the Olympics! The W124 is fantasic too. , which was also a great car. The w202 indeed was also well executed. A truly Teutonic yet modern Mercedes. Much like the new C-class, the w211 is not a bad car in general. It is just not a very good Mercedes-Benz.
We indeed sometimes forget major design changes happened in the past too, the e30 to the e36 is a good example. Usually big changes are first met with resistence and later accepted once seen in the street - when it comes to car design. The big difference compared to the new M3/4 today is that the previous changes where all very much A) needed and B) in control. That sadly cannot be said about the current 3/M3/4
The e92 M3 is very well executed too. A big leap when it comes to surfacing, the skin, a major part of car design which often is not credited in the press.
I liked the last C-Class. I think it achieved the aim of looking like the smaller, sportier brother of the elegant S-Class. Its biggest problem was that the E-Class looked so similar that I suspect that for many people in the US there was no point spending the extra money for the E-Class. (Americans don’t buy this kind of car because they want more space in the rear seat. If they want that, they buy an SUV.) This new C-Class looks to me like they stuck the jewelry of the A-Class onto the C. So instead of looking like a compact version of a classy car, it looks like a bigger version of a cheaper car.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The last gen C-Class also matched the describtion of this car: not an ugly car per say, but not a good Mercedes either. Your point on making the models look like (more) different identities within the brand is key though. To not make the video too long, the point of a lotal lack of distinctive differentiation between the products in the Mercedes line-up is another problem not touched in this movie. This is problem is both within the C-range (star on bonnet in Avangarde versus
the Classic with the traditional horizontally lined grille with the Mercedes-Benz logo on top of it) and outside of it (C, E, S, etcetera) it was not touched in this video, but that also is indeed very much lacking...
@@NielsvanRoijDesign is the problem for these famous companies simply that the rest have got better? When a guy can leave Audi, join Kia, and make Kias that look like Audis, it must be harder for the premium brands to retain their differentiation.
@@martinherrington9499 Wouldn't argue the problem for the famous or older companies is that the rest have gotten better. Good design has nothing to do with the amount of money (Mercedes has LOADS!) or how old or young the brand is. Not even with the capacity of their designers. In the end the board/CEO is picking. And when they think they know better and rule rather than discuss with their capable teams, you get sh*t... Schreyer indeed left Audi, joined Kia, but did not make Kia's that looked like Audi's in any way shape or form. He design relevant Kia's. Gave the brand its own strong face and DNA. Just like he did at Audi before.
It is not harder for the premium brands to retain their differentiation. Good design is good thinking with relevant outcomes for the brand and its users. It is just as hard or easy to design a great Dacia or Kia as it is to design a great Ferrari or Rolls-Royce.
Hello Niels!
I love your reviews.
I would love to see you review the Audi A2
Thanks for tuning in and for sharing your thoughts. The A2 is very interesting! Thanks for the usggestion. Did you see the TT gen 1 review?
Comes close to the A2 in its DNA. Very, very good work. Peak Audi no doubt!
TT:
ua-cam.com/video/s02m73umgOk/v-deo.html
Also have a look at the D3 A8:
ua-cam.com/video/_ahqvGvBdik/v-deo.html
Ciao Niels,
happy you like my suggestion. Drive an A2 myself and highly appreciate the clean and purposeful look. Compared to modern cars there is absolutely no forced „look at me factor“ on the A2. Just purposeful german avant-garde.
@@andreasmi5120 Friendly, clean, and most important: relevant. Very distinguishable from any other brand at the time. Through all its facets: very bold proportions, very unique surfacing telling the story of the brand (vorsprung durch technik) and very simple and pure jewellery doing the exact same. Truly 10/10.
@@NielsvanRoijDesign Seems like you’re a fan of the A2 silhouette aswell!
@@andreasmi5120 A fan of good design, so yes.
@Niels van Roij: at 19:53 you ask what Mercedes has to do with aircraft engines? Mercedes built engines for the Messerschmitt aircraft so I could understand it being part of their history? As with al Germans, they don't like to be reminded of the War but just look alt the prop of a Messerschmitt and then look at the logo of Mercedes..
