Mercedes is shaking things up. At its annual results conference, the company laid out a bold plan to transform how it builds cars. They’re calling it “mastering transformation.” Over the next two years, Mercedes is set to roll out 36 new and updated models, including electric versions of the C-Class, GLC, and E-Class. They’re even working on a compact G-Class off-roader and a fully electric E-Class sedan. Interestingly, the flagship S-Class is getting a major upgrade while keeping the legendary V-12 engine. In a world where many automakers are ditching gas engines, Mercedes is sticking to a mix of electric and traditional powertrains. They’re even redirecting some of their development funds from EVs to gas-powered vehicles. Read More Mercedes Cuts Production as EV Sales Collapse and Profits Fall Mercedes Unveils New Models and Engines with a Balanced ApproachA smaller off-roader is on the way, wearing a lowercase “g” in its name to set it apart from the rest of the G-Class family. It keeps the boxy design and short wheelbase that fans love but in a more compact package. There’s talk that it could be fully electric, but Mercedes hasn’t shared the details yet. They’re also keeping quiet about whether it will use a ladder-frame chassis or a more modern unibody design. The E-Class is getting a new fully electric version, set to replace the EQE while being sold alongside the gas-powered model. Mercedes shared a teaser silhouette, hinting at a more classic, angular design that stands out from the rounded shapes of its other EVs. It’s built with a status-oriented wheelbase, better noise insulation, and advanced driver assistance systems with L2++ and L3 Highway capabilities. The S-Class isn’t being left behind either. It’s getting styling and tech updates, plus more customization options through the Manufaktur label. Diesel, gas, and hybrid versions will continue, but the big news is about the engines. The V8 and V12 are staying, but the V12 will only be offered in select markets with relaxed emissions rules. It will power the Maybach S-Class S680, the armored S-Class Guard, and even the Pagani Utopia hypercar. Mercedes is the last of the German luxury trio to keep a V12. BMW ended V12 production with the M760i in 2022, and Audi retired its W-12 in 2017. That makes Mercedes the only brand still holding on to the twelve-cylinder engine. AMG is working on a “high-tech electrified V-8” for future models. It’s part of the AMG.EA platform, which supports both combustion engines and EVs. This new engine will meet Euro 7 regulations, keeping it street-legal in the European Union. The new CLA will debut a “48-volt electrified high-tech four-cylinder engine” paired with a 1.5-litre engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The engine was developed by Mercedes but will be built in China. Mercedes is also preparing for the next generation of the S-Class, expected by the end of the decade. It will be offered in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions. New Design Language for Future ModelsMercedes is planning a big shift in how its cars look and feel. Future models will share a unified design language. A teaser image showed two sedans side by side, with the familiar Mercedes grille in the background. There was also a subtle bulge on the hood, sparking rumours of a new take on the iconic Mercedes ornament or maybe a more pronounced grille design. Read More Gordon Murray’s Special Vehicles Division Will Build Your One-Off Dream Car Leading the charge is the next-generation GLC, set to launch in 2026. It’s designed to compete directly with the BMW iX3 Neue Klasse. This new GLC will ride on the MB.EA platform, which it shares with a fully electric C-Class sedan. This setup is more advanced than the MMA platform that the upcoming CLA sedan will use, positioning the GLC and C-Class at the forefront of Mercedes’ electric push. The SUV lineup is also getting a major overhaul. Redesigned versions of the GLA, GLB, GLE, and GLS are on the way, all featuring Mercedes’ latest design language. Think sculpted hoods, aggressive headlights with star-shaped LED graphics, and bigger grilles with sporty AMG-style bumper intakes. Source: Mercedes-Benz
