Mercedes-Benz to launch 30-plus cars in two years

Mercedes-Benz is preparing a rather extensive model onslaught, outlining the arrival of 32 fresh models by 2022.

Among the list of brand new German metal are replacements for the C-Class, S-Class and SL, as well as a range of performance AMG examples and the track-focused GT Black Series.

At least that’s the word according to Autocar UK, who says we can also expect arrival of the production ready Mercedes-AMG ONE supercar – a 746kW 1.6-litre turbo-V6 hybrid powerhouse – by 2021 after emissions testing is complete.

Following the successful launch of its EQC SUV, a new wave of zero-emissions vehicles from the brand’s EQ division will join the fleet, including production versions of the EQA and EQS, as well as an EQB, EQE and EQG.

The new EV nomenclature is part of an $A16 billion development program aimed to push Mercedes-Benz to “the front of the electric car ranks by the middle of the decade”.

A number of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) will also be launched, some of which include a front-wheel drive CLA250e and GLA250e that team a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to an electric motor mounted to the gearbox.

Daimler says it also plans to offer 20 PHEV models by the end of 2020.

An all-new S-Class saloon is due in some markets this year, and will keep its 2.9-litre inline six-cylinder diesel and 3.0-litre inline six-pot turbo-petrol options, as well as offering mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

Furthermore, Autocar reports the S-Class will only be available in sedan form from 2022, after the coupe and cabriolet reach the end of their model cycle and get the axe.

Along with working on its electrified models, Mercedes says it will work to increase the efficiency of its traditional petrol engines – in particular, a new four-pot engine with a 48V starter motor for the updated E-Class.

There will also be new SMART models arriving this year, specifically the electric Fortwo and Forfour models, built in China and exported to the UK. The new entries will be followed by an electric compact-SUV and new “urban-focused” models.

The scale of Mercedes’ plans in Australia remains to be seen. But with so many new models on the horizon, watch this space.