Retro Mercedes-Benz E Class is Awesome Tribute to a Classic
The Mercedes-Benz Icon E Concept is one of David Obendorfer's latest designs. It's a modernized version of the classic Mercedes E-Class that distinguishes itself by adopting a minimalist approach.
A Heart for the Past
A lot of car designers like to draw their inspiration from models that existed in the past. For example, the Mercedes SLS AMG was a throwback to the legendary 300SL. The 5th-generation Mustang introduced a retro-themed era of American muscle cars that Dodge and Chevy later adopted in their 3rd-generation Challenger and 5th-generation Camaro respectively. What all these models have in common is the respect they pay to their predecessors. They use selected styling cues to bring back some forgotten glory.
Photos Courtesy of David Obendorfer
David Obendorfer
David Obendorfer is a yacht designer with a heart for cars. He spends his free time experimenting and bending the rules when it comes to car designs. Much of the work he does in his design studio is largely personal. However, he has had one of his creations, the Citroen Type H bodykit for the Relay Van, put into production a few years back.
The Mercedes-Benz Icon E Concept
Obendorfer starts by drawing insights from the past and incorporating them into modern designs. His latest project is the Mercedes-Benz Icon E Concept, which leans closer to the past than we would ever imagine. It's a retro makeover of the modern E-Class sedan. It pays tribute to Paul Bracq, former chief designer for Mercedes who designed the original W115 and Bruno Sacco, head of design at Mercedes (1975 to 1999). For those of us used to the modern extravagant shapes, wings, and vents; this concept depicts a minimalist approach that throws us a bit off-balance.
Less Visual Drama
The broad grille in the Icon E Concept screams that this is definitely a Mercedes. The vertical headlight orientation, however, leans more towards a Cadillac. At first view, many might be tempted to call the design boring for there isn't much that meets the eye. But, a prolonged stare will probably have you appreciating the simplicity that is no longer witnessed in today's automotive design.
Distinctive Features
This Mercedes is a modernized yet simplified version of the 1968 W115 Sedan. It carries the same rectangular grille that's placed between vertical headlights. The horizontal taillights play a huge role in bringing back the past. The front fascia has no vents, aerodynamic tweaks or any openings. Body lines are subtle. The character line that runs from the rear and across the roof is probably the only modern feature. Obendorfer says that the vertical orientation of the headlights was his starting point when he began working on the design.
Interior
The interior is simple and elegant. According to Obendorfer, he wanted to include "as few decorative elements as possible." The dashboard is pretty much empty and expansive. Its most distinctive feature is Mercedes-Benz's dual screen setup. One screen is for infotainment while the other serves as the gauge cluster. The steering wheel has been derived straight from the W115, but comes with a thicker layer to modernize it. Anyone who's driven an EV will appreciate this minimalist interior.
Tech
Inside the Icon E Concept, you'll find Mercedes-Benz's COMMAND system with its respective touchpad and control knob. The center console is as it was in the W115. Obendorfer refers to his style as "modernist luxury" and we can truly see the classical theme that gives the legendary E-Class a timeless vibe.
Not Exactly "Retro"
All the designs that Obendorfer has done so far try to re-imagine how iconic cars from decades ago would look like if they were built today. While many might call them "retro", the designer refers to them differently. "They are interpretations obtained via a creative process, similarly to any new models. From the designer's point of view, it's easy to see that 'retro' as such does not even exist," he says.
For service and maintenance information on your car, check the how to section of MBWorld.com.