Hi there, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Well, factually you might be right about how Mercedes built engines for the Messerschmitt aircrafts. But since WW2 they (understandably...) have not spoken about it. And in the days almost any and every factory in or outside of automotive did something around the war industry. Lets put it like this: there is no truly relevant link and definately not to jet engines.
Hey Niels , you are true legend for me 👍
Haha, thanks! 😁 😆 🤝 And you to me for tuning in to the videos.
Hello Sir ....
You are 100% correct about this half hearted attempt by the most glorious automobile brand of all time ! It does not remotely resemble anything that deserves a TriStar in the front ! Hyundai Sonata has more character than this creature !!! Horrible design .
We love your Chanel and are always looking forward for a new video . Great job , take care 👍
P.S. please do not forget about the RITMO !
Hi there! Thanks for sharing your thoughts again. Indeed: this car is generic design. Not bad per say, but not "Das beste oder nichts" either.
The Ritmo is on the shelve... more to come!
Mercedes like most other German brands today are not exclusive like they use to be since most people can afford to lease one these days so it's a completely different target audience to attract. This new target audience only really care about showing off the latest gadgets and over-styled, aggresive exterior styling and performance numbers and they don't care that they'll never own one because they'll just lease a newer model or version. Older Mercs were designed to look like they were still sturdy and relevant even at the end of their model cycle. Unfortunately this relatively new method of car ownership means that MB like Audi and BMW, have to now constantly push the boundaries to stay relevant, maintain their sales with their customer base, maintain a good market share whilst attracting new customers. Sadly these once prestigious German brands will never be what they once were because we now live in the age of cars being one giant smartphone and companies have to adapt or die just like Kodak, Nokia and Blackberry did. As for the presentation, i think it reflects people's short attention span these days, hence the lights and illusions. Not a fan of any current Mercedes design or model.
Thanks for sharing your view. Interesting take! Mercedes, indeed like most other car brands in general today (not just German brands) are not exclusive like they use to be. But the 190 we refer to in the videos was a very similar car in the 80s. So although most people can only afford to lease one these days, the target audience to attract might have changed. That does not mean however they should or could do this stuff. A selection of brand in the exact same arena do very well: Volvo, for instance.
Sure, showing off the latest gadgets might be a part of some peopls life, but it should never be a part of your brand if you are going for strategically aimed design, longevity. This is, as per your statement, over-styled and aggresive.
One could argue push the possibilities and boundaries to stay relevant and maintain their sales/lease contracts is a job all brands have to do now to not go bankrupt. Cars use to run 5-10 years, now it is 3-5 before an entirely new model comes along!
With a proper design director (that is who is at fault here!) prestigious German brands can again be what they once...
12:51 I consider this design language to be "pure tectonic understatement"
A german rolls Royce, yet abbreviated, futuristic and sporty
Please review the new SL next
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The new SL has now been reviewed. Hope you catches that one!
Teutonic. Not tectonic.
I saw a few C class 2022 for the first time..they look really really cheap!! You r absolutely right Niels! they look like plastic toys in real life!
It is such a shame, isn't it? The brand used to be the prime example of build quality and engineering.
Thanks for tuning in to the videos! Many more on this brand and on some Korean brands too: ua-cam.com/video/ErTHoDSILds/v-deo.html
Got the point! 👌🏼
👌🏼👌🏼
Briljante video en een scherpe analyse! Ik ben het op veel vlakken met je eens, vooral ook over de belachelijke manier waarop Mercedes hun C-Klasse presenteert.
Dank voor je comment. De presentatie zegt iets over hoe veel er mis is binnen de organisatie. Idem voor de presentatie van de EQS recentelijk:
ua-cam.com/video/sLnyal_cqL4/v-deo.html
En ook de S Maybach:
ua-cam.com/video/FiPqRJrzT0c/v-deo.html
@@NielsvanRoijDesign Dat denk ik ook ja. Ik had de andere twee video’s ook bekeken, die waren eveneens erg interessant. Ik ga zelf in september beginnen met de studie Industrieel Ontwerpen in Delft en wil misschien ook auto-ontwerper worden, dus je video’s zijn voor mij erg leerzaam. Bedankt voor de tijd en energie die je in je video’s steekt!!
