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Aug 04, 2023

Mercedes

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Mercedes-Benz is reshaping its expansive U.S. product portfolio as it accelerates toward an electric future. The automaker aims to become an all-electric brand globally by 2030

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

Mercedes-Benz is reshaping its expansive U.S. product portfolio as it accelerates toward an electric future.

The automaker aims to become an all-electric brand globally by 2030 but acknowledges that some markets will be slower to flip than others. Given lingering consumer skepticism of electric vehicles and inadequate public charging infrastructure, the U.S. is likely one of those markets.

Mercedes expects EVs to account for 40 percent of its new-vehicle sales in the U.S. by 2026 and 70 percent by 2030. At a retailer meeting in May, Mercedes teased eight new vehicles, including electric variants of the CLA coupe and GLC crossover.

Electrification is also coming to Mercedes’ light commercial vehicle business.

Mercedes will bring a battery-powered Sprinter to the U.S. this year. A luxury midsize passenger van and a range of electric RVs will follow.

eSprinter: A battery-powered U.S.-made version of the Sprinter van arrives in the fourth quarter of this year. Built on the Electric Versatility Platform, the eSprinter will be available in Europe with three battery options and can be configured as a delivery van, flatbed truck or ambulance.

Mercedes initially will bring the cargo van’s longest-range version to the U.S. Based on European testing cycle estimates, the high-roof, long-wheelbase model has a 113-kilowatt-hour battery that delivers a driving range of up to 249 miles. It has 488 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Electric cargo van: Mercedes teased the model via a concept at the brand’s Americas dealer meeting this year. The vehicle is expected to be built on Mercedes’ new electric-only VAN.EA platform and could arrive as early as 2026.

EQS SUV: The battery-powered large SUV is the third model built on Mercedes’ new electric EVA2 platform. A 107.8-kilowatt-hour battery delivers up to an EPA-estimated 305 miles of driving range. The single-motor rear-wheel-drive EQS 450+ produces 355 hp, while the dual-motor EQS 580 4Matic pumps out 536 hp.

The Maybach version of the EQS SUV arrives in the second half of this year. It features a redesigned grille that lays the subbrand’s signature vertical chrome-plated stripes over a solid black surface. A light strip runs above the grille, incorporating a chrome plate with the Maybach name.

A freshen will take place by 2026.

EQE crossover: The electric midsize crossover arrived in the spring. The single-motor rwd EQE 350+ and dual-motor EQE 350 4Matic deliver 288 hp. The more powerful EQE 500 4Matic variant pumps out 536 hp.

A 90.6-kWh battery powers the EVA2 platform crossover. This summer Mercedes also introduced a 677-hp high-performance version of the electric crossover under the AMG brand. A freshen should come in 2027.

GLC EV: Mercedes will likely bring an electric version of the GLC by 2026. The EV will have about 300 miles of range and an all-new design that features a more rounded front.

Mercedes had planned to introduce the electric compact crossover with the debut of its EQ subbrand in the U.S. in early 2020. But after delaying the launch by a year, the company previously scrapped plans to bring it here because of its relatively anemic driving range.

EQB: The compact electric crossover arrived in the U.S. last summer. The electric version of the GLB is similar to its internal combustion sibling and available as a three-row, seven-seater.

The EQB 250+ delivers 188 hp and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in eight seconds. The EQB 300 4Matic pumps out 225 hp and goes from 0 to 60 mph in seven seconds. And the more powerful 350 4Matic delivers 288 hp and a 0-to-60 time of six seconds. The EQB is due for a freshen in the first half of next year.

Mercedes-AMG EV: A four-door all-electric, high-performance car could arrive in the first quarter of 2026. The vehicle is on the AMG.EA platform and was teased with the teardrop- shaped Vision AMG concept. It featured sharply angled A-pillars, flared wheel arches, broad shoulders at the rear and a longer, aerodynamic rear overhang.

EQS sedan: The large battery-powered sedan, which went on sale in fall 2021, is built on the EVA2 platform. It is available in rwd and all-wheel drive and powered by a 107.8-kWh battery that delivers up to 350 miles of EPA-estimated range.

The AMG EQS arrived last year and is the first AMG production model based on the Mercedes EQ architecture. The performance sedan features a boost function that provides up to 751 hp. The EQS sedan is due for a freshen around mid-decade.

EQE sedan: The battery-electric midsize sedan is on the EVA2 platform. A 90.6-kWh battery delivers up to an EPA-estimated 305 miles.

Mercedes also introduced a 677-hp high-performance version of the electric sedan under the AMG brand. A freshen arrives in 2026.

CLA EV: An electric version of the coupe will arrive in the U.S. in 2026 that is larger than the combustion engine CLA but with a sleeker profile. The interior carries over the digital-first cockpit design of Mercedes’ current electric models. It should get 400 miles of driving range.

Sprinter: The next generation of the gasoline-powered Sprinter won’t arrive in the U.S. until late in the decade.

