Mercedes-Benz Is Making Considerable Cuts In Its Extensive Portfolio
Last year in May, Mercedes-Benz went over its newest long-term plan for its massive product portfolio. The strategic plan involves considerably reworking its envelope to improve quality and become even more bankable. By this time, the car manufacturer didn’t go into detail about how they were planning this feat…until now.
14 Out of 33 Body Styles Will Make The Cut
Mercedes-Benz aims to put less emphasis on or ultimately do away with many wagons, coupes, and convertibles. This is because the company is redefining its view of luxury. Mercedes-Benz aims to shape its future products for customizable mobility services, lessen the pressure on its drivers, and reshape conveniences as a central value of the brand. This new model may result in 33 body styles the company currently offers between Europe and North America dwindling to 14.
“At the end of the day, we simply don’t need estate cars [wagons] or underperforming two-door offerings to boost volumes,” a senior member of Mercedes-Benz’s strategy team told Car and Driver. “The most essential elements of sustainable contemporary luxury cars are space and time . . . That’s our number one priority—not another fancy body style, a model that only works in Europe, or one last stab at a dying segment.”
The C-class and E-class coupes and convertibles are set to reach their end between this year and 2024, to be swapped for a pair of two-door CLE-class cars. Current coupe-style SUVs and sedans are also reaching retirement. The CLS will cease to exist in 2024, with the AMG® GT 4 Door will follow suit in 2024 or after. The new generations of the GLE and GLC coupes will make an introduction in the coming years, but after this, their time in the car market will also reach its end.
The End Of The Shooting Brake
Things are more shocking for lovers of wagons and shooting brakes in Europe, specifically with the C-class wagon leaving after 2028. On top of this, later this year, the next-gen E-Class will act as Mercedes-Benz’s last wagon, reaching the end of its production in 2030. The next-gen CLA, which will journey on the MMA electric platform and is set to debut in 2025, will be the company’s last shooting brake in Europe.
All is not lost, however, as there are still some excellent vehicles to look forward to. Later this year, the automaker will launch the AMG® GT coupe, derived from the current SL roaster and meant to extend its lineup with a Maybach offering. Additionally, we will see a new 4-door coupe in 2026, a next-gen SL with extra cargo, and a new AMG® GT coupe, which will all be electric. While on the subject of electrics, the MMA platform will also act as the foundation for a big GLG-class SUV in 2026.
As this new group takes its rein, expect to see more sizable batteries, power outputs reaching quadruple figures, and maximum ranges reaching the 500-mile mark on the European WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) cycle. Top charging speeds will likely reach 270 kilos owing to more dependence on 800-volt electrical systems.
AMG® Getting More TLC
Seeing that Mercedes-Benz exclusive materials will be pushed going forward, we should see a greater emphasis on AMG® models, along with Mayback. There are even rumors of an ultra-exclusive V-class van. The most eccentric creations may also come from the new Mythos series of highly-premium collectibles. Some fantastic collections include the reviving of the Gullwing, a 4-door G-class pickup, and a speedster derived from the SL.
John Sission Mercedes
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