Mercedes-Benz wants its luxury car crown back and will be rolling out a vast number of new models in the coming years. Let’s take a look…
Mercedes-Benz is in the midst of one of the most aggressive product roll-outs in its history as it battles for the premium segment crown with BMW and Audi. At the same time, it is also renaming some of its products, which may lead to some confusion. In doing so it is leaving no niche uncovered – expect more crossovers and SUVs as well a variety of alternative energy vehicles, including full electric.
What’s coming when?
– GLC to rival the Audi Q5/BMW X3 arrives very soon in SA
– GLE SUV launches in SA before year-end
– Refreshed G-Class comes first quarter 2016
– First plug-in hybrid (S500) arrives later this year
– Updated A-Class early in the new year, including A45 AMG
– New C-Class Coupe debuts early in 2016, including C63 AMG
– Facelifted SLK becomes the SLC during 2016
– Refreshed SL get AMG GT inspired face in 2016
– Svelte S-Class cabriolet arrives during first half of 2016
– Facelifted CLA sedan mid-2016
– All-new E-Class makes world debut in 2016
– Updated GL to be called GLS, comes during 2016
– GLC Coupe debuts worldwide during 2016
– C-Class facelift likely during 2017
– Updated GLA crossover during 2017
– All-new GLS and super-luxury Maybach version possible in 2017/18
– Roadster version of AMG GT/S likely in 2017/18
– All-new A-Class to come in 2018
– Next-generation CLS comes in 2018
– All-electric “Tesla-fighter” due in 2018
– GLT Double-Cab arrives during 2018
– All-new B-Class planned for 2019
– Possibility of new entry level crossover, GLB, in 2019
– Next-generation GLE and Coupe arrives before 2020
– All-new CLA sedan arrives in 2020
MERCEDES-BENZ GLC – SA Launch November 2015
The three-pointed stars rival to the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 is due for imminent release in South Africa. In fact, the pricing for the local line-up has already been announced and can be viewed here.
The South African line-up will consist of petrol and diesel derivatives, with all models featuring the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The petrol engine on offer is the familiar 2.0-litre turbo engine used in the C-Class and will power both the GLC 250 (155 kW/350 Nm) and GLC 300 (175 kW/370 Nm). For those with an affinity for diesel, a 2.1-litre turbo diesel will do service in the GLC 220d (125 kW/400 Nm) and GLC 250d (150 kW/500 Nm).
MERCEDES-BENZ GLE – SA Launch November 2015
To fall into line with Mercedess new naming policy, the facelifted ML SUV becomes the GLE when it is updated very soon.
Although exterior changes appear limited, this is a fairly comprehensive update to a very popular vehicle that rivals the new Audi Q7 and Cars Awards finalists Volvo XC90 and BMW X5. Mercedes-Benz claims a fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduction of 17 per cent on average across the engine line-up. All diesel models feature the marques new 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. Also featuring is the Dynamic Select controller that allows the driver to tailor the GLEs steering, suspension and engine settings to suit prevailing driving conditions.
The South African line-up consists of the following models;
GLE250d (150 kW/500 Nm) – R863 000
GLE350d (190 kW/620 Nm) – R964 000
GLE400 (245 kW/480 Nm) – R959 000
GLE500 (320 kW/700 Nm) – R1 166 000
GLE63 AMG (410 kW/700 Nm) – R1 710 000
GLE63S AMG (430 kW/760 Nm) – R1 839 000
MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS – SA launch first-quarter 2016
The updated version of the iconic G-Class was recently revealed in Europe and we were there to drive it. While the big news is arguably the arrival of the bi-turbo 4,0-litre V8 for the first time, the sad news is that this model (G500) is not destined for South Africa.
The local line-up will consist of the G350d (180 kW/600 Nm) and the G63 AMG (420 kW/760 Nm). For pricing and further details of the upgrade, go here.
