MERCEDES-BENZ

Mercedes' design chief openly: "Nobody buys station wagons anymore"

Slovenian Robert Lešnik, head of exterior design at Mercedes, believes that station wagons are no longer relevant on the market, given that "nobody buys them anymore".

Slovenian Robert Lešnik, head of exterior design at Mercedes, believes that station wagons are no longer relevant on the market, given that "nobody buys them anymore".

The German automaker introduced the new electric C-Class a few days ago, and the industry and fans of the brand wondered if there would be a station wagon version. If we face the latest statements from Mercedes-Benz representatives, the answer is no.

Robert Lešnik, head of exterior design at Mercedes-Benz, claims that the popularity of station wagons has declined significantly in recent years and that the best proof is the sales figures. Obviously, because everything revolves around SUVs these days.

"We have three regions. Nobody buys them in America anymore; we tried the shooting brake version of the CLS and 'nobody' bought it. The Chinese don't understand them and don't buy them. Then we're left with Europe, and if you look at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, it's a bit expensive. So who can buy a car like that in Europe," Lešnik said in an interview with the British magazine Autocar.

Mercedes-Benz's portfolio currently includes the C-Class station wagon with internal combustion engines, and a redesign is even expected. There are also the CLA Shooting Brake and the E-Class station wagon.

Now it remains to be seen whether Mercedes will change its mind and launch a zero-emission C-Class station wagon, given that BMW is preparing the i3 Touring.

Robert Lešnik, the Slovenian Head of Exterior Design at Mercedes-Benz, has indicated that station wagons (estates) are losing their market relevance due to low demand. 

According to a report based on his conversation with Autocar (as of April 2026), Lešnik noted that while designers and journalists appreciate the long-roof bodystyle, "nobody is buying them" in significant numbers. 

Key points regarding Lešnik’s assessment(below):

Regional Decline: He indicated that the market for wagons is effectively dead in America and that Chinese consumers "don't understand them and don't buy them".

Europe's Shrinking Market: Even in Europe, which has historically been the primary market for wagons, demand has decreased, with high-end models like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate becoming too expensive for a shrinking customer pool.

EV Shifts: This view supports reports that Mercedes might not offer a station wagon version of future electric vehicles (such as the C-Class EV), breaking a 30-year tradition, as the sales numbers do not support the investment. 

Autonews