Mercedes-Benz Future Car Plans

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Mercedes-Benz is reworking its coupe strategy so its two door models are aligned with the sedans that are the backbone of the company's portfolio. That explains the E-Class coupe, which was originally to be the next generation CLK -- and is built off mostly C-Class sedan hardware, like previous CLKs. Next, the CL-Class is to be renamed S-Class coupe. And finally, there's to be a new C-Class coupe as well.
The new C-Class coupe, due March 2011, rolls on the same 108.7-inch wheelbase as the C-Class sedan and E-Class coupe, and shares a lot of the same mechanicals. Styling will echo the facelifted C-Class sedan/wagon due early next year. The interior will be similar to that of the E coupe.

In terms of surface materials and build quality, the C-Class coupe is said to take a giant step back towards traditional MB brand values. This will also be reflected by a price tag that is likely to exceed that of the sedan, placing the C coupe between the C sedan and the E coupe in the U.S. lineup.




Mercedes will build its next-generation C-Class, set to debut as a MY2015 car, at its Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant, as well as in in Germany, China and other sites. U.S. production will fulfill local demand, which Benz expects to rise. The '15 model will be on an all-new platform and will use Mercedes' "multi drive" concept, with gas and diesel powerplants, mild and full hybrids, plug-in hybrids, range-extender electric vehicles, full EV and fuel-cell variants.

"It's hard to predict what future demand might be" for each type of driveline, research and engineering chief Herbert Kohler explains, "and so we need flexible architecture and flexible production. The platform will have space for all the necessary components, and we have designed the components so that they can be used flexibly. We can now put the fuel cell in the engine compartment, as in the F800 show car, whereas before it was under the floor."

But let's not get carried away: In the U.S. the volume-selling C-Classes will remain gas-powered. They will use a new generation of direct-injection V-6s, topped by a 300-horsepower 3.5-liter. Mercedes also plans to offer a clean diesel and four-cylinder gas engines in the U.S., including a C250CGI model with a 1.8-liter direct-injection turbo developing 204 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. All versions will feature start-stop technology designed to work with Mercedes' seven-speed auto.