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Mercedes-Benz: Future Models
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S65 AMG
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The new GL-Class - GL450 is only model slated for the U.S. so far, can't see why we won't get the larger V8 GL500 (GL550 in the U.S.). On sale in late March/early April.
At some point over the next 6 months the CLK500, E500, CLS500, R500, and ML500 will all switch over to the new 5.5L V8 (382hp) and become "550" models. Not sure if there will be corresponding "450" models of any of these with the smaller 4.6L V8 with 335hp as in the new GL450. I doubt there will be any more 450 models than the S450 and maybe a ML/R450.
G-Class (the original) is scheduled to get a facelift after being granted a few more years of life. This should include the new generation V8s also.
Then we have the ML63, R63 and the inevitable CLS63, E63, CLK63, S63, CL63 and SL63 models. Only the ML63 and R63 have been shown so far, both with 503hp. The rumor mill puts the E/CLS63 at 515hp and the CLK63 at 482hp. Source
Then there is the pending diesel push. A ML320 CDI has been confirmed for the U.S. market for the 2007 model year. A R320 CDI is also likely as is the E320 CDI all with the new V6 replacing the old I6 engine.
The new CL should be presented at the Geneva motorshow in March. Also on the stand should be the facelifted E-Class and possibly the facelift SL also, both with the engine changes noted above.
I suspect the S450 will make its official debut at the L.A. autoshow on Jan 4th since the S65 has now been shown.
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2005 MBUSA Sales
All the work was done by the ML, CLS and SLK. C-Class did post the highest sales month on record for Dec 2005. The new R-Class did contribute also, finally posting a decent number for Dec 2005 - 2,430 units. Maybach is floundering to put it lightly. Mercedes actually sold more SLRs and the SLR costs more, a good deal more actually.
Predictions for 2006 - long and tough year for the C-Class in the face of a new 3-Series and Lexus IS. E-Class will get some spice this summer with a facelift/new engines. New S will be a hit. New CL when it arrives this fall, couldn't possibly do any worse than the current one did in 2005! Until that new CL arrives however, expect the current model to become one of the "rarest" Mercedes on the road. New GL will do ok, won't be as big a hit as Mercedes would like, for various reasons. SLK and CLK sales will spike come spring/summer 2006. SL will reach previous heights once the face-lifted model arrives, still though 10K sold at 90K a piece is far from being "bad" in 2005. Lastly I think the Maybach 57S will add a few sales in 2006. It surely is the first Maybach model I truly like.
Prediction for 2006 volume - 250K units. Hope this thread is still here a year from now to see if I'm right!
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Dieter better hurry....
It seems that others like BMW and Lexus all now have newer core models (sedans) while Mercedes has been updating their SUVs/Coupes/Roadsters. Now as Mercedes' sedans get some attention the sales will come, if not a problem indeed. This new S will be the first indicator. Still though the R-Class was a big chance missed. I have several theories as to why it has gotten off to such a slow start, with the price/options ratio being the main one.
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I do, however, think that MB marketing has gone awry...
S550 is priced at $86,175.
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Short Article
In short the SL500 (SL550 in the U.S.) gets the new 5.5L V8 from the S550, the SL350 (non-U.S.) get the new 3.5L V6 from every other V6 Benz and happily the SL55 AMG keeps the 5.5L Supercharged V8 with an extra 17 hp, which will put the U.S. SL55 at 510hp. There are now shift paddles on the AMG models instead of buttons on the back side of the steering wheel. Other small lights/bumpers changes and a new 3-slat grille like the CLK top off the exterior changes. Interior changes also, but at this point not sure what else has been changed besides the addition of new shift paddles on the AMG models.
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Article
In Brief: The SL500 gets the new 5.5L V8 from the new S-Class (382hp) and will likely be re-names the SL550 for the U.S. market. SL600 gets the same power boost as the 2007 S600 - 510hp for the U.S. market. The SL55 gets a power boost also - 510hp for the U.S. market. The SL also gains the second generation ABC system from the new S-Class, new steering rack, real shift paddles with the AMG Sport package (7G-Tronic). Many interior trim, exterior color changes and higher quality materials. The facelifted SL will be shown at the Geneva show the first week of March and likely go on sale in the U.S. around June or so would be my guess.
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Source: eMercedesBenz
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I predict Mercedes will have its 13th consecutive sales increase this year: something in the order of 240,000+ units.
The facelifted E only needs to gain a bit of traction to beat 2005 totals.
The C is the weak link in the chain for the next two years.
Up next SL (facelift already been shown), E-Class facelift and the CL. All of these should be on the stand at Geneva the first week of March.
M
The CLS and new S are great. The other new vehicles seem to be on target as well. Also, over the last 6-12 months management has realized that quality and reliability problems are serious matters that need to be put right.
This is the first time in years that Mercedes, Cadillac, Rolls and Bentley are all doing well at the same time!
M
My optomism is based on Mercedes doing well over the next several years. There may be a few weak months, but the new products are on target.
I too think the GL will be a serious player. The E facelift should boost late summer and fall sales. The SL is a profit center for DC: every extra sale that results from updating the big roadster helps the bottom line.
By the way: did MB deliberately choose the worst possible camera angles for early release S-class pictures? Your pictures from Detroit and others I have seen look so much better than those early ones.
I dunno, but the car looks so much better in real life and in real life photos than it did in those initial press shots.
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Article
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The CLS, M, G and R carried the ball for January sales: Some of the other models were down quite dramatically.
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/02/01/209083.html
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another pic
one the road
The profile looks like that of the new S-Class, but the rear looks to be the same as the upcoming CL.
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The faster the new C is on the lots the better!
As to Chicago: I expect it will be the new V-8s in the ML.
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Biturbo V-12 with 510 HP and 612 ft/lb torque (at 1800 rpm!) Engine uses various metals: cast iron, aluminium and magnesium.
'Higher level of wood and leather' compared to the base S class sedans.
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/02/09/210135.html
Wait until the S65 AMG goes sale.
I see the new S-Class has arrived. Local dealer had a truck load of them pulling up last night.
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Been waiting to add an E-550 4-Matic Wagon to my S-430 4-Matic fleet.
Have been absolutely resistant to buying Sensormatic brakes.
I hear the '07 E will eliminate those in favor of conventional hydraulics.
True?
Availability of such a model anytime this year?
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Presenting the CLK63 AMG:
In Short 482hp and 465lb-ft of torue, 2007 model for the U.S. late summer/fall. Replaces the current CLK55 AMG Cabriolet on the U.S. market. The CLK55 Coupe was dropped for 2006. No word on wether or not we'll get the CLK63 Coupe.
Also the CLS63 AMG:
In short: 515hp and 465lb-ft of torque, replaced the CLS55 AMG. More hp, less torque, but more gears.
German Article
It appears that the new CL may be at Geneva also. If that is the case, there should be a press release with the offical pics any day now. The CLS63 and CLK63 will all be at Geneva. The regular CLS and CLK models should also be shown with the new 5.5L V8 from the S550 at this time also.
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Article
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Have you seen HP/Torque numbers for the SL 65 AMG anywhere?
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The spread between the V-8 and the V-12 has traditionally been greater than what it now is.
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1) the actual HP spread between the V-8 and V-12 SLs will be bigger than ever.
2) on a percentage basis (14% boost from 570HP to 650 HP) the difference will be less than in the past.
For instance in 2002, the SL 600 was almost 29% more powerful than the SL 500, having 389 HP vs. the 302 HP of the V-8.
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