The design style of each period often has some relatively popular elements. These trend elements often go from being controversial to being optimized and improved, and then become popular in the market! Taking advantage of the Chinese New Year, Brother Jiang will take stock of some of the current popular car trend elements and see which one will be your "favorite"?
1. Split headlight
When talking about headlights in the past, people were accustomed to talking about a pair of headlights, but since split headlights have become popular, headlights are not only divided into left and right, but also divided into up and down.
In fact, split headlights are not a "new product". Due to technical reasons, early cars all adopted a split shape. It was only after World War II that they evolved into one-piece headlights. Although there have been four-eyed models like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211) and POLO MK4, it is undeniable that integrated headlights are the mainstream in the market.
And this also explains why when Nissan launched the four-eyed JUKE in 2010 (picture), people criticized it more and more. Even so, the new Nissan JUKE retains its classic split headlight design.
Later, the Jeep Free Lights changed the split headlights to be more conservative, but people were still unwilling to accept this trendy design. There was also a constant stream of complaints and abuse about the Free Light headlights on the Internet.
But as time goes by, both manufacturers and consumers seem to be gradually accepting this design for SUVs. The split design can effectively enhance the sense of hierarchy. Models such as Lynk & Co 01 and Baojun 510 have also become popular with their split headlights.
As split headlights are gradually accepted by consumers, many car companies have begun to follow up and launch models using this design, such as Buick Encore, Hyundai Tucson, and the upcoming new Nissan X-Trail and new BMW 7 Series.
2. Hidden door handle
Hidden door handles also appeared a long time ago. In 1952, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL used hidden door handles to reduce wind resistance.
However, its popularity later came from the "new force"-Tesla. But unlike Mercedes-Benz, Tesla used it more to highlight its technology and avant-garde.
In addition to getting rid of mediocre design and improving the sense of technology, hidden door handles are actually not "worry-free". Since this design requires the collaboration of software and hardware to work properly, its reliability and stability are not as high as those of traditional door handles. And because it is hidden behind the car door, the handle may be frozen and unable to be opened.
Even so, when choosing between practicality and technological sense, many car companies still use this design that represents technology, especially the new car-making forces, which regard it as a symbol of new energy vehicles. As hidden door handles become popular in new energy vehicles, traditional car companies have also followed suit. Models such as the famous new generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Hongqi H9 use this design.
3. Through-type taillights
When it comes to through-type taillights, more people will still think of the independent brand BYD. In particular, the so-called "bow-shaped" through-type taillights on the old BYD Qin are even more impressive.
In fact, the "originator" of through-type taillights is Lincoln. The earliest through-type taillights came from the Lincoln Continental, which is also the longest-standing and most important model in Lincoln history.
It is no exaggeration to say that Lincoln is a "maniac" with through-type taillights. Almost all Lincoln models use through-type taillights.
The new fashion trend is gradually becoming popular. The application of through-type taillights is springing up like mushrooms after a rain. It is out of control. A lot of car companies are rushing to use this design. Models such as Honda XR-V, Volkswagen's new Touron, and Audi A7 all have similar elements.
4. Chrome-plated exhaust decoration
Once upon a time, only cars with large enough displacement and powerful enough power would need more exhaust pipes. Therefore, in the impression of many consumers, high-performance cars are often accompanied by large displacements, and large-displacement cars have multiple exhausts.
However, it is impossible for a family car worth around RMB 200,000 to have a power performance of millions, so many car companies are working hard on the chrome-plated exhaust decoration of family cars. For ordinary family cars, four exhausts are more for appearance and look more sporty and good-looking.
5. Large-size central control screen
Like the hidden door handles in front, the popularity of large central control screens was also triggered by Tesla. When Tesla cars first appeared in front of us, the 17-inch central control screen they used surprised many people: "It turns out that car central control screens can be so big!"
With the dawn of the era of smart internet cars, more and more domestic and foreign car brands have followed suit and launched their own flagship smart internet models. However, not all manufacturers can achieve the same high level of autonomous driving technology as Tesla. Therefore, the ultra-large large car screen that is easier to implement has become the main target of imitation.
Various oversized central control screens have begun to enter consumers' vision. Gradually, Tesla's 17-inch screen can no longer be called big. In terms of size, perhaps you have to look at the 48-inch central control screen of Byton M-Byte and the 1.4-meter giant screen that Mercedes-Benz plans to use on the pure electric sedan EQS.
write at the end
Good design will indeed bring a higher rate of return to a car, but in the end, buyers need to consider not only the glamorous appearance, but also practicality and reliability. Therefore, Brother Jiang suggests that when buying a car, don’t just look at popular elements and ignore your own actual needs. So among the many popular elements on the market, which one is your favorite? Welcome to follow "Cars Without Borders" and leave a message in the comment area below to share your views on these design elements.
