Separated at birth? VE Statesman/Caprice > 2008 C Class

[heikz_h]

New scoop photos of the entry level Mercedes C Class

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/01/new_c1.jpg
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/gallery/data/526/medium/32.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/01/new_c10.jpg
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/gallery/data/526/medium/63.jpg

[EddieVE06]

OK, lets all start bagging the crap out of Merc for making a copy of the Holden and picking up its lines, lights, backend and side profile just like the idiots who did the same with the VE being part magna, falcon, astra, audi etc.

I suppose what we are seeing is a common blend of car designs until something new comes in.....to me, nothing wrong with that. Its just the times

IMO, i'd still take the Holden

[Danv8]

borrowing styling cues is nothing new really.
I don't see the big deal really.

[Holden Man]

They do look similar but it would have to be coincidence as the new C class's design would have been finished before Holden released the Statesman.

[VZSS250]

Having spent a lot of intimate time with a Caprice for the last two months, I definately agree that the two cars use a lot of the same styling cues.

- headlights;
- wheel arches;
- grill shape;
- chrome strip at the bottom.

But the Caprice has the Benz beaten on detail:

- side window profile is much more sleeker;

- rear passenger window not obstructed by awkward frame running through as per the Benz. In the Caprice the rear window is one piece, meaning the passenger can enjoy the view.

- side indicator in Statesman/Caprice looks great;

- Bottom grill in Caprice (not Statesman though) with chrome surround and horizontal and vertical bar inlay is pure class;

- blacked out headlights in Statesman/Caprice are much nicer;

- Caprice grill and badge has a real presence about it.

- Statesman/Caprice has a 6.0 litre motor for under $70k. Gameover.

Only the S Class in the Mercedes range can be favourably compared to the Caprice in terms of on road presence and luxury.

[billy4455]

I agree the two cars could be in the same rage together (might need to change some of the plastics in the WM)

I just hope the VE/WM makes it to Europe - might shock a few people

maybe world car of the year is the first step

[`redoctober]

Imitation is the finest form of flattery, and if Mercedes are in fact copying Holden (less than likely, as many people know new models take several years to design [the VE started progress before the VT was released, if I remember correctly]) then it shows they're doing something right.

They look similar, but most cars do these days as all manufacturers are adopting European styling.