Mercedes-Benz adds to its global network of Advanced Design Centres. In 2018, the brand with the star will open a new Center in France’s “Silicon Valley” on the Côte d’Azur. With its Centre in the Sophia Antipolis Science and Technology Park, Mercedes-Benz is strengthening the creative and innovative potential of its global design network, which, using specialised skills, keeps track of trends around the world while allowing new ideas from different continents and cultures to feed into automotive design. Some 50 designers from every discipline will help to endow the brand and products of Mercedes-Benz with unmistakable and timeless forms. With the new Centre on France’s Mediterranean coast, Mercedes-Benz is making a return to one of the birthplaces of the brand. It was in 1899 that Emil Jellinek, a business man resident in Nice, took part for the first time in car races on the Côte d’Azur under the pseudonym “Monsieur Mercédès”, the first name of his daughter Mercédès. In 1902, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) registered “Mercedes” as a protected trademark.

“With the new Design Centre in France, we are systematically expanding the ‘creative spaces’ for our worldwide design network. Having Design Centres around the globe means that we are at home everywhere in the world, and that we are constantly working and living in the future. Going forward, we aim to place even stronger emphasis on the development of strategies and visions for sustainable mobility as well as fascinating customer experiences in every dimension,” says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. “The new Advanced Design Centre is a strategic milestone in the realisation of our design philosophy of Sensual Purity. We are creating new ideal working environments in which our designers and their ideas can enjoy plenty of freedom,” adds Wagener.

The Advanced Design Centre near Antibes will be the new home of the designers in France. With a length of 50 metres and a width of 20 metres, the cylindrical structure lies embedded in a pine forest. Concrete and glass dominate the building’s clear-cut architectural lines. Thanks to all-round glazing, all the rooms are flooded with soft, Mediterranean light – ideal working conditions for the designers. Covering an area of over 3000 square metres, the structure provides around 50 designers with room in which to work. All the relevant disciplines of Mercedes-Benz Design will be represented there: from conventional exterior and interior design to digital and UI/UX design, which is becoming ever more important in times of autonomous driving and human-machine communication.

New working and creative methods will also be used on the Côte d’Azur. Flat hierarchical and decision-making structures, flexible working in time and space as well as a high degree of interdisciplinarity and international networking are intended to meet the requirements of holistic design in the digital age. With new formats, it is hoped that, within a short time, complex issues will be addressed and action-driven results achieved. In this way, the Design Centre will also provide an important impetus for continuously advancing the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of Sensual Purity as well as setting trends with new artistic ideas.

The new Advanced Design Centre is situated in the middle of the Sophia Antipolis Science and Technology Park, France’s “Silicon Valley”. Established in 1969, it is today home to around 36,300 employees of the approximately 2,230 companies on the 2400-hectare site, including Amadeus, SAP, Huawei, Hewlett Packard, Bayer, Thales.

“The key future pillars for the automotive industry, “Connected”, “Autonomous”, “Shared & Services” and “Electric Drive”, have long since become a fixed part of our design organisation,” explains Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. “At our new location, we will act like seismographs, tracking the trends and requirements between the digital and analogue worlds and integrating them in our automobiles in an interconnected way. The new Centre will be a perfect enabler of interdisciplinary cooperation between all design disciplines and will be unique in the sector,” adds Wagener.

The network of Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Centres

The Mercedes-Benz Design team’s daily work centers on evolving vehicles which only see the light of day many years down the road. Their colleagues at the Advanced Design Center journey even further into the future, drawing on global trends and taking up new ideas from other continents and cultures.

Globally, Mercedes-Benz has set up several Advanced Design Center, which pick up the newest trends at local level, analyzing them and applying them to the creative process. In this way they act as detectors, as it were, for trends in areas such as art, culture and architecture. In particular, this involves intuitively picking up on developments which might be suitable for incorporation into timeless design and acquiring an instinct for important, lasting trends. These Centers provide important input to drive the ongoing development of the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of Sensual Purity and to apply new design ideas with the aim of establishing trends which will continue to give a Mercedes‑B enz a sensual and aesthetic character in the future without betraying its roots and its brand identity.

