Riding on its success as the best-selling luxury carmaker globally, Mercedes-Benz has finalised its development plans for more than 30 new models, all set to arrive by the end of 2022, according to a report by Autocar UK.
The new-model push will include replacements for the existing C-Class, S-Class, and SL, among other launches throughout the German carmaker’s entire range.
Mercedes-Benz is also eager to continue its fight with BMW M for the top spot in the luxury performance segment, with a raft of new AMG models to be launched within the next two years.
The upcoming Mercedes-AMG newcomers will include the rumoured hybrid GT 73 4-Door, a track-focused GT Black Series, as well as the Mercedes-AMG One hypercar, which was delayed due to setback during ongoing emissions testing.
As part of its ‘Ambition 2039’ plan – a CO2-neutral line-up within the next 20 years, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz models will play an integral part in reducing the company’s CO2 fleet emissions.
A key component in the the brand’s short term goal to adhere to strict new EU regulations is the M254 four-cylinder engine, which will be introduced in the facelifted E-Class – replacing the previous M274 engine.
The new engine, which is also set to feature in the upcoming fifth-generation C-Class, features modular properties that allow for electrification, and is built to meet the Euro 7 emission regulations.
It was previously reported that Mercedes-AMG will provide plug-in hybrid options for all future models, with the first to be introduced as soon as this year.
However, word on the street is that Mercedes-AMG will be replacing the existing 4.0-litre V8 engine in the C63 with the new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder PHEV powertrain.
Mercedes-Benz is banking hard on electrification in their efforts in reduction of CO2 emissions, as the brand expects to offer 20 plug-in hybrid models by the end of 2020.
The EQ Power family will expand this year starting with the PHEV versions of the second-generation CLA and GLA, as well as the facelifted E-Class – all three of which are scheduled to be unveiled in March at the Geneva motor show.
The 20-model strong hybrid line-up will range from the A 250e, all the way up to the S 560e, that will form part of the new seventh-generation S-Class line-up.
According to engineers involved in the development of the hybrid S-Class, the S 560e will offer more than double the electric range of its predecessor.
As for battery electric vehicles, the EQ electric vehicles sub-brand is expected to introduce five new EV models in the near future. These will include production versions of the EQA and EQS, along with new EQB, EQE and EQG models.
With Geely now holding a 9.7% stake in Daimler, the two brands have carried out preliminary talks on how the two might co-operate on projects including future four-cylinder engines and dual-clutch gearbox development, according to senior officials in Mercedes-Benz.
The two brands have also completed a joint venture earlier this year, which saw the Chinese car giant Geely taking on 50% shareholding in Smart. The joint venture will see the development of new urban-focused Smart models, including a compact electric-powered SUV due 2022, to be built in China.
