Mercedes-Benz is planning to bring classic design cues to its next generation of electric vehicles (EVs) in order to align them more closely with their combustion counterparts. Robert Lesnik, the brand’s head of exterior design, revealed this strategy at the Beijing Motor Show. He explained that the first-generation EVs were designed to look different from traditional cars, but as EVs become more mainstream, there is less need for them to stand out. Lesnik emphasized the importance of maintaining some design elements specific to electric cars, such as wheels optimized for efficiency. He also highlighted the introduction of a traditional chrome grille option for the Mercedes-Benz EQS as a preview of the brand’s future design direction.
Lesnik acknowledged that there is a “danger” of EVs becoming too similar in appearance, but he assured that Mercedes-Benz aims to strike a balance between maintaining some unique EV features and incorporating design elements from the current generation of electric cars. He emphasized that the new EVs will still be influenced by the current generation.
One example of this design philosophy is the recently revealed Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ, which closely resembles its internal combustion engine counterpart, the G-Class. Lesnik stated that the goal was for the electric version to be indistinguishable from the ICE model when viewed from a distance of 20 meters. The design differences between the two are minimal, with slight variations in grille and lighting.
Lesnik also emphasized the importance of range when designing electric vehicles. He stated that offering a sufficient range is crucial for making EVs practical and appealing to customers. However, he did not provide specific details about how Mercedes-Benz plans to address range concerns in the future.
Overall, Mercedes-Benz’s approach to design for its next generation of electric vehicles reflects a shift towards a more unified aesthetic between EVs and combustion cars. While some unique aspects specific to electric vehicles will remain, the brand aims to create a cohesive visual identity for its entire vehicle lineup. By incorporating classic design cues and maintaining efficiency-focused features, Mercedes-Benz seeks to strike a balance between familiarity and innovation in its future electric cars.