Should Mercedes-Benz go retro on the next E-Class?
Mercedes-Benz Icon E is a modern take on the classic 70's E-Class
For over 100 years, Mercedes-Benz has rolled a number of iconic vehicles. From limited-run coupes to seemingly ordinary family sedans, the German automaker has been making cars that have defined generations. One of them is the E-Class, specifically the one made from 1968 to 1976.
Known as the W114/W115, it would also be nicknamed the Stroke 8 models. Its simple, and upright profile, along with the vertical headlights, would be imprinted in the minds of many. Since then, the look of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has changed dramatically, but the Stroke 8 remains to be one of the definitive models from the brand. But what will it be like if Mercedes-Benz modernized the W114? Well, wonder no longer.
Car designer David Obendorfer took on that task and the result is rather interesting. Obendorfer retained some of the design characteristics that defined the W114, along with adding in elements of present Mercedes-Benzes. Not only did he show a more modern take on the classic car's exterior, he also did the same for the interior.
Obendorfer kept the upright roofline and vertical headlights and gave it a more rakish appearance. The large grill was also given the same treatment. Even the color matching wheel covers were given a modern touch, looking like it's several inches bigger than the 14-inch rims the 70's edition rode with. The flat window line is also present, and so are the rectangular tail lights.
Inside, the large classic chrome-ringed steering wheel is present in the car. Also, the dashboard has a short top, much like the cars of the 70's. That said, the cabin isn't full retro as the instrument cluster is a wide LCD screen. It even has an infotainment system that wouldn't look out of place in a modern Mercedes. Another not to the past is the chunky column shifter, although current model have one as well, albeit much smaller.
Of course, this design proposal won't see the light of day. But as far as retro-modernism is concerned, that Icon E appears to be faithful to the iconic W114 model. Should Mercedes-Benz consider adding more classic cues to the next-generation E-Class? If they do, it won't be the first time. Just take a look at the 90's E-Class and its round quad-headlights, which would also become one of the quintessential Mercs of that decade.