Also check out this cool article on Five Cool Things you should know about the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
MERCEDES-BENZ S500 PLUG-IN-HYBRID – SA launch late 2015
The first of the Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid models arrive in South Africa before year-end in the shape of the ultra-luxurious S500. According to Mercedes-Benz this model offers the performance of a V8 and the consumption of a compact model. It uses a bi-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine married to a high-tech hybrid drive module to deliver not only stonking performance (0-100kph in 5.2 seconds), but also completely emission-free driving for up to 33 km. The combined system output is 325 kW and 650 Nm of torque. The certified claimed consumption is 2.8 L/100 km.
The batteries can be charged via external electricity mains using a 3.6 kW on-board charger which is permanently installed in the vehicle and charges single-phase up to 16 A. The S500 can be charged in two hours anywhere in the world, e.g. at a wall-box or a charging pole (400 V, 16 A). Alternatively, charging via house connection is also possible. Depending on the connection a charge time of two hours and 45 minutes can be achieved (with 230 V and 13 A). Look underneath the right tail lamp to see where the charging cable would be plugged into.
MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS FACELIFT – SA launch January 2016
We recently traveled to Germany to drive the facelifted A-Class prior to its local introduction early in 2016. Besides a small cosmetic update on the outside, the more major changes happen under the skin. The interior benefits from an upgrade to the infotainment systems, instrumentation and improved fit and finish. With the addition of the Dynamic Select system and adaptive damping, the ride has also been considerably improved.
Read editor David Taylors first impressions of the updated A-Class here.
MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS COUPE – SA launch early 2016
This svelte newcomer made its debut at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show and is due to make its South African appearance early in the new year.
The local line-up will consist of; C200 Coupe (135 kW 2,0-litre turbopetrol), C300 (180 kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol) and the C220d, delivering either 125 kW or 150 kW.
The flagship C63 models are powered by the fearsome twin-turbo 4,0-litre V8 that delivers 349 kW and 650 Nm of torque in the standard model, and 375 kW and 700 Nm in the S. The latter model will join the local line-up. Read more about the AMG models here.
MERCEDES-BENZ SLC – World launch during 2016
The facelifted SLK will also get a new name this time Mercedes-Benz is reviving the old SLC moniker, last seen in the SL line-up of the 70s. As our spy photo shows, the changes do not appear far reaching, but insiders say that Mercedes is working hard to ensure that the SLC will offer a more compelling alternative to the likes of the Audi TT and BMW Z4. Judging by the spy photos we have seen, Mercedes appears to be trying hard to hide the new infotainment system from prying eyes but the rest of the instrumentation and switchgear look similar to what has featured before.
The SLK engine line-up was not updated too long ago, so we dont expect any major surprises on that front. Read more about those here. The SLC could reach South Africa as soon as March/April 2016. Confirmed models are the SLC200, SLC300 and the SLC450 AMG Sport.
MERCEDES-BENZ SL – World launch during 2016
The SL luxury roadster is next in line for a mild mid-life refresh, with the biggest news being design changes to the front. Expect it to largely copy the look of the AMG GTs grille and headlamps. The nine-speed automatic transmission will replace the 7G-tronic but most of the engines will remain untouched, save for the usual round of efficiency improvements.
Inside, the cabin will be updated to include the latest instrumentation and infotainment systems. Also expect to see some of Mercedess new safety and comfort technologies to migrate to this model.
The refreshed SL should arrive in South Africa around March/April 2016.
MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS CABRIOLET – SA launch second-quarter of 2016
Also unveiled at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, the beautiful S-Class Cabriolet will reach South Africa during the first half of 2016.
The cabin offers a number of features to make sure open-top driving remains comfortable. Besides the AirScarf neck-level heating system, and heated seats and armrests, the S-Class Cabriolet also debuts a new technology called AirCap that is described as an advanced, automatic wind protection system.
Both the S500 (335 kW/700 Nm) and S63 Cabriolet (430 kW/900 Nm) models are likely to be offered to wealthy South Africans.
MERCEDES-BENZ CLA FACELIFT – SA launch mid-2016
Following the update to the A-Class, the sedan spin-off CLA should get a similar round of updates around July/August 2016. That means improved interior fit and finish, new instrumentation and infotainment updates, as well as an improved ride.
