[jbanks15]

Raphael Orlove
Filed to: CAR DESIGN
MERCEDES SL
9/16/14 12:17pm

You know how some car designs grow on you? Whatever the opposite of that is, the current Mercedes SL.

I'm not sure if other cars in the Mercedes stable (like the very clean AMG GT) have made the SL look ugly by contrast, or if there's something about the SL's shape that's just wrong. Maybe it was masked in the thrilling newness of the car back in 2012.

Even with the best color and the best lighting it's just... erf.

Why, why is it so hideous now, in 2014?

The comments are here:

Why Is The Mercedes SL Getting So Ugly?

 

[BlueSLK250]

The side view is very Chrysler Crossfire, which is not to say it's bad, just very derivative which is surprising considering the history of those companies. The downside of the styling for me is the strange conjunction of smooth curves and sharp angles...like a cheap body kit.

 

[Durkatlon]

Comments on that thread devolved into a brutal savaging of the SLK's styling, both 171 and 172.

 

[Berliner Heckflosse]

They are not ugly if you can afford the real thing.

I bet you we are looking at the new R 173 just on a larger Scale.:nerd::surprise:

 

[Gregg]

I see nothing "ugly" about the current SL. Admittedly, it is a bit overplayed with vents and sharp edges, but at least it's not laden with Star Wars like fiberglass appendages that mean nothing aerodynamically. In my opinion, car styling regardless of make is moving towards the anime Japanese tuner look.

Let's be honest.....the exterior look of most cars is driven by the manufacturer's idea of what the largest possible customer group would prefer. This is usually derived from focus groups of a targeted demographic. Unfortunately, art and aesthetics are not socially important in the current age.....just look at fashions young people are sporting. It's a manifestation of the hat turned sideways pants on the ground gansta' look.

I personally like the Pininfarina style.....smooth with curves in all the right places.....just like a proper woman should look :wink:

 

[fastdawg1]

I'm not a fan of the front end, but I'm not a fan of the SLK's new front end either. But the car in general, I have no issue with. I'd take it if you gave it to me!

 

[BCoolidge]

To be honest all SL have been ugly since the discontinuation of the Pagoda in 1971