Mercedes is finally prepared to blur the lines between electric vehicle and internal combustion engine car design.

      Mercedes-Benz

      Mercedes-Benz is concluding its experiment with ultra-aerodynamic jelly bean designs for its electric vehicles. While the EQ electric models are generally good cars, they haven't received the affection the brand anticipated, largely due to their uninspiring and bland designs, especially when juxtaposed with the more attractive, dynamic combustion models from the German manufacturer. Moving forward, all vehicles bearing the three-pointed star will adopt a unified design language, regardless of the type of powertrain.

      Future Mercedes vehicles will be constructed on the new MMA platform, which accommodates both electric and combustion engines. This allows Mercedes to create a single design applicable to either powertrain, ensuring that customers purchasing the electric variant enjoy the same aesthetic and features as those opting for the gasoline model.

      Last year, Mercedes modified the EQS sedan’s faux grille to resemble that of the gas-powered S-Class, which was viewed as a positive change. Additionally, the EQS lacks the luxury and rear-seat legroom that characterize the S-Class. Even with both sharing an "S" in their names, the electric version felt less opulent, a situation Mercedes aims to remedy in future designs.

      According to Mercedes, the new MMA platform will provide future models with "emotional design without compromising prestigious proportions," and will offer "more interior space and layout without restrictions from two drivetrain concepts at once." These remarks appear directed at improving the EQS sedan in both design and functionality.

      BMW, Mercedes' main German rival, has been promoting its forthcoming Neue Klasse platform for some time. While this platform is designated solely for electric vehicles, BMW aims for its EVs to resemble their gasoline counterparts closely.

      "The significant shift with EVs, these technologies, and this design language will extend throughout the entire product lineup, including our combustion vehicles. Customers will find it easy—everybody will receive new modern BMWs, with the option to choose their drivetrain," stated Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Group's head of design, in an interview with Top Gear in October 2024.

      However, even BMW’s pre-Neue Klasse electric models were mostly similar to their existing line-up, as seen in models like the BMW i4, iX3, and iX. The i3 was an exception due to its unconventional design during the early days of mass EV adoption, though it sparked interest among some. Since then, BMW's electric vehicles have maintained a more traditional look compared to Mercedes’ recent offerings.

      Many Audi electric vehicles also adhere to a conventional design aesthetic and are often indistinguishable from their gasoline models. For instance, the Audi Q8 e-tron appears very much like any standard four-ringed SUV unless observed closely. Even the e-tron GT, Audi's most performance-focused EV, resembles a typical sporty Audi sedan, though it is undeniably stunning.

      The upcoming Mercedes CLA-Class is expected to be the first model on the MMA platform. The presentation reveals a single CLA design capable of accommodating either electric motors or a four-cylinder engine. This new strategy will be implemented across all new Mercedes models, whether they are “entry” like the CLA, “core” such as the C and E-Class, or “top-end” like the S-Class. This approach will enable Mercedes to provide its customers with a choice similar to BMW's: select a new Mercedes model and decide on the drivetrain.

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