Mercedes-Benz plans 2011 new model assault

Hot on the heels of its all-new twin turbo V8 engines packaged with the flagship CL-Class uber coupe, Mercedes-Benz is planning a new model onslaught in the first half of 2011.

Aimed at building on its record-breaking sales in 2010, Horst von Sanden, the managing director of Mercedes-Benz Australia, says: "We are one of the fastest growing luxury brands.

"Why are we growing so fast? Success with the B-class [with sales increasing] 145 per cent. E-class is up 45% and is the segment leader, while the E-Class coupe and cab up 266% is a massive improvement."

With sales up by 24 per cent overall, year on year, Mercedes-Benz Australia has no plans to rest on its laurels, with several new and updated model launches planned for 2011.

The new 2011 G-Class (third image) will arrive in February/March, with the G 55 AMG followed by the G 350 BlueTEC -- a deal that has been fast tracked "on the back of a lucrative defense force contract," says von Sanden.

Updated range-topping S-Class models will be bolstered by the flagship S 63 AMG and S 350  BlueTEC models in the first half of 2011 -- the latter model likely to be exempt from the 33% Luxury Car Tax as it consumes less than 7.0L/100km on the combined cycle.

Mercedes-Benz will also launch its GL 450 CDI four-wheel drive, which for the first time will add a twin turbo V8 diesel engine to Mercedes local line-up.

The 2011 CLS-Class four-door coupe will be launched "mid 2011 roughly" according to von Sanden, with the range-topping CLS 63 AMG (pictured) among the first models in the new CLS-Class to arrive in Australia.

On the topic of high performance cars, Australia's 2010 allocation of SLS AMG models has been sold out and while Australia ranks as the 13th largest global market for Mercedes-Benz, we are the fifth largest AMG market in the world. "2010 will be the best ever results for both AMG and Mercedes-Benz in Australia," explained the MB chief.

Compact sports car lovers will have something to smile about in 2011 as well, with the next generation SLK-Class on its way. "[SLK will debut] new interesting technology," says von Sanden. "The magic sky roof will be an industry first in mid 2011."

Von Sanden also hinted that the all-new C-Class coupe has been green-lit for sale in Australia. "We have to wait and see on this one," he said. "People tell me they are not too far from reality. Maybe mid-year 2011 [we will know] -- we are very much looking forward to having this car in our stable."

Out with the CLC, in with the C-Class coupe? The BMW 1 Series could have a new rival. Watch this space...

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