Our spy photos show that, like the A-Class on which it is based, exterior design changes will be limited.
MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS – SA launch mid-2016
The most important product that Mercedes-Benz will launch during 2016 is its all-new E-Class, still one of the brands top sellers around the globe. It should debut in South Africa around June/July, initially in sedan form only.
As our spy photo shows, the new E-Class (codenamed W213) looks very much like a slightly shrunken S-Class. Our spy photos also show an interior that closely follows the style set by its bigger sibling, including what appears to be a mix of analogue and digital instrumentation. The layout of the controls is very similar to the S-Class as well, with the COMAND controller and touchpad on the centre console, and a large free-standing infotainment screen near the top of the facia.
The new E-Class will use a version of the brands MRA platform (debuted on the C-Class), which uses more lightweight materials and is designed to accommodate a variety of alternative energy powertrains. The weight-saving could be as high as 150 kg on some models. It is also primed for the era of autonomous driving, and it is said that the E-Class will indeed be one of the most advanced cars in the world when it is launched. Likely features include remote parking, autopilot cruise-control (under certain conditions) and gesture control.
With regards to engines, there is a strong rumour that in-line six-cylinder engines will make a return to the E-Class as part of a roll-out of a new engine family comprising of down-sized four- and six-cylinder powerplants. The companys new nine-speed automatic transmission will be fitted to most models. The range-topping E63 AMG will use the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, but tuned to deliver near 450 kW. Regarding the initial South African line-up, we can confirm that only sedans will arrive during 2016, including a E450 AMG Sport model that comes late in 2016.
Station wagon and Coupe/Convertible models are also already nearing completion. These derivatives will reach South Arica during 2017.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLS FACELIFT – World launch during 2016
Mercedes-Benz will give its biggest SUV, the GL-Class another round of updates before an all-new model arrives in about two years time. The facelift will coincide with a revised name GLS to bring the luxurious SUV into line with the brands new naming structure.
Besides some obvious exterior changes, the GLS also gets a significant interior upgrade, with the latest infotainment systems and potentially a revised instrumentation cluster a move to digital is mooted. We do not anticipate major changes to the powertrain line-up.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLC Coupe – World launch during 2016
This very important new model has already been shown in concept form and spy photography confirms that test mules look surprisingly close to being production ready. The GLC is essentially the four-door coupe version of the upcoming GLC SUV, and will battle the BMW X4.
The drivetrain line-up will mirror what is on offer in the GLC. Expect to see this model in South Africa just before end-2016, at the earliest. We would not be surprised to see an AMG version of this model making its appearance at some time.
MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS FACELIFT – World launch likely during 2017
While the current, World Car of the Year-winning C-Class still seems very fresh, Mercedes-Benz is apparently already preparing a round of updates. A facelift is likely during the course of 2017, and one of the major changes could include a shift to fully digital instrumentation. Most models will then also start using the new 9G-tronic transmission and potentially some new four- and six-cylinder engines.
MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS FACELIFT – World launch likely in 2017
Yes, indeed the current S-Class is by no means old, but as the flagship Mercedes-Benz, it needs to stay ahead of the curve. The next E-Class will debut some technologies which are not yet offered on the S-Class, something a mid-life refresh will rectify. In fact, expect some further autonomous driving features to become available at the time of the 2017 update.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLA FACELIFT – World launch 2017
The most compact Mercedes-Benz crossover (for now) gets a similar update to the A-Class and CLA when it is refreshed in 2017. That means slicker instrumentation, better info-tainment systems with improved smartphone integration and a refined ride set-up.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLS – World launch 2017/18
The flagship Mercedes-Benz SUV will be replaced late 2017/early 2018 and it is said that two versions could be under development. Firstly, a direct replacement for the current GL (to be renamed GLS next year), will continue to occupy the market positioning it does at present. Then, the new Maybach division, which recently launched the Mercedes-Maybach S600, could launch an ultra-luxurious version off the same platform to rival the likes of the new Bentley Bentayga and the upcoming Rolls-Royce SUV.
