Mercedes-Benz Man Intense Mercedes-Benz 2020

I have decants of Mercedes Benz Man Intense and Percival, and spent some time comparing them side-by-side (in a blind sniff test). There are certainly similarities: both clean, refreshing scents, somewhat generic but also "classic" in an early-2000s sense, and similar notes between them. However, it is extremely obvious, even in "blind" sniff tests, which fragrance is the superior product (and it's not this one). Percival has a bright playfulness behind it, and while the scent is powerful in announcing its presence, it isn't overbearing. MBMI is a bit more cloying, a bit "heavier", less effervescent.

I haven't gotten my nose on Fierce or Legend/Legend EDP recently, and so can't comment on where MBMI fits within the grand scheme of this fragrance family, but this one definitely cannot hang with the upper tier. It's fine and inoffensive, but not exciting, and not something I'll be adding to my collection as a full bottle.