The global network of Mercedes-Benz Design includes several Advanced Design Centers with the new center in France on three continents: in the US, in Europe and in Asia. In these creative centers, automotive, fashion and industrial designers as well as graphic designers, modellers, tailors and 3D specialists work together in a networked and interdisciplinary manner. In doing so, the new center in France has the role of Creative Lab, the nucleus of new working methods and processes.

“French Connection” – a link steeped in tradition

The choice of location for the new Design Centre also marks a return to the roots of the Mercedes-Benz brand, as, alongside Mannheim and Bad Cannstatt, Nice was one of the cradles of the brand. Almost 120 years ago, it was the businessman and marketing strategist Emil Jellinek who promoted “horseless” Daimler automobiles among the highest circles of society in his adopted home, which, at that time, was a meeting place for the “Haute Volée” of France and Europe, especially in winter. His customers included the Rothschild family and other well-known personalities. But Jellinek’s plans went further: as early as 1901, he was selling powerful Mercedes cars in the New World as well, including to US billionaires Rockefeller, Astor, Morgan and Taylor.

Apart from his talent as a salesman, Jellinek was an enthusiastic racing driver. At a race in Nice in 1899, Jellinek drove under the pseudonym “Monsieur Mercédès”, a way of concealing the competitor’s real name which was perfectly usual in those days. Mercédès was the name of his daughter. The race ranks as the hour of birth of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Already in 1900, Daimler automobiles sported the name “Daimler-Mercedes”. At the Nice racing week in late March 1901, the cars bearing the Mercedes name then showed a large audience what they could do: with four first- and five second-place finishes, the Daimler vehicles were in a class of their own – whether in the long-distance race, the hill climb or the mile race. The following year, the name “Mercedes” was registered by Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) worldwide as a protected trademark.

Vehicles with Mercedes-Benz design are already to be seen on water, on land and in the air. Now they will also be seen on golf courses. As a “real sports car”, the Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car authentically transfers the unmistakable Mercedes-Benz automobile design idiom of sensual purity to a premium-class golf cart. The showcar is the result of cooperation between Mercedes-Benz designers, Daimler’s Think & Act Tank Business Innovation and the well-known golf cart manufacturer Garia.

The Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car defines a new class of transport  for the golf course. Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG: “We have reinvented the world of the golf cart with our Mercedes-Benz Golf Car. Mercedes-Benz stands for modern luxury, and golf is an authentic part of that theme. Transferring our automotive design idiom to the Golf Car is therefore something quite natural, and in doing so we have created a product that is both sensual and pure.”

Dr. Jens Thiemer, Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: “With the Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car we are offering a high-end golf cart which is absolutely unique and was specifically developed for sporting golfers and the sport they enjoy.” Our communication bears the lighthearted slogan “a real sports car”.

For decades there was no evolutionary process at all

In 2013 Mercedes-Benz called upon golf and automobile fans from around the world to submit their ideas for a Mercedes-Benz golf cart of the future. While golf has developed into a premium sport with a modern face, golf carts have remained almost unchanged for decades. The numerous submissions showed the need for a golf cart in keeping with modern times. This in turn meant that the golf cart needed to go through a long overdue evolutionary stage spanning several decades. Using modern technology, it was to be tailored to the needs of golfers, accompany current developments in the golf scene with a modern and sophisticated interpretation of luxury, lifestyle and practicality, and feature a bold, intelligent avantgarde design as a clear sign of change.

The best submissions in the design competition were the starting signal for the development of the new Golf Car under the Mercedes-Benz Style label. This is the label under which Mercedes-Benz Style designers create products for aspects of life beyond the automobile. The technical basis for the development of the Golf Car was contributed by golf cart manufacturer Garia. The underlying business model was developed by Daimler’s Think & Act Tank Business Innovation. Susanne Hahn, head of Daimler Business Innovation, explains: “We brought all the relevant project partners around a table – our designers and the golf cart manufacturer Garia, who in a possible pilot stage to come will be responsible for sales, production and development. We ourselves will manage and coordinate the various pilot phases with the in-house and external partners.”

Hot and cool – like the automobiles from Mercedes-Benz

The formal basis for the design of the Golf Car is the same unmistakable design idiom that makes Mercedes-Benz design stand out as a definition of modern luxury. The aim of this design idiom is to create beautiful and intelligent products that are hot and cool.