MERCEDES-AMG GT/S ROADSTER – World launch 2017/18
Although Mercedes-AMG ruled out a topless version of the AMG GT coupe when it was launched, there appears to have been a change of heart. A soft-top roadster version is hotly tipped to join the line-up with the same engine line-up.
MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS – World launch 2018
The next-generation A-Class arrives in 2018 and will ride on the companys new MFA2 platform, developed in conjunction with Nissan/Infiniti. This platform will allow for greater powertrain compatibility and indeed a plug-in hybrid model is likely to be part of the launch line-up. It has also emerged that the three-door body could be replaced by a sporty coupe think mini-AMG GT. This model could be used to counter the BMW 2 Series and Audi TT.
MERCEDES-BENZ CLS – World launch 2018
The next version of the swoopy CLS coupe-sedan will apparently arrive in 2018, again based on the underpinnings of the E-Class. That means there will be a line-up of new straight-six engines as well as high-tech features that include some autonomous driving technology.
Some sad news is that the beautiful Shooting Brake station wagon will be dropped due to poor sales.
MERCEDES-BENZ “TESLA-FIGHTER” – Due during 2018
Mercedes-Benz, like Audi and BMW, is keeping a close eye on American upstart Tesla, which recently started manufacturing its highly acclaimed electric luxury Model S in Europe for the first time. A Mercedes insider recently stated that the three-pointed stars foil to the Model S could be on the market as soon as 2018, and that it would have a battery range of between 400 and 500 kilometres. This may not be quite enough… Tesla’s Elon Musk says it should be able to boost the range of its own electric cars to about a 1 000 km on a charge very soon… It is also likely that Mercedes will adopt a fairly radical exterior design for this model. The F015 Luxury in Motion concept car is shown.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLT BAKKIE – World launch 2018
A vehicle that has already generated much publicity and interest in South Africa is the confirmed new Mercedes-Benz pick-up, possibly to be called GLT.
To be jointly developed with Nissan, the new Mercedes-Benz bakkie will likely share its ladder-frame chassis, body structure and axles with the Nissan Navara. Interestingly, Renault has also jumped onto the bakkie bandwagon recently with its Alaskan concept, itself based on the new Nissan Navara.
Although some of the hard bits will be shared with Nissan (and, seemingly, Renault), the Mercedes-Benz pick-up will have its own line-up of petrol and diesel engines as well unique interior.
MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS – World launch of new model possible in 2017
The current B-Class went into production in 2011 so an all-new model should debut no later than 2017. However, insiders now believe that a replacement could be delayed until 2019. First things first the B-Class is likely to undergo a name change when the next-generation model arrives. Insiders say it doesnt fit into the new structure that is currently being rolled out, so it is very likely to fall back into the A-Class line-up. Essentially, it could become to the A-Class what the Golf SV is to the Golf 7. Very little is known about the next-generation model, but the latest engines and transmissions will obviously be transferred to the compact people mover. It is also likely that the next B-Class could become something of an alternative fuel pioneer, and be offered with a fuel-cell drivetrain.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLB – Possible during 2019
A compact crossover to rival the upcoming Audi Q1/2 and next-generation Mini Countryman is reportedly also under development and will be based on the MFA2 platform that also underpins the next A-Class and CLA. Given the existence of the current GLA crossover, it is not entirely clear whether positioning this vehicle will require renaming to fit into the new Mercedes-Benz naming structure.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLE – World launch 2019
The next-generation GLE (current ML) is due before the end of the decade and will again feature a Coupe derivative. Mercedes-Benz says the SUV/crossover is far from over and that every possible niche related to this trend will be explored.
MERCEDES-BENZ CLA – World launch 2020
An all-new version of the compact Mercedes-Benz sedan is likely to debut as late as 2020. The only insight into this model we can reveal thus far is that it will be built at a Nissan factory in Mexico. Whether this means its platform will be shared with Nissan/Infiniti, remains to be seen. The Shooting Brake (station wagon) version is also likely to be built there. It will use the MFA2 platform that also underpins the new A-Class.