@@Sjoerd9 Mooi! Je hebt er nog een goede 120 te gaan en iedere week een nieuw exemplaar!
Veel plezier op de TU!
@@NielsvanRoijDesign Bedankt!
@@Sjoerd9 👍👍
Wonder what Mr Bruno Sacco would say about this 'trendy' introduction of his 190 successor...
I think we all know what Mr Bruno Sacco would say about this 'trendy' introduction of his 190 successor... 😉😆
Niels, I have never seen the new C class in person but from what I have seen online, it looks waaay better than the CLS and the E!! I think Merc is obsessed with low drag coefficient, always ending up with “blobs.” Lol
Even an obsession with a low drag coefficient, is not reason to end upo with “blobs.” Many other manufacturers make interesting, inspiring, well excuted pieces of relevant vehicle design without making them look like this... 😆 😅
mercedes did make engines for planes.
They did indeed. But not exactly the type of planes you want to be remembered for...
Thanks for tuning in! Loads more videos about Mercedes around!
Im not a car designer, just a regular person who loves to observe car shape and design, also cars in general. To me the W204 has some character for a modern C class design, but somehow in w206.., as you said it's an ok design but very generic.., it has no strong identity.. :(
I kind of disappointed how Mercedes keep trying to shove the "blob mouth" Grille to replace the previous good design line as their new design language. Guess what, it's not. Well not for me at least. W205 is just an ok design too but at least it has that "merc" Identity somehow that carries the w204 line and evolve it into a more dynamic design hence a continuity. W206?? It has no continuity of its predecessors. If the w206 embodied into a person, i'd like to think of it as a rich bratty gen Z that don't even recognize the legacy of the great predecessors it has. Great review video anyway!! 👏👏👏
Thanks for tuning in to this review. Many more Mercedes-Benz reviews on this channel if you're interested!
On the W204: that indeed was a great Teutonic piece of car design, much like the SLS was very much part of that short bit of clean, modern, Germanic design with crisp surfacing and taut details. No more sadly, indeed!
Thanks for the video! It's always great to hear your professional opinion, especially when even 99% of media only examine things from a surface level (like the giant grilles on the new M3/M4).
I personally think the new C class does look better than the new S class because it looks a bit crisper overall with more defined body lines (though that could just be lighting from the video) and sharper taillights (which really do a lot for me). The positioning of the headlamps still look a bit weird to me though as they're a bit higher than the grilles, which wasn't the case in previous generations.
I'm also very saddened by the lack of physical controls on the new generation. At this point the C class/S class interiors are pretty much identical which was something that so many people were giving BMW slack for previously. Audi started this whole "light show with big screens" fad and quite frankly it's a cheap derivative of the RGB stuff that gamer laptops came up with.
Is there any chance you can examine the iX? I'd love to hear your thoughts on that one.
Thanks for tuning in to the video and for sharing your thoughts! Indeed, 99% of media only examine things from a surface level or just say "design is personal" which is the greatest nonsense in the world...
You are correct in saying the new C class does look a bit crisper overall with more defined body lines than the S, but that car is just plain bad. The C is a well executed incorrect briefing.
The lack of physical controls on the new generation is plain bad design, cheap, yes, a great film and showroom gimmick, yes. But bad human machine interface design too. BMW did it actually better at the time with the old gen i-Drive, as at least they had some buttons around it. (not saying it was ideal, mind you...)
Audi started this whole light show thing and the big screens was likely Tesla with their Model S, but it is just distracting from what is needed: design thinking rather than cheap styling.
The iX is interesting! We have a long to do list, but we'll try to do that too...
@@NielsvanRoijDesign Thanks so much! Looking forward to all future content.
