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Design round-up: New electric Mercedes GLA; Audi Q9; 25 years of Mini design
Car Design News looks at news that may have gone under the radar, including the latest updates from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Mini and Bentley
New Mercedes-Benz GLA
With a lower silhouette and longer wheelbase, the new electric Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV appears sportier and more confident.
It is also the first compact Mercedes-Benz to sport the illuminated grille.
Inside, the cabin appears roomier thanks to a new minimalistic design, panoramic roof and floating-style door centre panels with open storage. Despite this, the focus is clearly on the floating MBUX Superscreen that spans the entire width of the dashboard.
Full release here.
Audi Q9 – a new flagship
Measuring 5.21m long, 2.21m wide and 1.81m tall, the Q9 is Audi’s largest SUV to date (can they get any bigger?!).
Seating and lighting are two of the key design elements, with this seven-seater containing two electrically adjustable individual seats in the second row. The third-row seats fold down individually via a button. The first row adds in ventilation and massage functions. These seats all benefit from a 1.5 square metre panoramic sunroof – the largest in Audi’s portfolio.
Outer digital OLED rear lights are curved in three dimensions, made possible by ultra-thin glass which allows the panels to flow with the vehicle’s silhouette. The advanced turn signals have also undergone a makeover, projecting a stylised graphic onto the ground in sync with the signals at the front and rear.
Full release here.
25 years of Mini design
Mini has released a video that showcases design sketches and insights from Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group design, and Holger Hampf, head of Mini design, in celebration of 25 years of design.
It’s a great weekend watch – and only six minutes – check it out.
Bentley Torcal – the diamond pattern continues
Yes, we are still getting drip-fed information about the Bentley Torcal.The latest morsel of information is that the Bentley diamond pattern will be present on the Torcal through a jewel-like floating diamond grille as well as through digital displays created using real artefacts.
The Bentley Torcal will be revealed in London on 23 September.
Full release here.
