Mercedes-Benz 2017 product rollout revealed

Product planners are notoriously cagey about keeping future vehicle plans tightly under wraps, in order to limit the strategic advantage of their rivals and maximise sales of existing models.

But Mercedes-Benz is obviously feeling rather confident about its short-term future, since it has revealed its entire rollout of new models for 2017 – including its first dual-cab ute.

A visual guide as to its upcoming vehicle rollout was released as part of the Stuttgart car-maker's half-yearly report and not only confirms the new pick-up is due in the second half of 2017, but that a new version of the Mercedes-AMG GT is also on its way, dubbed the GT C.

Mercedes-Benz new ute, which could be called the GLT-Class, is expected to arrive in Australia in 2018, when it will take on the likes of the Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger, but with luxury twist. And it will command a price premium as a result.

BMW has recently softened its language about developing its own ute and says it will watch market reaction to the GLT's launch with keen interest.

We already know about the new Mercedes-AMG GT R super-coupe, which enters production later in the year for an early 2017 market launch, but the appearance of the Mercedes-AMG GT C, which will be offered in coupe and roadster (read: convertible) body styles, adds a little sizzle to the set menu.

The GT C is likely to slot underneath the GT R and GT S models, delivering a more affordable, less intense version of the company's Porsche 911-rivalling sports car.

Mercedes' S-Class flagship limousine is also due for a facelift and a technology update in mid-2017, with improved partially-automated driving functionality just the tip of the iceberg according to sources.

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which launches in Australia this week, is about to get a lot of love in the next 18 months, with coupe, convertible and off-road variants waiting at the gates.

We already knew a bit about Mercedes-Benz's new Audi A6 allroad rival, the jacked-up E-Class All Terrain, which is expected to make its public debut at the 2016 Paris motor show in October, before an early 2017 market launch in Australia – just in time for the local ski season.

There's also the inclusion of the GLA facelift in the first half of 2017, which was originally labelled "GLA Coupe" before the graphic was reissued with the 'correct' name.