@@henryliu4051 The first one coming Tuesday, ready for the premiere: a short review on the Golf 1! Make sure you hit the bell!
@@NielsvanRoijDesign Will do!
@@henryliu4051 👏 Cheers!
At least the previous model had a bit of a smile. I don't like that grim frowning fish face. Also if it's supposed to look sporty and fast, why does it have a blunt vertical front end? It's not enough to be aerodynamic, it should also look aerodynamic.
Indeed, the previous model had a more sympathiek view out in the world. A smile, more friendly eyes. No angry grim, no frowning face. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
So here is my take on it: Mercedes is not brave with their design. Brave in a sense to stay true to their brand and their history. This car lags the class and also the authority in the design. Mercedes always had that majestic kinda „bossy“ look but they did it in a way it looked natural and not try-hardish. This however is exactly doing that - trying so hard to look mean and sporty and aggressive. Which destroys all the design qualities mercedes used to have as i described already. It is too round, too generic - and not very inspiring. It is not bad, their design is still far ahead of the mess that BMW is creating right now but for a company that made the first car, has archieved so much, this car does not look like that. Also i would like to see more differentiation with the different models. Interior and the chosen infotainment technology is taste of course but i think they did a very good job inside. I‘d liked to have a iDrive-style turn/push system to control everything but that‘s just personal preference. Outside i want to see sharp lines again and especially a more classy elegant design. W204 Mopf is my personal favorite. So classy and elegant but as an AMG - especially the Black Series - also one of the meanest and most powerful looking cars. They nailed that generation.
Thanks for tuning in to the vid and sharing your thoughts. You are on point indeed. Nothing about this exterior design says "Das beste order nichts.Das beste oder nichts"
As the three cars came into my mind regarding the rear view, one of them is Hyundai Elantra, that's not a good sign. ;) (+ a bit of skoda and audi)
I think the lack of strong design language is not always bad, the previous C-class hasn't that either and aged very well. However I can't see the potential in this one.
Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts.
Although your thoughts are understandable, they are - with respect - incorrect. A strong design language is always needed. That does not mean a outspoken or provocative design language is needed. But a clear sense of identity is key for all OEMs, from cheap to expensive from luxury or sporty to basic. Dacia is a great example of a cheap car manufacturer doing a great job despite very limited budgets and possibilities for the designers.
Much like the current, the previous C-class hasn't aged very well as it is a poor piece of car design, mainly conceptually. A very different story to this BMW, but more on that here:
ua-cam.com/video/7Eulyz1zj8s/v-deo.html
Haha presentation is childish. The presenter wears a sports jacket? Is this Balenziaga?
Childish right? So weird...
@@NielsvanRoijDesign Like a teenage UA-camr.
@@iFuff 😁
I actually do like the exterior of the car and disagree with you on that Niels. Its the interior where I feel MB completely lost the plot !
Thanks for getting in touch. Feel free to like the design of the C-class, it is not ugly by any means.
It is, however, failing utterly and completely at being a Mercedes-Benz, and that is the essence of the rather sad message in this video.
@@NielsvanRoijDesign Thanks Niels! I think I can see your point. Was agreat video btw. Would love your view on Mazda Rx7 Fd3s and the new concept they recently showed.
5:40 - it's a fish!
And not an overly pretty one at that!
@@NielsvanRoijDesign, this is your best video so far. You call things as they are. That's the honesty so much needed these days.
Sadly, something important has been lost not only in design of Mercedes line up (Daimler tries hard to appeal to younger masses and fails at that due to sheer cost of owning a Mercedes - youngsters can't afford a Mercedes) - directness, honesty, clarity, openness, truthfulness has been lost in Daimler Benz corporation.
This long presentation has been painful to watch. Likewise, your comments were funny to listen to. :) As you've said, such a serious car as C-klasse shouldn't have been promoted by balaganesque buffoonade, but even that wasn't the worst part of it. It's the thick marketing speech overloaded with soft words which take the life out of life that makes one read very faint message hidden between them: "you are the target audience, you are client, be our client".
