Mercedes-Benz SUVs of the future: GLA, MLC, GLC and more to come

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Sports Utility Vehicle will never go old-fashioned or at least not in the next 10 to 15 years. Mercedes-Benz, as inventor of the modern SUV with the first generation M-Class (W 163) back in 1997, has mastered a strategy to increase profitability and revenue, in addition to exploring new fields and attracting new clients towards the brand. The plan is to fill any niche and any gap still left empty with all-rounding models such as crossovers and SUVs in almost all classes and size categories.

The portfolio of Mercedes-Benz is already heavily filled with various SUVs to suit different tastes. The GLK is the dynamic lifestyle to travel around in big cities, the M-Class is the all-time leader and the most faithful business partner, the GL-Class is suitable for those who want to set themselves apart from the crowd and admire true luxury and sheer elegance, the G-Class is for the adventurous client looking for off-road excitement, whereas the R-Class is a one-of-a-kind proposal in the automotive industry, combining the attributes of a modern station wagon, a van and an all-terrain vehicle into a VIP shuttle body of a crossover.

Five distinct models, each having their targeted customer group and clearly defined role, is still not enough, according to the plans we have found out. Mercedes-Benz mulls over several new additions to the fleet in the next years. The first to come out is the all new GLA, company's first compact SUV. Entitled Cross Activity Vehicle (CAV), the new model has already been previewed at the Auto China 2013, where Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Concept GLA. The serial version comes in September at Frankfurt and will basically be fairly similar to the showcar, like the A-Class and CLA-Class in their respective cases. The muscular, yet very dynamic and coupe-ish silhouette, combined with the higher ground clearance and the multiple appointments, will certainly translate into a boost of sales right from the market release of the X 156.

MLC, company's first Sports Utility Coupe, is next on the list. The C 292 project will become reality as soon as late 2014, with production starting at Tuscaloosa the following year. The new MLC-Class will get the underpinnings from the M-Class, but engineers will further tweak the platform to make it sportier and more responsive. Styling will be totally different, with the new rakish roof line setting the model apart from the standard SUV in the lineup. The four-door/four-seat architecture will add a dose of practicality and exclusiveness. The latest breakthroughs in ride management, assistance technology and telematics will find their onto the new SUC from Mercedes-Benz: the upgraded COMAND Online with touchpad, the Head-Up Display, the enhanced ATTENTION ASSIST, the Night View Assist Plus with improved person/animal recognition, the new generation 4MATIC and the state-of-the-art ON&OFFROAD Package available as an option. Most engines to power the new MLC will be brand new. If the petrol choices will consist of efficient BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 units, the diesel version will carry the BlueTEC badge. As the MLC is an upscale niche model, the baseline variant will be the MLC 250 BlueTEC with 211 hp, followed by the MLC 300 with 252 hp and the MLC 350 BlueTEC with 258 hp. Further, the MLC 350 with 306 hp might still be kept for a while, whereas the MLC 400 will reach 333 hp. The range-topping models will be the MLC 500 with 435 hp (or 455 hp) and the MLC 63 AMG with 557 hp coming towards 2016.

In 2015, one year after the 205 series for C-Class is unveiled, the second generation GLK is slated to showcase during spring. The new X 205 will be a complete departure from the current boxy model. A different philosophy will make the GLK look modern and youthful, with barely any direct linkage to the G-Class like the current model has. The new mid-sized SUV will be underpinned by the new MRA rear-wheel-driven platform that will be accomodated to receive the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, which shall be available on most versions except for the entry-level GLKs. From 2016, an SUC will also join the portfolio. The future GLC will follow the footprints of the MLC, which means a coupe greenhouse fitted to a four-door body. The GLC-Class will share the technical equipment with the new GLK, which also borrows its systems and engines from the new C-Class. While AMG models are still in doubt, the new GLK 400 and GLC 400, both boasting a maximum output of 333 hp from a 3.0-litre V6 BlueDIRECT engine, will be the available high-end variants. The new straight-six petrol powerplants with bi- or tri-turbocharging are prone to debut in around three years from now, so probably the current "V" units will then be replaced for the GLK and GLC as well, together with a power boost up to around 360 hp.

