Mercedes-Benz will continue its offensive of new models in 2013 as a fundamental attribute of the sustainable development plan which aims to put the German premium brand back where it originally belonged to: at the top of the luxury class segment by the end of 2020. Among the most awaited premieres of the New Year are the CLA-Class and the brand new generation S-Class. The plan posted above, which looks to have been taken out from an internal document, presents the main highlights of the year for Mercedes-Benz - however, we cannot fully guarantee for the authenticity and accuracy of the information it contains.
The start of 2013 comes with NAIAS Detroit kicking off 14th January. The highlight of the public is the revised E-Class lineup, in both standard and AMG guise. We already learnt preliminary details and saw official pictures in December 2012, so now pricing and complete details on the new E 63 AMG models are bound for release. For the first time, the high-performance saloon and wagon will also be offered at request with a new 4x4, rear-biased sports traction, apart from the usual RWD technical platform. Mercedes-Benz will also premiere their new E-Class Coupe (C 207) and Cabriolet (A 207) for the 2013 model year on the stage of the Detroit show.
More details --> E-Class W 212/S 212 series, E-Class C 207 series, E-Class A 207 series
Mercedes-Benz will also present the new CLA-Class compact 4-door coupe on the eve of the American motor show in front of the media representatives gathered at the special event, but the official public debut will only take place in March, at Geneva. First unofficial photos hit the internet almost one week ago - although a bit toned down, the new CLA borrows several styling cues from the Concept Style Coupe, while also resembling the general visual character of the bigger CLS. The engine lineup is identical to that of the A-Class, as are the safety and communication systems. Apart from the standard MFA platofrm, the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive traction will also be available as an option starting autumn 2013. The CLA becomes available to clients starting this summer, in both Europe and USA.
More details --> CLA-Class C 117 series
The first new compact car generation model to receive AMG badge and underpinnings is the new A 45 AMG, coming early spring at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013. The powertrain of this hot hatch consists of a heavily improved 4x4 traction system derived from Merc's 4MATIC, which has been modified for high performance and substantial grip. The torque distribution is variable between the front and the rear axles, although in standard conditions, more torque - 67% to be precise - is directed towards the back wheels via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7-speed automatic transmission. The heart of the system is the newly developed 2.0-litre petrol burner cranking out 354 hp and 450 Nm.
More details --> A 45 AMG W 176 series
In 2013, Mercedes-Benz will launch the all new S-Class (W 222 generation). After eight years of faithful service, the old 221 series will make way to a new model, which announces to be the trendsetter of the luxury segment, with state-of-the-art technology and a mindblowing design. Under the slogan "Intelligent Drive", the new S-Class brings the ultimate @yourCOMAND intelligent infotainment system, the MAGIC RIDE CONTROL radar-scanning ride management assistant, the MAGIC BODY CONTROL active stability system, the Autonomous Driving Pilot and the complete Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera which ensures 360-degree surveillance around the car plus many other passive and active safety assistance solutions. First official data and images should come by the end of March, according to latest hints, with the world premiere taking place soon after, either at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS, 29th March to 7th April) or at the Auto Shanghai salon (21st to 29th April).
More details --> S-Class W 222 series
Towards the end of summer, Mercedes-Benz will also release the new CLA 45 AMG - boasting the same technical features and performance highlights as the A 45 AMG and adding a dose of style and practicality thanks to the 4-door space concept. Market introduction is planned for late 2013 in Europe and spring 2014 for the United States. The CLA 45 AMG will not be substantially different compared to the CLA 250 SPORT model in terms of looks: the Affalterbach brother will display the twin-blade radiator grille, a revised front bumper with larger intakes, a new set of AMG design alloy wheels, a rear diffuser and double exhausts. Inside, expect AMG lettering for the sills, a flat-bottom 3-spoke steering wheel and the bespoke treatment with aluminium, carbon fiber and leather upholstery.
More details --> CLA 45 AMG C 117 series
To sum up, this year will add 10 brand new models to the Mercedes-Benz portfolio - from the bottom line up to the top end of the board. We could also witness the first official photos with the new GLA-Class (X 156) compact SUV in mid-December 2013, but we shall treat that respective car as 2014MY, with its official premiere slated for NAIAS next year and market release in spring.
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