AutoDesign - 2006, the year of the Luxury Car Wars?

Car manufacturers seem to be anticipating a really big jump in the economy in 2006. For a start, Mercedes Benz has launched the new S-Class with all the latest technological gadgets in the automobile industry ever imaginable. Then in Detroit, Lexus counter-strikes with the new LS for 2007. Expected to be of similar stature and price, both competes head on and with the Lexus LS launching the long wheelbase edition of their new car, it will be expected to gain a larger market share.


Note the huge wheel arches which was designed to express a visual expression of might. This was one of the most prominent design touches of the new S Class.


Using the design methodology of "less is more", Mercedes have adopted the 'I-drive' system of BMW and developed it further to create a comfortable know at the centre armrest with a nice looking wrist-pad. The LCD monitor also now takes centre stage as in all luxury cars to showcase the latest DVD movies and the 3D visualization of the car itself.


Lexus have started applying its L-Finesse design rule into the latest car. Note the heavily stylized C-pillar window kink. It looks similar to BMW's exclaimed Hoffmeister kink, with a Lexus touch.


The Lexus LS interior seems to be derived from its smaller cousin, the Lexus GS and it looks dark and drab on this photograph. Lighter colours should add a nice touch to the luxury ambience.