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Mercedes-Benz: Future Models
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Comments
I personally wouldn't mind seeing a CLK280 or E280 with the smaller 3L 228hp V6. BMW sells plenty of 525is without a problem.
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I think both the S350 and the SL350 would sell well in the USA.
It must be an image thing for MBUSA that keeps the entry models out.
I personally think there is a good market for a SL350 or a S350. Not everyone wants a V8 or loads of hp, just adequate power with all the other luxuries a SL/S-Class provides. The W140 S320 (1992-1999) made up 40 percent of the S-Class sales in the U.S. during some of those years so I've read. I wish I could see the numbers on how many 2006 S350s were sold. Anytime the dealer had any they'd be gone in a week or so.
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CLK63 AMG
CLS63 AMG
Face-lifted SL
GL-Class
R63 AMG
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Word is now that the facelifted E-Class will be shown in New York in April and the new CL right after that in May.
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The R-Class moved a much more respectable number of 2469 units in Feb.
The M-Class sold 2155 units, way up over Feb 2005.
Sales for the month of Feb were up 28 percent over Feb 2005. The numbers are being posted by the S,CLK,M and R-Class vehicles.
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The E-Class seems to be dying off pretty fast awaiting that June/July on-sale date for facelifted model. Either that or production has slowed for changeover. Ditto for the C-Class which appears to have a replacement scheduled for fall this year in Europe and this time next year in the U.S.
The facelifted SL and new GL are due in April. The AMG cars talked about earlier in the thread are due in June/July.
I suspect a re-packaged R-Class will come along around June/July also as will the new V8 engines for the CLS,R,ML and CLK "550" models.
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What is Bluetec?
Thanks.
Yes I have read (Automobile Magazine) that a R320 CDI will show up here before the end of the year. The ML320 CDI is a definite. Since the ML and R share so much I would think a R320 CDI would be a no-brainer. It certainly couldn't hurt with the R-Class sales, which are either way up or way down depending on which month you look at. There have been various interviews online with MB officials that always drop little hints about upcoming products, like the GL320 and R320.
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Bluetec is Mercedes' new clean diesel technology which they say will allow them to sell disels in two of Mercedes' biggest U.S. markets, New York and Cali. They claim it is the cleanest diesel in the world.
Purely speculative on my part, I think we'll get a total of 5 diesel models in the next year: ML320, E320, R320, GL320, and maybe even a S320. If all goes well I suspect we'll even get diesel version of the C-Class for 2008, which will be an all new car for 2008.
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There are also now 3 option packages ranging from $2800 to $8675.
P1 Package: Electric sunroof, rain sensing wipers, power lift gate, harmon/kardon Logic 7 system, Sirius satellite radio, hands free communication system, Teleaid & Homelink - $3500 ML350/ML320, $2800 ML500
P2 Package: Includes P1, plus DVD navigation, Auto-dimming mirror, power folding mirrors, rear-view camera, power steering column and memory seat function - $6500 ML350/ML320, $5800 ML500
P3 Package: Includes P1 & P2, plus Air suspension, Active damping shocks, parameter steering, 3-zone climate control, infared glass, rear seat controls, cargo management system, cargo net - $9000 ML350/ML320, $8675 ML500
There are four other Code packages (1) Exterior appearance (2) AMG Sport (3) Rear seat entertainment (4) Heating package
Then, there about 17 stand alone options.
The ML63 comes very loaded with all 3 option packages standard. Very few options are available for it. It even comes with 20" wheels.
Curiously though the poster says that the ML500 stays the same for 2007. No new 4.6L or 5.5L V8. That part doesn't add up IMO. No way they're going to have all new V8s in everything else and leave out the ML.
M
I believe the former 300 SL sold very well too while it was offered.
For at least a few model years (1990-1993?)the 300 SL was also available with a manual transmission.
More importantly for me is will it be available at intro in the 4-Matic Wagon?
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Diesel is way more per gallon than premium gasoline here. The 34-36 mpg on the road diesel vs. my known gas v-8 real world mpg always over 20 and up to 28 road mpg makes me still hesitant on number 2 oil.
Also, I have many road miles and gas guzzeler tax receipts that I find have not held up to the light in my real world driving. My mpg has always far exceded the EPA combined.
This makes diesel cars a questionable value considering the high initial cost of a compression ignition engine.
John
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The article mentions the no-brainer E500 (our E550) getting the new 5.5L V8 from the S550, but it also says the E350 gets a "slight" power increase.
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The Forbes ad head line says "You're not buying a car. You're buying a belief". About half the ad goes on about history, past glory, 1886 cars, etc.
Not once do they ask the reader for his/her business. Not a single mention of efforts being made to improve quality and reliablity.
The ad did not strike the right note for me. If anyone else sees it I would be interested in their take.
No one but GM is silly enough to put an add out saying that their quality has lapsed or needs improving. I would never expect that from Mercedes or any other luxury marque.
M
My point is that this ad does nothing to win back people who might be a bit skeptical about MB after the rumors (some based on facts, I admit) that have been circulated over the past 5-7 years.