We have previously reported on the so-entitled GLG mini-sized city SUV. It seems rumors are intensifying and this all new, retro-styled crossover harking to the G-Class is closer and closer to production form. Last year's ENER-G-FORCE study revealed at the LA Auto Show in November might hint at the design direction adopted for the GLG. Anyway, the new lifestyle crossover will have a total length of exactly 4 meters and will use the MFA chassis, in an adapted variant, from the new GLA. 4MATIC will be an option, otherwise front drive will be the standard architecture for the GLG. The engines will consist of efficient Daimler-Renault developed powerplants; the anticipated 3-cylinder low displacement diesel and gasoline units could also power the GLG beginning with 2017. An AMG version is ruled out at the moment, as the GLG 250 4MATIC with 211 hp and the 7G-DCT automatic gearbox is simply more than enough for the needs of the targeted clients. If it ever gets greenlighted, the baby G-Class should hit streets by mid-2016.

We also suspect Mercedes-Benz is looking at the possibility of releasing a top luxury class SUV in the new S-Class portfolio. With over five meters in length, a high-grade design and bespoke technology from the W 222 generation, the new top 4x4 car should be entitled GLS and concur other exquisite opponents such as the future Bentley and Rolls-Royce SUVs. If such a model gets the approval of the executive board of Daimler AG, then we could witness the appearance of the GLS on streets around 2017 or 2018.

It is still unclear whether Mercedes-Benz will axe the R-Class or it will release a new generation of the model after 2015. Past reports were indicating the future R-Class will be strongly based on the next generation E-Class (W 213) scheduled to bow in around two years. The car would retain the wagon body, but also get more dynamic, appealing and garnished with the latest technology.

This is, all in all, the sketch of the new outlook for the future at Mercedes-Benz. Along with the standard high-volume models like the C-Class and E-Class, the SUV/SUC range will ensure a substantial growth for the Stuttgart-based constructor in the following years. As a consistent part of the Mercedes-Benz 2020 strategy, through which the Germans target the top position in the premium automotive industry by the end of this decade, the new lineup of niche vehicles must be close to perfect, if not fully perfect, to succeed in a world with ever more competitors.

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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REPORT: The "baby G-Class" - one step closer to production

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In August 2012, we were bringing to your attention the plans Mercedes-Benz has to offer a niche compact SUV resembling the G-Class (read more --> HERE). New information points that the so-called GLG is indeed set to hit streets in about two years from now.

It is worth saying the ENER-G-FORCE concept showcased in November last year at Los Angeles increased the birth chances of this special model. We hear the GLG's overall styling will be heavily influenced by the design study presented at the North American motor show.

Nonetheless, while talking about the ENER-G-FORCE in one of our articles, we speculated it could well spawn a brand new generation G-Class in the future, probably after 2016 (read more --> HERE). Even though this prediction was far from spot on, it was somehow relevant to the current rumors regarding the GLG.

The new "City-G" from Mercedes-Benz will arrive in spring 2015 and be developed on the MFA front-driven platform. Measuring a mere 4 meters, it shall likely be company's smallest SUV in history, hence its other nickname - the "baby G-Class". The FWD configuration will be standard, with the front-biased 4MATIC (67:33 ratio) being offered as an option for the range-topping variants and solely in conjunction with the 7G-DCT automatic gearbox.

Expect some flamboyant styling similar to the design exercise on the Ener-G-Force 2025 Highway Patrol Vehicle, as well as progressive influence from the GLA-Class. Inside, the edged dashboard will remember the clients the GLG is the nephew of the mighty Geländewagen.

The engines are borrowed from the other premium compact models - ranging from 1.5 litres and 109 hp up to 2.1 litres and 211 hp. A high performance GLG 45 AMG with 360 hp and 450 Nm is a bit unlikely at the moment, but we do not fully rule it out of the scheme.

The active/pasive safety level and the technological equipment for the GLG will include numerous assistance systems, like the complete set of airbags, Collision Prevention Assist, the PRE-SAFE, the DIRECT STEER parametric steering, the 360-degree stereo multi-purpose camera (SPMC) and the internet-based COMAND Online infotainment system.

Being a lifestyle crossover, appealing to younger masses of customers, means the GLG will offer unlimited personalization choices through dedicated programmes like designo, Mercedes-Benz Sport and Mercedes-Benz Original Accessories. If the new GLA-Class (X 156) should end up costing around 30,000 euros for the entry-level model, the purchase price for the future GLG could start at around 32,000-33,000 euros in Germany. The new Star-badged vehicle will be first introduced in Europe, but it will also be sold onto the American market towards 2016 following the official dealer launch in the summer of 2015.

Note: Mercedes-Benz ENER-G-FORCE pictured.

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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PREVIEW: Daring Mercedes-Benz ENER-G-FORCE showcar could hint at future SUV direction

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For the ninth time, the LA Auto Show starting at the end of November in the USA will be host of the famous Design Challenge competition, where talented stylists working for important automotive constructors are showcasing their outstanding ideas on the car of the future. This year's theme is: Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025.