Um-m, sorry, no. People don't like familiarity, but they equally don't like to be approached as limitless money pits. Can you, please, speak directly, honestly and with feel of pride for the car you have created? It feels like hosts don't care about new C-klasse themselves, how someone else will?
Mercedes lost its way. W206 looks no more modern than W205. If I didn't knew which is which, I would tell that both cars come from the same generation. Speaking of design elements that make Mercedes a Mercedes, you are 100% right that without tristar and badges, nothing identifies brand's legacy. It is that generic. Nice looking, not disbalanced, but generic nevertheless.
Lack of physical controls is appaling. Design has to remain functional. Touch screens are the bane of usability.
Congrats on very precise analysis, Niels!
@@tweed0929 Thank you for the elaborate reply! Much appreciated. It pains me to be so brutal, knowing many people worked very hard on this car. But it needed to be said. They all have worked under a few people (board/chief designer) that truly had no clue at all what they were doing.
It is wildly frustrating as a (car) designer to have to execute a bad briefing - you have to do it to A) keep your job and B) make a career. Speaking from experience working in the automotive industry before I started coachbuilding...
@@NielsvanRoijDesign, too many "yes men". A widespread issue in many different industries, particularly in camera market. "Effective managers" care only about quarterly numbers.
Excellent analysis Sir! The gimmicky screens and RGB lights would never conceal the ugliness of the poor and lazy design of this mechanical frog!
Thanks you for tuning in, glad you enjoyed the video and agree on the points mentioned! More review on Mercedes (and other brands!) on this channel!
Looks like a KIA Ceed wagon to me. Nothing special
And one could argue a KIA Ceed wagon is a lot better executed and more recognisable asa KIA...
Haha 😂… You are great at breaking down the marketing bullshit.
😂😂 Had to be done. But to be fair: the fact it had to be done is shame. Who at Mercedes (the brand that invented the car!) is green lighting this BS...?
I wish Benz could go back to the simple, form follows function philosophy. People loved mercedes-benz cars for their subtle, somber, serious but fresh designs, and now all I see is bling-bling and what Bruno Sacco would call 'knicknacks'
Spot on!
Hey better than the EQXX! Lol
Well… 😬
A company with the biggest potential to influence public is a slave to the very public it caters for. Hence, the choice to eliminate any notion of engineering at the heart of the product and shift of focus towards ideas of glamor, hysterical excitement and fun. Fashion statement instead of engineering statement, if statement at all.
It feels like it is status or an image of success that is offered and sold, and not the product itself. In Lacan's psychology it is called "object petit a". Design in this case serves completely different purpose than that it used to do. When there was an element of chance, there's no chance now but a safe and calculated attempt to play... and not an educated client but a infantile consumer. Sorry for the pathos, but this presentation is almost insulting. Agree 100%.
Thanks for sharing this! Very interesting to hear and spot on. A true shame how one can fall from grace... Imagine, only a few decades ago a Mercedes-Benz was the absolute top achievement in design and engineering. They invented the motorcar. Some say they invented the airbag (although the debate on that one is still out...) but nevertheless: absolutely at the forfront of technology, innovation, ergonomics, aerodynamics, meaning through design, and much more. The current work is flat styling. Worse even than fashion. So fleeting, it is totally replaceable and utterly forgettable.
Mercedes Benz is a brand no longer worth caring about.
That seems to be sadly a rather correct assessment... Hope you enjoy the other videos on the brand on this channel!
There's nothing wrong with this design and it looks good but...the previous generation of C-class just out design the new one exterior and interior. Previous design just screams all luxuries. Elegance and beauty with just one look. The new one just too bland and big fat screen in the center looks like some ricer who just swapped out the center infotainment screen😅.