Unusual proportions

The first conceptual phase already took into account that golf carts need to have certain characteristic features in view of the available space on golf courses. They must be narrower and shorter, but also higher than conventional automobiles. The front and rear overhangs must be very short in the interests of interior spaciousness within a compact overall length. The unusual proportions that resulted are still harmonious thanks to the design expertise of Mercedes-Benz Style. The designers have also been able to blend the exterior and interior into a formal unit.

Sporty and well-balanced

As a showcar, the new Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car immediately appears distinctly different from conventional golf carts. The driver and passenger have a view through a large, curved windscreen. The carbon-fibre roof is different in colour and form from the base vehicle. With its short front and rear overhangs, it somewhat resembles a sporty baseball cap. The effect is to make the vehicle look low and more sporty.

The sporty impression is heightened by a small rear spoiler which acts as a golf bag holder while being fully integrated into the overall design as a significant feature. It is so constructed that it can accommodate two golf bags slanted rearwards. This slanted position allows golf clubs to be conveniently taken out and replaced. A carbon-fibre diffuser rounds off the lower rear end as a lighthearted reference to the vehicle’s character as a “real sports car”. The bench seat has a sculptured, inviting look like a lounge chair, and blends in with the exterior design to provide a sensual experience.

Other examples of intelligent and useful details: There is a refrigerator under the bench seat, and a stowage tray under the dashboard holds golf balls aligned in a row. Bottle holders on the instrument panel support and on the passenger side provide space for glasses and bottles.

The pedals are another nice detail. The right pedal has a plus sign, the left a minus sign, a reference to Garia. In a both practical and charming way, they thereby indicate their functions as accelerator and brake in this electrically powered vehicle.

Perfectly networked from tee to green

An integrated onboard touchpad with a screen diagonal of 10.1 inches and a high resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels shows graphically enhanced vehicle information in the smaller, upper area – for example the remaining range, vehicle speed, current power consumption or parking brake status. Many functions can be controlled at the touch of a finger, e.g. driving mode ‘sport’ or ‘eco’, the headlamps, windscreen heater, wipers and many more.

On the large screen area beneath this, the occupants can display the layout of the golf course and their current position, or if desired activate an electronic score card. The sophisticated graphic design is derived from the latest Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.

A hands-free system with Bluetooth® connection and hi-fi speakers integrated into the rear roof frame strut ensure that also on the fairway, the occupants are connected and able to listen to music from their smartphone. Those who wish to can take a look at a weather app, or order refreshments for delivery to the green. There are also plans to make the contents of a personal smartphone transferable to the touchscreen of the Golf Car, e.g. for internet access.

High-quality materials and colour concept

Stimulating contrasts between soft and harder materials are likewise typical of Mercedes-Benz – e.g. on the instrument panel support, which has a painted upper section and is leather-lined in the lower section. The colour and materials concept has stimulating and surprising highlights with sporty carbon-fibre, sensual wood decor and high-quality, light-coloured leather. Carefully finished to a high standard, the choice of materials confirms the high-quality character of the Golf Car. Metallic features shimmer elegantly in modern silvershadow. The steering wheel literally makes dramatic material contrasts tangible: lined in white leather, its lower section features a metal clasp in silvershadow.

The grille with an air intake slot reinforces the intentional allusion to an automobile. It creates associations with familiar Mercedes-Benz radiator grille designs, and its golf ball structure makes the vehicle’s purpose clear. Below it, the front section ends in an underbody protection panel which visually symbolises suitability for use on the unmetalled surfaces of a golf course.

The 5-spoke wheels with high-sheen twin flanges and black-painted surfaces between them are likewise heavily reminiscent of the dynamism for which Mercedes-Benz passenger cars are known.

All or nothing

In addition to a sensual, purist design idiom, a holistic overall appearance is one of the major attributes of Mercedes-Benz design. In other words, all details must come together to form a harmonious whole at a high level when viewed from any angle. The designers intentionally created every little detail from scratch. This includes e.g. the rear lights and the modern headlamps, whose striking graphics provide a recognition factor for Mercedes-Benz. They lend a face and character to the Golf Car. The headlamps use LED technology, ensuring good visibility in the event of sudden inclement weather and darkness.