Metris: Mercedes- Benz will ditch the van from its U.S. lineup this year and exit the midsize commercial van segment.

G-Class: The Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4 Squared, a hardcore off-road variant of the iconic SUV, sits at the top of the model range. A freshen should arrive in the second half of 2024, along with a battery-powered variant. The EV will likely deliver 430 kW of combined power from four motors. It will carry a new battery that is 20 to 40 percent more energy dense, helping reduce vehicle weight and extend driving range. The electric G-Class retains its fossil-fuel-powered cousin’s ladder-frame chassis and chunky look, but the partially closed-off grille hints at the powertrain. Shots of a prototype revealed redesigned front bumper and fender flares.

GLS: Mercedes’ flagship SUV receives a light freshen in the third quarter that will update the grille and introduce minor changes to the headlight and taillight design. A redesign is expected in 2026.

GLE: The midsize crossover lineup is electrified for the 2024 model year and includes mild hybrids with a 48-volt system and integrated starter-generator. Mercedes’ second-bestselling nameplate also receives a new plug-in hybrid variant in the third quarter. A 23.3-kWh battery powers the 2024 GLE 450e 4Matic and delivers up to 381 hp. The plug-in hybrid can accelerate to 130 mph and do 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

The high-performance 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE features newly designed LED daytime running lights, and the front fascia bears the AMG emblem on the hood. A GLE redesign is timed for 2026.

GLC: The next generation of the sporty GLC coupe arrives in the fourth quarter.

The redesigned 2024 model is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor.

The engine makes 255 hp and propels the crossover from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system includes a starter-generator integrated into the transmission.

Redesigned Mercedes-AMG GLC coupe and crossover models arrive in the first half of 2024. PHEV versions of the AMG-GLC coupe and crossover are expected in the second half.

GLB: The small crossover receives refined front and rear styling for the 2024 model year, with new LED high-performance headlights, dual 10.25-inch displays and the brand’s latest-generation MBUX infotainment system. Mercedes has added a standard mild-hybrid system consisting of a belt-driven starter-alternator. It briefly provides an additional 13 hp to aid agile starting and quicker acceleration under certain conditions. A redesign could arrive in late 2026.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

GLA: Mercedes-Benz gives its entry-level GLA compact crossover a light makeover for the 2024 model year. While there are no significant sheet metal changes, the interior, exterior and equipment have all been revised. A mild- hybrid system is now standard. The vehicle sports a new grille with vertical louvers, a redesigned front bumper, and LED headlights and taillights. A redesign should arrive as early as 2026.

Mercedes-AMG GT: A redesigned two-door coupe version powered by a 4.0-liter V-8 will arrive in early 2024. It is expected to be revealed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California this month. A four-door grand touring electrified variant will debut in the U.S. in the first half of next year.

S-Class: The flagship sedan will bring new advanced assisted driving technology with the Mercedes’ Level 3 Drive Pilot system, which allows the vehicle to control driving functions under certain conditions. A new AMG S-Class plug-in hybrid arrives early next year. An S-Class freshen will occur in the second half of 2025.

Mercedes-AMG SL: The roadster receives a Formula One-inspired entry variant in the U.S. in the third quarter with a new engine and rwd. An AMG-enhanced 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine powers the SL 43, producing 375 hp.

Mercedes-Benz CLA coupe

E-Class: The redesigned midsize sedan, a cornerstone of Mercedes’ U.S. lineup for years, arrives in the first half of 2024 with new styling and the latest version of the MBUX infotainment system. The 11th-generation model will sit on a modified version of the C-Class compact sedan and GLC compact crossover platform. It features a short front overhang, a spacious hood and styling inspired by the brand’s EQ electric lineup. The E 350 variant receives a new 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 255 hp. The base model gets electrified with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a starter generator integrated into the transmission.

Mercedes will ditch the coupe and convertible body styles with the new generation. AMG variants could arrive in the future.

C-Class: The workhorse of the Mercedes sedan lineup ditched its six- and eight-cylinder engines last year. The C-Class has a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, fuel-saving integrated starter-generator and 48-volt mild- hybrid technology. The redesigned AMG C-Class sedan boasts a new engine featuring Formula One technology. The AMG 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the C 43 pumps out 402 hp and, in certain driving situations, can deliver a brief additional 13 hp boost from the electric motor. A new AMG C-Class plug-in hybrid arrives in the first quarter of next year. And a battery-powered version of the sedan is possible in 2026.

CLS: Mercedes’ midsize four-door coupe will sunset with the 2023 model year.

CLE: The new nameplate replaces the C-Class and E-Class coupes and arrives next year. Mercedes said the midsize CLE Coupe will be the largest in the segment. The four-passenger model is based on Mercedes’ MRA-2 platform and powered by four-cylinder and six-cylinder mild-hybrid engines. A fabric-top convertible variant also arrives in the first half of 2024.

CLA: The 2024 CLA coupe will have updated front and rear designs, free-standing dual screens and the latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system.

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