Thanks for tuning in - this video shares a few points on what is wrong with the design, one of them is indeed that there is lack of perceived quality and brand awareness. More in depth similar vids on this channel, enjoy!
i don't really follow why you say aside from the logo there is nothing mercedes to see. take away all the starts and the design is still 90% of that of the A sedan, E sedan and S sedan. from the DRL in the headlight to the shape of the tail lights and all in between. i don't say that is a good thing though, i like my cars (and i am a loyal merc driver) to have their own identity and look
Thanks for tuning in and for sharing your thoughts. The issue is that the cars you mention - and all other cars from the Mercedes-Benz current portfolio are completely off. So, indeed, this has the same DNA as the current cars, which are all extremely poor. Mercedes-Benz has built some truly groundbreaking cars. Very, very important work was done - and then they lost it after Sacco left. A true shame.
@@NielsvanRoijDesign i don't feel much for that generation. For me the mercedes DNA is the 300SL and the best looking generation is the R230, W221, W204, W212
@@Doa744 Thanks again for getting in touch. The Sacco years have been the best years of Mercedes-Benz - that statement is not personal taste, but factually based on the essence of what Mercedes-Benz stood for, for years and still say it is standing for. The line up you're mentioning shows how all-over-the place the brand has been since Sacco's departure, with a complete lack of relevant direction mainly on the conceptual matters of the brand. They are not all equally poor, but they are very inconsistent, which is very much the opposite of a premium brand. In just a few years / generations the DNA completely changed several times, showing a lack of consistency and understanding of the people in charge of design at the brand, sadly.
@@NielsvanRoijDesign true but then again, the target group of buyers has also changed over the years. since the 2000's they shifted with every generation to a younger public and sales figures do support them. i can also understand they can't be consistent because lets face it... the must luxurious? you think about rolls, bentley,... best tech? meh other brands are just as good or maybe just a little less but then also cheaper... best engineered? those days are long gone... overbuild cars hurt sales because they last too long. for me the star stands for prestigue
@@Doa744 Indeed, the target group of buyers has changed over the years. This however has been the case for all brands, all over the world. Any brand has to move and evolve, change over the years, adapt to demands from the market place, a changing demographic and much more.
So, the shift since the 2000's to a younger public is a good one. But design wise that change has been executed very poorly. The cars do not say what it does on the tin anymore.
Many brands have changed,from cheaper to very luxurious car makers, and have done so in relevant ways. Evolving the brand, making relevant products for both the brand and its heritage as well as the new market place. Think of Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Lamborhini high up and Kia at the bottom end of the market. All driven solely by design and their strong DNA that evolved to suit the market place better - regardless of what one might personally think of each of the brands, the work is very suitable for each of the brands.
I'm not a fan of the Panamericana grille shape they are forcing into every single body type. It ruined the AMG GT and many others in my opinion.
One of a selection of issues indeed...
New subscriber here…excellent review! Ridiculous, empty, juvenile marketing ‘word salad’ video. Who the hell are they going to convince into buying or leasing that generic blob? I was looking forward to the upcoming CLE convertible. Now, not so much.
Thanks for tuning in and for sharing your thoughts. And for for the sub!
Ridiculous, empty and juvenile marketing indeed. We have some more Mercedes-Benz reviews on the channel... and more positive reviews too... 😆 😅 😂
I guess they are trying to appeal to a younger demographic. But I justa can't help but feel that they are trying to step on BMW territory. Even so I do no tthink that apart from the AMG models Merc has been synonymous with comfort and class...not sporty drive!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It is a big question mark what it is they are doing. Conceptually empty. Poor execution. Bad design.
This is why I'm still driving my W201 and I don't plan on trading it for this generic crap any time soon !
Don’t you dare about trading in that gem! 😁👍 Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for tuning in to the video. More on the Mercedes brand on this channel!
@@NielsvanRoijDesign Thank you for the excellent analysis and looking forward to watching more of your amazing videos !
@@MotorWisdom Cheers!
Could not agree with you more!!!! This new C-class is an disaster and the interior is an absolute disaster. I have owned 5 different MB's and now I am stuck with a W204 and happy at that because I just cannot accept the direction MB has taken in its design, engines and gawd awful interiors. To think a company as revered as MB resorts to such a cartoon introduction of one of its best selling models must surely be an embarrassment to some engineers and designers at MB. Perhaps MB and BMW are hiring from the same agency given the other recent Teutonic catastrophe of BMW designs.
