Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a sculpture hinting at the lines of the marque's redesigned flagship sedan.
Under Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz, stylists have established a tradition of creating small, abstract sculptures for the company's stands at motor shows, under the “Aesthetics†banner. But “Aesthetics S,†to make its debut at the Paris motor show this month, adds special effects: lights and colors play over its contours, alternating fiery orange effects with cool icy-blue ones. It's not unlike a lava lamp, frankly. The beholder can almost hear accompanying music - albeit more Wagner than Pink Floyd.
“The characteristic lines of the S-Class have always represented the exp ression of automotive culture, as we understand it,†Mr. Wagener said in a media release. “The new S-Class will continue this tradition and, with its striking lines, will put a face to our design philosophy over the coming years.â€
The first sculpture in the “Aesthetics†series depicted a car rising from the ground, as if emerging form a pool of molten metal. The second, a complex construct with the themes of Mercedes interiors, was jointly inspired by nature and technology - Calla lilies and Boeing blended-wing airliners. Many attendees at the 2011 Detroit auto show, where the piece was exhibited, regarded it with bafflement.
With the effects stripped away, the theme for the design of the new S-Class is strikingly simple, as shown in a bas relief side view of “Aesthetics S.†It focuses on two character lines on the sculpture's flanks, a long way from the muscled-up, full-fender theme of the last S-Class, which was said to be inspired by the pontoon style of long-ago Mercedes sedans. The greenhouse is swept smooth in a sign of influence from the CLS sedan.
“Aesthetics S†will be on display at the Paris motor show from Sept. 27 to Oct. 14.
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