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Mercedes-Benz EQS was ahead of its time, says design chief
Mercedes-Benz EQS was ahead of its time, says design chief

Perth Now

time02-07-2025

  • Automotive
  • Perth Now

Mercedes-Benz EQS was ahead of its time, says design chief

Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz, has gone in to bat for the EQS, saying its tepid sales may be due to marketing, positioning and timing. Regarding its controversial streamlined shape, Mr Wagener told Autocar, 'I think the EQS is probably 10 years too early.' The design chief also believes the EQS shouldn't have been pitched as the electric equivalent of the S-Class. He defended the EQS as a 'very progressive car', but noted 'it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine' which typically have a 'long hood' to denote its status. 'Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class coupe or something like that,' Mr Wagener mused. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Despite this, the car's 2024 facelift made the design a little bit more traditional by junking the faux grille featuring a large three-pointed star in the middle. It was replaced by a new faux grille with multiple horizontal slats bisected by a vertical bar, mimicking the look of a traditional S-Class. There's even a classic three-pointed star mounted as a hood ornament. The EQS won't head into a second generation, instead it will be replaced with an S-Class EV. Although it might feature a different platform to the petrol- and diesel-powered S-Class models, it will share styling and will use the well-established nameplate. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert The controversial styling of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV will be retired when those models reach the end of their lifecycle. Indeed, the whole EQ range will slowly sail off into the sunset. Instead of offering electric vehicles as standalone models, Mercedes-Benz will put EV drivetrains into established model lines. The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, features both EV and mild-hybrid drivetrains. Similarly there will also be EV drivetrain options for the next-generation C-Class and GLC. MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz EQS was ahead of its time, says design chief
Mercedes-Benz EQS was ahead of its time, says design chief

7NEWS

time02-07-2025

  • Automotive
  • 7NEWS

Mercedes-Benz EQS was ahead of its time, says design chief

Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz, has gone in to bat for the EQS, saying its tepid sales may be due to marketing, positioning and timing. Regarding its controversial streamlined shape, Mr Wagener told Autocar, 'I think the EQS is probably 10 years too early.' The design chief also believes the EQS shouldn't have been pitched as the electric equivalent of the S-Class. He defended the EQS as a 'very progressive car', but noted 'it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine' which typically have a 'long hood' to denote its status. 'Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class coupe or something like that,' Mr Wagener mused. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite this, the car's 2024 facelift made the design a little bit more traditional by junking the faux grille featuring a large three-pointed star in the middle. It was replaced by a new faux grille with multiple horizontal slats bisected by a vertical bar, mimicking the look of a traditional S-Class. There's even a classic three-pointed star mounted as a hood ornament. The EQS won't head into a second generation, instead it will be replaced with an S-Class EV. Although it might feature a different platform to the petrol- and diesel-powered S-Class models, it will share styling and will use the well-established nameplate. The controversial styling of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV will be retired when those models reach the end of their lifecycle. Indeed, the whole EQ range will slowly sail off into the sunset. Instead of offering electric vehicles as standalone models, Mercedes-Benz will put EV drivetrains into established model lines. The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, features both EV and mild-hybrid drivetrains. Similarly there will also be EV drivetrain options for the next-generation C-Class and GLC.

Mercedes-Benz EQS was ahead of its time, says design chief
Mercedes-Benz EQS was ahead of its time, says design chief