Mercedes-Benz will take part in the event with the project that pictures the police patrolling SUV of 2025: the ENER-G-FORCE. The prototype does not exist solely on paper, but has also been transposed into a 1:1 model, that we look forward to see unveiled on the stage of the American salon alongside other major premieres.

We cannot simply label this as "just another concept". The ENER-G-FORCE concept car has been penned by a team of enthusiastic designers from the Advanced Design Center in California, led by Hubert Lee, a young and talented artist. Even though the styling of the car is crazy and will never make it to series production (at least, not in this form), we wonder if this otherwise mind-blowing study could signal future additions to the SUV lineup of Mercedes-Benz.

First of all, the general shape is rugged, but the modern interpretation also adds sort of harmony of interesting curves that blend very well with the whole architecture. The good ol' daddy G-Class served as inspiration, and you can sense that even in the name, which highlights the magical letter G. After 2015, when the current manufacturing contract with Magna-Steyr expires, there's a real possibility the G-Class could be discontinued from 2016 onwards. But, there are also chances the partnership is extended up to 2020 or, more or less fantastic, a worthy, modern successor, in fact a second generation G-Class, could come into force. The ENER-G-FORCE is looking to be a very attractive opportunity to begin with in the development of the next G-Class series.

Secondly, Mercedes-Benz wants to diversify its portfolio of compact niche models and rumors about a possible baby G-Class model coming in around two years have been appearing pretty often lately. If it ever sees the light of day, the GLG, because that's the rumored title for the car, will be developed on company's MFA platform and display a boxy, yet highly modern and appealing exterior design. Definitely, the anticipated GLG will be a car that aims to stand out of the crowd and have that all-so-desired "wow factor". And, last but not least, the young clients will be impressed by these attributes, because this is the main public this compact SUV is addressed to. As in the other, the ENER-G-FORCE could be a highly valuable resource for some crazy and dramatic design experiments that immediately impress when admired.

Look for further official details on the Mercedes-Benz ENER-G-FORCE in the next period while we approach the press days of the 2012 Los Angeles Motor Show. Stay tuned to www.mercedesgla.blogspot.com to find out the hottest stuff on this topic!

Image Credits: Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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REPORT: Mercedes-Benz supposedly readying two very different compact SUVs - the GLA and the GLG

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This news is taken out from the speculations' bin and was released on the market by the German automotive magazine Autobild, that allegedly has information Mercedes-Benz will offer two compact SUVs developed on the MFA platform. The first to come out is the GLA-Class, arriving in 2014, and the latter one is the GLG, which looks to be a tribute to the G-Class in terms of styling.

Mercedes-Benz will enter the segment of premium compact SUVs/crossovers when it launches the eagerly anticipated GLA-Class model. A logical addition to the ever expanding A-Class/B-Class portfolio, this vehicle will target BMW X1 and Audi Q3 and be offered in either front-drive or 4x4 configuration. The GLA will sport company's frugal 4-cylinder engines already in use the MPV and hatchback cars the Germans have already released. If we are to believe rumors, chances are a hardcore GLA 45 AMG rolls off the Affalterbach labs. With almost 350 hp, it would certainly be an unbeatable and one-of-a-kind proposition in the SUV market.

What we find rather intriguing is the rumor we mentioned above. The GLG derives from the GLA and is a very interesting, retro-styled niche vehicle that aims to capture the minds of enthusiast with the help of a fashionable, rough, boxy exterior that, in every sense, harks back to the rich heritage the iconic G-Class created at Mercedes-Benz. To put it straight, this is a baby G that should also have some off-road abilities. While we find this daring, it is still hard to believe the German carmaker will ever build such a variant of the GLA, even though it could turn out to be a hit among buyers. If the GLG sees the light of day eventually, it won't do it before 2016.

If the plans Mercedes-Benz has to construct a consistent fleet of niche vehicles are greenlighted in their actual form, it means the Stuttgart-based constructor will then have the largest offering of crossovers and SUVs in the premium segment. Imagine: G, GL, GLK, M, E-Class Van to replace the R-Class, GLA, GLG, GLC, MLC and C-Class Van. Quite a lot of letters, a bit of an overcrowded list, but rather individualized and self-assured vehicles to suit all tastes. Until we know anything for sure, we invite you to take a look through the next CGIs of the announced, future GLA we found across the internet. Enjoy!

Image Credits: Autobild / Autozeitung

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