Thanks for tuning in and for sharing your thoughts! Glad you still enjoy your W204. Indeed one of the last cars that could be called Teutonic coming from Mercedes. Such a shame isn't it?! A selection of other videos on the Mercedes-Benz brand on this channel might be interesting to you too, hope you enjoy browsing around!
Mercedes-Benz using American expressions to introduce a car???? “damn good” ??. Really??? And those cringing stupid adverts??? Please!
Thanks for tuning in. Indeed, the language is absolutely dreadful. Just horrible. Many more videos on Mercedes by the way on this channel - hope you will enjoy a little rant!
@@NielsvanRoijDesign
Dank je wel Niels. Je heeft een nieuewe abonee gekregen. Ik vind je videos echt goed. (Ik ben Nederlands aan het leren.)
@@BassicVIC Top! Dank je wel, goed je als abonnee erbij te hebben. Je spreekt al goed Nederlands.!
So all in all MB is selling a dirty diesel/petrol car with a small battery pack, with "intelligence" that's already in my Android phone, for big money.
Could you do a review of one of the Dacia cars? They are actually affordable to 'normal' people.
Well, yes. 😂 It is such poor work...
Dacia is very interesting! Thanks for the suggestion!
hi
Hello!
I didn't get it either the whole presentation. It wasn't fun to watch, it was cringy.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It is rather horrible indeed. We did a few more videos on Mercedes launches. Make sure you see them too! (Spoiler alert: equally bad!)
@@NielsvanRoijDesign also the editing, I couldn't focus on anything, exhausting to watch. I'll check them out.
@@sebsebseb1905 Very exhausting indeed, and in no way the editing is Mercedes-like. or Mercedes worthy.
Some of the vids here:
ua-cam.com/video/sLnyal_cqL4/v-deo.html
And here on the S Maybach!:
ua-cam.com/video/FiPqRJrzT0c/v-deo.html
They use all the red to distract from how ugly the car is. They seriously need to fire their design team
Thanks for tuning in. It is all rather horrible on so many levels it is hard to decide where to start. Such a waste of a great brand, isn't it!?
@@NielsvanRoijDesign the problem is that, they have too low of a number of iterative changes on the design. Toyota on the other hand does the opposite and accelerate the rounds of design especially towards the end phases of this process. Toyota is very much into automation and lean business process management throughout their organization. My theory is that they also developed a lean process design thinking, which they had 20 years experience in refining a framework to take the design from basic concepts to a refined concept. This is why Lexus design is very disruptive in the luxury performance market
@@mechpara4104 Interesting statement. Toyota is working on interesting cars, but not all are overly successful design wise. The difficulty of design is that is integrates so much complex systems and facets of a product, including people, money and much more, that from an outside perspective looking in it is often not easy to understand why things fail or work well. Although one could always argue that if a team fails, the leadership is to blame.
"I don't I don't get this" - That's just because your are an angry white men who doesn't internalized the spirit of time ;-)
Social media is everything! Nowadays commercials aren't made for people who actually can afford this car but for all these young and wild full time instagram people.
OK. That is an interesting statement there - which I don't get either...
Regardless, commercials are always made for people who actually can afford a product, they are not always depicted, however.
On topic: no other brand has recently presented a car in such a blatantly childish way without actually discussing the car or presenting it in a decent manner - not saying with that that is has to be dry and broing at all. But having a children's party magician doing sad tricks is just plain weird for a car with a starting price of around 45-50k Euro's... Non of their competition has lost the plot as much as Mercedes-Benz and even outside of their direct competition nobody has failed like this.
Nothing to do with the colour of my skin nor my gender, age or anger issues, but all with having seen a few car launches... 😉
@@NielsvanRoijDesign Obviously the irony I wanted to express with my comment didn't turn out that well.