Noble origin with a future

The Golf Car self-assuredly declares its origin with the label “Mercedes-Benz Style”. This embellishes the side sill panels, the wide lounge chair on which the occupants sit, is prominently engraved in the rear spoiler and takes the form of a badge on the arched trim section of the instrument panel support. The front section and steering wheel bear the Garia logo, and the rear end has prominent Garia lettering.

Range of up to 80 kilometres

In technical terms the Golf Car has unique features which even make approval for on-road use possible in the USA. To this end it is equipped with all the necessary features such as direction indicators, headlamps and rear lights.

A double wishbone suspension typical of sports cars ensures comfortable driving characteristics and light, precise handling on all surfaces. This also gives the compact Golf Car (length 2350 millimetres, width 1200 millimetres and height 1720 millimetres) a tight turning circle of 5.2 metres. The Golf Car drives extremely smoothly both on the golf course and on metalled roads.

The electric motor of the Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car has an output of three kilowatts, but can also make up to eleven kilowatts available for short periods. This is enough to give the 440-kilogram vehicle with its permissible payload of up to 460 kilograms sporty acceleration, with a governed top speed of 30 km/h with a range of up to 80 kilometres. The charging time for the lithium-ion battery is six hours. The vehicle is braked by front disc brakes.

Garia is initially building two driveable examples of the showcar. The reactions of the market and potential customers will be incorporated into any series production. This progressive Golf Car is to be mainly sold via digital channels. Susanne Hahn: “The vehicle can be experienced absolutely virtually. This means that wherever customers are, in a dealership or on a golf course, they can look at the vehicle on a tablet and order it with three clicks.”

It was 1996 when Mercedes first released their Vito passenger van, followed by the second generation in 2004.  Along the way it also received a new moniker, the Viano.  The latest update came in 2010 when Mercedes gave the popular van a facelift with revised front and rear bumpers and lights as well as a more technology laden interior with finer finishes.

Reports are now coming in that Mercedes will be replacing the Viano with a third generation model in 2014, with the new Viano  already beginning prototype testing in Europe.  Based on sketches obtained by Daimler’s MBPassion, you can instantly see the design influence from the 2014 S-Class and the CLA being carried over into the headlights of the next-gen Viano.

While the Mercedes Viano will continue to fill its current role as an uber-comfortable multi-people transporter, the van will reportedly also fill in as Mercedes R-Class replacement.

Engine wise, it’s likely that the new Mercedes Viano will initially launch with a diesel engine in at least three output options paired with the 7-speed 7G TRONIC gearbox.

You can see all the sketches of the next-generation Mercedes Viano in the gallery below. HT: Shrawan

UPDATE: Check out the latest spy photos of the next-gen Mercedes-Benz Viano testing in Southern Europe.

How do you combine Mercedes’ legendary styling with a modern, totally reinvented interpretation of a luxury motor yacht?  The answer is this:  the Silver Arrows Marine motor yacht, designed in collaboration with the Mercedes-Benz Style design team.

Scheduled to make its debut at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show this September, the Silver Arrows motor yacht is a project that’s taken six years to come to fruition.  It’s been designed to fit as seamlessly as possible into its natural environment, with the intent being that it doesn’t simply use the environment, but rather it becomes part of it.  The result is a motor yacht that brings to reality a variety of radically new solutions, including a stunning new hull design, gorgeous automotive inspired styling, an open plan cabin, extensive use of hi-tech materials, and much more.

In speaking on Mercedes work with Silver Arrows Yacht, Gorden Wagener, head of Mercedes-Benz design, had this to say:  “Giving shape to a boat was an exciting challenge for automotive designers like us.  Our task was to explore how to apply the Mercedes-Benz design language to the particular proportions andspecific requirements of a boat.  We wanted to create something special andwhat we have come up with is indeed unique. The ŒSilver Arrow of the seas embodies pure emotion and stands for luxury, style and pleasure.”

You can see more of the Mercedes Silver Arrows Yacht in the photo gallery below, or book your trip to the Monaco Yacht Show now, which takes place September 25 – 28.