The ad doesn't stress the quality and reliability of the new S class. It does not point out to the consumer all the reasons why they should spend money at the MB dealer rather than at Lexus or BMW.
The way the S is selling now it may be a moot point. I want to see MB get serious about taking the market back.
Well that would kinda be the same thing. They simply can't mention or let on about any recent quality problems, it would be marketing/image suicide.
I want to see MB get serious about taking the market back.
With all the new product introduced in 2005 and whats coming this year I think they are. So far just from reading various mesg boards the newer Benzes like the M/R/CLS and even the facelifted C-Class *seem* to be a lot less problematic than previous cars. It will be a slow painful process as far as the perception about MB quality to those who know about it and a even harder task to convince those that were burned before.
M
thanks
M
2005:
Sept - 386 (went on sale mid-month)
Oct - 930
Nov - 1213
Dec - 2430
2006:
Jan - 686
Feb - 2469
There are many sources to get this info.
eMercedesBenz
Automotive News
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Talk about massive ragtops! It looks like there is a market for anything. First link is for the Maybach, second for the Phantom.
http://www.newportconvertible.com/Detail.tpl?rnd=111&cart=11082773894331708&sku=- - - - 107592474313380200
http://www.newportconvertible.com/Detail.tpl?rnd=6252&cart=11430825393311708&sku- - - - =1063920620712947
18% ahead of March, 2005.
I expect the fresh face on the E this fall and and having more S cars in dealer stock will help sales as well.
Yes the revised E (July), SL (April), new GL (April) and continued sales of the M and S-Classes should give a huge boost to sales numbers in coming months.
Not sure why the CLK is on fire, but it is and that is before the CLK550 and CLK63 models coming in July/August.
There there are the R/ML/GL 320 CDI models all coming in the Sept-Oct timeframe. The CLS550, CLS63 AMG, ML/R 450/550 should all be here in July/August.
I am surprised that 2nd year SLK is dropping somewhat, supply problem?
March 2006 Sales
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The CDI models should sell well this fall depending on what price premium MB charges for a diesel. The E should get back to the 4-5,000 unit per month mark again by the end of the year.
I am not sure why the SLK is sliding either (-21.6% ytd). Perhaps the 4 seat SLK cabrio is more practical at a similar price. Maybe some perceive the SLK price premium over lower cost roadsters like the S2000, Miata, Solstice, etc. as a little steep.
I'm guessing the SLK will pick up this month being the time in which many previously frozen parts of the U.S. really thaw out. I can't see the CLK making a dent in SLK sales. As far as the S2000, Solstice and Miata I doubt many people cross-shop those with a Benz, but then again people cross show all types of cars nowadays. :confuse:
There is some confusion about the diesels it seems. The ML320, R320 and GL320 are supposed to all arrrive this fall, but only in the same 45 states as the current E320 is sold in. The new "Bluetec" versions don't arrive until the 2008 model year it seems, which means summer of 2007. Not sure yet.
Also on boards like MB.ord some are saying that the ML500 keeps the old 5L V8 for 2007 - I don't believe this for a minute. My prediction - there will be either a ML450 or ML550 for 2007, likely a ML450. Ditto for the R-Class.
Why the U.S. market isn't getting a GL550 along with the GL450 is a mystery to me too. The GL450 is underpowered compared to the Range Rover SC and Escalade with "only" 335hp. Though it is about 500lbs lighter than both of those.
M
Some pics:
E63 AMG:
E-Class Sport model:
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Yes this new strategy for the E should give it the lead over the 5-Series in sales again.
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The 07' E-Class lands in July.
The new CL is to be shown next month.
Autospies has their pic gallery up for the NY auto show, the R320 CDI is there so I guess it will really arrive this fall.
M
So, any info or projections on gas mileage? I'm thinking a combined average around 26-27 would be real nice to see on a luxo SUV like this.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
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although, considering the ML350 takes about a 5mpg hit compared to the E350, and the E320 cdi gets 27/37 .... well, let's say that I'm certainly not counting on 30 in the diesel ML.
Still, at 22/32, it would do GREAT on the highway and even that city number rivals my highway number in my current sedan.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Article
In short:
USA: ML63 AMG 4MATIC July 2006
USA: CLS550 September 2006
USA: CLK63 AMG Cabriolet September 2006
USA: GL450 4Matic May 2006
USA: E-Class July 2006
USA: R320 CDI October 2005 und R63 AMG 4MATIC September 2006
It appears that the R500 and ML500 keep the ancient SOHC 5L V8! Don't get that at all. :confuse: It also mentions "further" CLK models, read CLK550.
M
There should be some type of announcement on the new CL very soon. I'd say sometime in the next couple of weeks or so prior to May 19th, a very big day in Stuttgart!
Autoweek is reporting that the G-Class' facelift will be shown at the Paris auto show this September.
The updated SLR "Track Sport" is also rumored to be heading for a Paris debut along with an SLR Roadster.
Sometime between now and then there should be an announcement about the SLK55 Tracksport. A lightened and stiffened SLK55 AMG with carbon fiber here and there and 400hp from the current 5.5L V8.
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MBUSA does seem to be shooting the lights out otherwise, though.