The Advertiser

time02-07-2025

  • Automotive
  • The Advertiser

Mercedes-Benz EQS was ahead of its time, says design chief

Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz, has gone in to bat for the EQS, saying its tepid sales may be due to marketing, positioning and timing. Regarding its controversial streamlined shape, Mr Wagener told Autocar, "I think the EQS is probably 10 years too early." The design chief also believes the EQS shouldn't have been pitched as the electric equivalent of the S-Class. He defended the EQS as a "very progressive car", but noted "it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine" which typically have a "long hood" to denote its status. "Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class coupe or something like that," Mr Wagener mused. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite this, the car's 2024 facelift made the design a little bit more traditional by junking the faux grille featuring a large three-pointed star in the middle. It was replaced by a new faux grille with multiple horizontal slats bisected by a vertical bar, mimicking the look of a traditional S-Class. There's even a classic three-pointed star mounted as a hood ornament. The EQS won't head into a second generation, instead it will be replaced with an S-Class EV. Although it might feature a different platform to the petrol- and diesel-powered S-Class models, it will share styling and will use the well-established nameplate. The controversial styling of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV will be retired when those models reach the end of their lifecycle. Indeed, the whole EQ range will slowly sail off into the sunset. Instead of offering electric vehicles as standalone models, Mercedes-Benz will put EV drivetrains into established model lines. The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, features both EV and mild-hybrid drivetrains. Similarly there will also be EV drivetrain options for the next-generation C-Class and Everything Mercedes-Benz EQS Content originally sourced from: Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz, has gone in to bat for the EQS, saying its tepid sales may be due to marketing, positioning and timing. Regarding its controversial streamlined shape, Mr Wagener told Autocar, "I think the EQS is probably 10 years too early." The design chief also believes the EQS shouldn't have been pitched as the electric equivalent of the S-Class. He defended the EQS as a "very progressive car", but noted "it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine" which typically have a "long hood" to denote its status. "Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class coupe or something like that," Mr Wagener mused. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite this, the car's 2024 facelift made the design a little bit more traditional by junking the faux grille featuring a large three-pointed star in the middle. It was replaced by a new faux grille with multiple horizontal slats bisected by a vertical bar, mimicking the look of a traditional S-Class. There's even a classic three-pointed star mounted as a hood ornament. The EQS won't head into a second generation, instead it will be replaced with an S-Class EV. Although it might feature a different platform to the petrol- and diesel-powered S-Class models, it will share styling and will use the well-established nameplate. The controversial styling of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV will be retired when those models reach the end of their lifecycle. Indeed, the whole EQ range will slowly sail off into the sunset. Instead of offering electric vehicles as standalone models, Mercedes-Benz will put EV drivetrains into established model lines. The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, features both EV and mild-hybrid drivetrains. Similarly there will also be EV drivetrain options for the next-generation C-Class and Everything Mercedes-Benz EQS Content originally sourced from: Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz, has gone in to bat for the EQS, saying its tepid sales may be due to marketing, positioning and timing. Regarding its controversial streamlined shape, Mr Wagener told Autocar, "I think the EQS is probably 10 years too early." The design chief also believes the EQS shouldn't have been pitched as the electric equivalent of the S-Class. He defended the EQS as a "very progressive car", but noted "it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine" which typically have a "long hood" to denote its status. "Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class coupe or something like that," Mr Wagener mused. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite this, the car's 2024 facelift made the design a little bit more traditional by junking the faux grille featuring a large three-pointed star in the middle. It was replaced by a new faux grille with multiple horizontal slats bisected by a vertical bar, mimicking the look of a traditional S-Class. There's even a classic three-pointed star mounted as a hood ornament. The EQS won't head into a second generation, instead it will be replaced with an S-Class EV. Although it might feature a different platform to the petrol- and diesel-powered S-Class models, it will share styling and will use the well-established nameplate. The controversial styling of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV will be retired when those models reach the end of their lifecycle. Indeed, the whole EQ range will slowly sail off into the sunset. Instead of offering electric vehicles as standalone models, Mercedes-Benz will put EV drivetrains into established model lines. The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, features both EV and mild-hybrid drivetrains. Similarly there will also be EV drivetrain options for the next-generation C-Class and Everything Mercedes-Benz EQS Content originally sourced from: Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz, has gone in to bat for the EQS, saying its tepid sales may be due to marketing, positioning and timing. Regarding its controversial streamlined shape, Mr Wagener told Autocar, "I think the EQS is probably 10 years too early." The design chief also believes the EQS shouldn't have been pitched as the electric equivalent of the S-Class. He defended the EQS as a "very progressive car", but noted "it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine" which typically have a "long hood" to denote its status. "Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class coupe or something like that," Mr Wagener mused. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite this, the car's 2024 facelift made the design a little bit more traditional by junking the faux grille featuring a large three-pointed star in the middle. It was replaced by a new faux grille with multiple horizontal slats bisected by a vertical bar, mimicking the look of a traditional S-Class. There's even a classic three-pointed star mounted as a hood ornament. The EQS won't head into a second generation, instead it will be replaced with an S-Class EV. Although it might feature a different platform to the petrol- and diesel-powered S-Class models, it will share styling and will use the well-established nameplate. The controversial styling of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV will be retired when those models reach the end of their lifecycle. Indeed, the whole EQ range will slowly sail off into the sunset. Instead of offering electric vehicles as standalone models, Mercedes-Benz will put EV drivetrains into established model lines. The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, features both EV and mild-hybrid drivetrains. Similarly there will also be EV drivetrain options for the next-generation C-Class and Everything Mercedes-Benz EQS Content originally sourced from:

Mercedes: Futuristic EQS Styling Is Hurting Sales
Mercedes: Futuristic EQS Styling Is Hurting Sales

Motor 1

time01-07-2025

  • Automotive
  • Motor 1

Mercedes: Futuristic EQS Styling Is Hurting Sales

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the negativity surrounding the design of Mercedes' flagship electric car seems nearly universal. I must be in the minority because I don't think the EQS looks bad, especially in real life. Sure, it doesn't have the presence of an S-Class, but it was never intended to be a direct replacement, so perhaps we've been judging it too harshly. Be that as it may, the jellybean design, which prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency above all else, hasn't exactly won over buyers. Through the voice of its design boss, Mercedes has offered a few explanations as to why the EQS never really caught on. Gorden Wagener told Autocar the range-topping EV was launched '10 years too early,' suggesting it's simply too futuristic for its own good. However, the car has already been on the market for about four years, and we haven't seen much shift in public perception. People still aren't fans of the design language used across the EQ lineup. Wagener explains that the EQS failed to resonate with S-Class buyers because 'it's a completely different car," one that wasn't developed as a chauffeur-driven luxury sedan with a long hood like the conventional flagship. In hindsight, the man in charge of design at Mercedes suggests that the brand should have marketed the car differently, 'more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class Coupe or something like that.' Mercedes has already acknowledged that it has learned from its past mistakes. It's now unifying the design language across combustion and electric models. The next-generation S-Class will spawn a zero-emission version that's expected to replace the EQS. The egg-shaped styling is on the way out, although the shift won't happen overnight. The current-gen S-Class is slated for a facelift in 2026 , so its successor probably won't arrive until the end of the decade. In the meantime, Mercedes' decision to merge ICE and EV models is already becoming evident across its lineup. The new CLA looks nearly identical whether it's powered by gasoline or electricity. Furthermore, the upcoming electric GLC won't be badged as EQC, as the company is phasing out the separate EQ lineup . It's a clear sign that Mercedes is mirroring BMW's strategy by offering various powertrains under a single model family. The electric G-Class already follows that playbook, skipping the EQG name in favor of G580 with EQ Technology. In a previous interview with ABC News , Wagener defended the EQ design language, describing it as 'purposeful and very progressive.' He argued that the underwhelming demand for the EQS isn't necessarily a result of its styling but instead of how customers perceive EVs in general: 'One problem with EVs is customer perception. The customer sees it like an electronic device. Combustion cars are still being perceived like a Chrono watch, much more long-lasting.' Mercedes has already attempted to make the EQS resemble the S-Class by incorporating a 'front grille' reminiscent of the company's traditional crown jewel. A second facelift is in the works, with the three-pointed star motif integrated into the headlights to echo the new CLA. This upcoming refresh suggests the EQS will remain in the lineup for at least a few more years, which makes sense considering the electric S-Class isn't expected until around 2030. The Future Of Mercedes Design: This 'Damn Sexy' Mercedes Design Will Shape Future Cars Electric Mercedes GLC: First Official Look Source: Autocar Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )

Why does Germany pay taxes for Russian propaganda? – DW – 06/25/2025
Why does Germany pay taxes for Russian propaganda? – DW – 06/25/2025

DW

time25-06-2025

  • Politics
  • DW

Why does Germany pay taxes for Russian propaganda? – DW – 06/25/2025

The "Russian House" still stands in the heart of Berlin. Critics say it is used to spread propaganda for Putin's Russia. Meanwhile, Germany pays property taxes for the land. The Russian House is centrally located on Friedrichstrasse in the heart of the German capital. As a throwback to a bygone era of friendly German-Russian relations, it is the subject of fierce disagreements and has long been a bone of contention in Berlin. The massive seven-story building covering an area of almost 30,000 square meters was opened in 1984. At that time, back in the days of the East German state, its role was to celebrate friendship with the Soviet Union through concerts, film screenings, and book readings. It even had its own small bookstore. Today's administrators still maintain that it is a place to celebrate the friendship between the two countries: "The Russian House is Russia's cultural embassy in the heart of Berlin," according to the Russian Embassy's website. But quite a few critics say that the events that take place there, which the Russian House estimates attract 200,000 visitors a year, mainly serve as propaganda for Vladimir Putin's Russia. Berlin media outlets have repeatedly reported on events at the in-house cinema where, for example, a Holocaust film was shown in which Ukrainian citizens were portrayed as Nazis. And if Robin Wagener, a member of the Bundestag for the Green Party, is to be believed, the Russian House even sells soap for children in the shape of a tank. Wagener told DW: "It is time we recognized that this is not mutual cultural exchange, but Russian war propaganda in Germany." That's why Wagener thinks it's time to focus on one particularly bizarre detail: the property on Friedrichstrasse belongs to Germany, and yet the building is run by the Russian federal agency "Rossotrudnichestvo." In English, that's the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation. Rossotrudnichestvo, whose primary purpose is to promote the Russian language abroad, currently has 73 similar institutions in 62 countries worldwide, including the one in Berlin. Since 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the agency has been on the EU sanctions list. At the time, the EU justified this by stating that the agency's goal was to consolidate "a wider public perception of the occupied Ukrainian territories as Russian." The director and deputy director, the statement added, had clearly expressed their support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. However, as the de facto owner of the property, the German federal government must now pay a whopping €70,000 ($81,193) in property taxes. This stems from a long-standing agreement between Germany and Russia, which recognized each other's cultural work. Wagener wants to ensure that this sum is cut from the upcoming budget negotiations. Wagener first had the idea a year ago, but in the chaotic turmoil of the coalition government between the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Green Party, and the neoliberal Free Democratic Party (FDP), no budget was agreed upon, which is only now being finalized. Wagener's reasoning for the possible cut: The house has long lost sight of its original purpose, namely to promote mutual cultural exchange: "Russia keeps escalating. And that's making the situation worse. The basis for this mutual cultural agreement was to promote the exchange of culture and science." Wagener approached the new federal government on this matter. The response was somewhat awkward: "With regard to the house located on the property, which is owned by the Russian Federation, the Federal Republic of Germany pays the property tax for the Russian Federation on the basis of its legal obligation under the bilateral German-Russian agreement on property issues relating to cultural institutes of 2013." It made reference, in other words, to an agreement that was reached before the Russian occupation of Crimea. Whether this will lead to the freezing of funds is anything but certain. The German Foreign Office has repeatedly stated that the employees of the institute have diplomatic status in Germany. It is an open secret that the German government is shying away from open conflict over the Russian House because it fears that the Russian government could respond by closing the Goethe Institute in Moscow. Green politician Wagener nevertheless vows to continue campaigning for its closure: "I believe that this Russian cultural center has no future as a cultural mediator. If one wants to seriously engage with Russian culture, which I would very much welcome, then there are already civil society venues run by people who are themselves persecuted in Russia and live here in Germany because they can no longer freely express their culture in Russia." For the time being, however, the Russian House plans to continue hosting events at its located on one of the most famous streets in the German capital, right in the heart of you're here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter, Berlin Briefing.

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