Mercedes-Benz announces its 2018 products; lines-up A-Class sedan, G-Class facelift and 8 other vehicles

The second quarter of 2017 has been a busy time for the German auto-maker Mercedes-Benz. The company launched the facelift of S-Class sedan globally and started the manufacturing of E-Class Cabriolet. At Auto Shanghai, Mercedes-Benz showcased its futuristic concept A sedan on which its future small products like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, GLA, A-Class sedan will be based on. The company also reported an increase in revenue by 7% to euro 23.6 billion in the second quarter. Overall the car sales increased by 9% among which SUVs saw the major hike in global sales. The company has now already started planning for the 2018 calendar year and confirms the global debut of production version of A-Class sedan and will also be bringing in the long wheelbase version of the sedan. Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan is likely to make its debut in India as well and we expect Mercedes-Benz India to be aggressive and also locally assemble the car at its Chakan plant. But, the first product that will go on sale will be the next-generation of Mercedes-Benz CLS that’s likely to debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Motor show scheduled in November 2017. The CLS Coupe will boast more aerodynamic design and will go on sale in global markets in February 2017.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class will also undergo a face change and 2018 will see the C-Class facelift being launched globally and also in India. The sedan has been a successful model for the company and the facelift will ensure strong sales. The other facelift that will also come to India is the new G-Class. Mercedes’ flagship SUV is expected to get a modern look with refreshed interiors. Globally, the GLC SUV will also get a fuel cell variant along with the a new long wheelbase variant. The design of the recently launched S-Class sedan is likely to be carried on its Cabriolet version as well in 2018. Mercedes-AMG family will have a new 4-door coupe debuting globally next year.

The electric SMART brand will continue to consolidate its business strategy in global markets. The German automaker launched three different offering in the electric segment this year and has no current plans to expand the portfolio. Mercedes-Benz X-Class the first pick-up by the company that debut earlier this year will go on sale starting 2018. The segment will also see a new sprinter van being launched in 2018.

With electrification taking the center stage globally, Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce high-tech combustion engine, more plug-in hybrid models and electric vehicles with battery or fuel-cell technology. Since 1995, the company claims that it has managed to reduce the CO2 emissions significantly by up to 47%. To further do so, the German giant will introduce the new OM654 diesel, the first member of the new engine family that’s 17% lighter than the existing engines. This new diesel engine claims 13% further reduction CO2 levels and upto 80% less NOx emissions. Mercedes-Benz have not compromised on power as well, the new engine family will shed 18 kW more power and is 11% faster.

Adopting the new vehicle architecture and modular platform strategy will help the company to save costs and roll out new products quickly. Currently, Mercedes-Benz has four different platforms on which its cars are built. The company targets to retain its number one position in the premium space globally.