I'm far away from diminishing your opinion because of your gender or age or something like that. I was just trying to parrot the usual comments. And what I tried to say with the target audience of this commercial is what you already pointed out by yourself. I don't think that serious people that are about to spend a lot of money feel adressed by this casual guy and this Siegfried & Roy Show minus the white tigers.
I really enjoyed your straightforwarded opinion on this.
Regards from the land that once build teutonic cars ;-)
@@diequietschbeus8181 Ah, no, that irony entirely passed me...🤣
A fan of irony here even, but with an increasingly big group of followers and commenters (which is great!) on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, UA-cam and LinkedIn, it is hard sometimes to pick out the irony or sarcasm vs. those who really mean it...😑
Thanks for pointing that out.
Your irony was invisible, unfortunately.
You are just a bad designer dude. lol
What an excellent in depth comment on the points mentioned in the video. A true master of the craft speaking. 👌
@@NielsvanRoijDesign Well, if you were speaking with any significant authority and valuable opinion, you would be self-confident enough to ignore a random internet stranger without getting so triggered. Just proved my point lol. C-class is an awesome car and the current MB design language is aesthetically very attractive. If you don't like it personally, it's ok, but making a full-length video with your worthless drivel to take a dump on a very successful product reeks of attention-seeking. sbt
@@wolfsh4de Feel free to comment what it is you have on your heart, not triggered by that at all: as you might have seen on this channel, I am happy to interact with everybody and explain how car design actually works. Both to those who understand car design, as well as those who do not understand car design. Why would I ignore you, when you take the time to write a comment - even if you show through your input you misunderstand the subject? It is an extra reason for me to reach out.
Your points above, doubting knowledge and authority are rather empty. If you woud try to debunk or disprove the selection of reasons mentioned in the 30 minute long video on why Mercedes-Benz is doing such a poor job, you could "unprove" my points - again both those made in the video(s) on the Mercedes-Benz brand on this channel, as well as in my reply to your comment above. Instead, you choose to doubt my knowledge on the subject, rather than your own...
Feedback to designers or the design team, as in this video, has absolutely nothing to do with personally not liking (or liking, for that matter) a brand. Again, feel free to watch the videos on this channel to get an idea of how car design actually works. The feedback has everything to do with how strategic car design works. Enjoy!
@@NielsvanRoijDesign "Feedback to designers or the design team, as in this video, has absolutely nothing to do with personally not liking" => yes, if it was feedback, that would be nice. But when I look at some of the comments below like "The gimmicky screens and RGB lights would never conceal the ugliness of the poor and lazy design of this mechanical frog!", "Could not agree with you more!!!! This new C-class is an disaster and the interior is an absolute disaster.", "They use all the red to distract from how ugly the car is. They seriously need to fire their design team", and your welcoming reactions to these, it's not hard to see that you are actually running a hater circlejerk here. The nature of functional feedback is being differentiated and not taking a wholesale dump on something.
I would love to invest my time and listen all of your points to unprove them but the first 10 minutes were such a loss of my valuable lifetime, I had to quit with frustration after a couple of fastforwards (you speak mostly about the presentation in a condescending, know-it-all manner instead of the product). I don't like the presentation myself, but I thought the video was about the product?
Then after googling your own portfolio I failed to find anything aesthetically noteworthy from your studio. In short, I didn't even know of your existence about 24h ago before UA-cam randomly recommended your channel and your little hateclub in the comments section.
As a millenial MB owner for the entire last decade, I am extremely happy that MB assumed that new design language and ditched the aged design that you call teutonic, which is still giving wet-dreams to balding 50-something Swabian boomers. That design had its appeal during its time, now it's a different time with a different taste - a fact that the sales numbers tend to agree with. And another fact is that MB expressedly does not want to do anything with "teutonic identity", which may anger some conservative white European/American men, or shisha smoking mid-eastern machos inhabiting Berlin-Neukölln, but everyone else on the market seems to be quite happy. So apparently it's a good "strategic design" deal.
Objectively speaking, the current generation of of MB vehicles are absolute beasts in terms of engineering, design and digital experience (with still some room for improvement here).
@@wolfsh4de 👍