The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé (C 207) and Cabriolet (A 207) 2013: The complete video gallery

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The all new, updated E-Class lineup will be showcased by Mercedes-Benz in less than a week at the first major auto show of the year: NAIAS 2013 in Detroit. As the Limousine and T-Modell relatives, the recently previewed Coupé and Cabriolet variants lead the quad-headlight design into a new era, thanks to intelligent lighting technology based on LEDs and outstanding inner lamp graphics. The revised C 207 and A 207 models impress with their sophistication level. The beautiful styling, which applies elements of the latest philosophy, could not be complete without an array of special technical measures that look to improve safety, efficiency, dynamics and communication aboard the new cars. Most of the "Intelligent drive" technologies come straight from the 212 siblings and include the latest iteration of the COMAND Online, the new DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, BAS PLUS with Junction Assist, the enhanced PRE-SAFE PLUS and the 360-degree Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera System. There is a also a wide choice of powerful petrol and diesel engines to pick from. All of the units are highly efficient and equipped with the ECO start/stop system. Six petrol engines are available ranging in output from 184 hp to 408 hp and there are also three diesel engines ranging from 170 hp to 265 hp.

Admire the new E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet 2013 in a set of four fascinating videos. Enjoy! :)



Video Credits: Daimler AG / Mercedes-Benz | The new E-Class -- The E-xperience / cms-GOMEX™

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet 2013: Driving pleasure at the highest level - passion, sportiness, intelligence

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Like the Saloon and Estate models, Mercedes-Benz has completely revised the Coupé and Cabriolet members of the E-Class family. New additions include powerful and efficient BlueDIRECT four-cylinder engines featuring pioneering injection technology and trend-setting assistance systems, which come under the heading "Intelligent drive". These are systems which can help to prevent accidents with crossing vehicles or pedestrians, Active Lane Keeping Assist or anti-glare, permanent high-beam headlamps, for example. Visually, both the Coupé and Cabriolet draw on the new Mercedes-Benz design idiom. Exclusive, luxurious equipment for sublime refinement underlines the close affinity with the E-Class family.

The classic Coupé and the four-seater Cabriolet of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class are amongst the most desirable vehicles at the higher end of the mid-class segment. By combining intelligent, efficient technology with luxurious equipment that offers superb comfort, neither model comprises when it comes to indulging a passion for superlative driving enjoyment. That is why they are regarded as highlights of the successful E-Class family. The design of the exterior and interior alike is fresh and sharp, as befits many of the stand-out new technical aspects.

According to Dr Joachim Schmidt, member of the Management Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars and responsible for Sales and Marketing: "Three words sum up both the E-Class Coupé and the four-seater Cabriolet model: captivating, athletic, passionate. It is especially pleasing that the two vehicles also incorporate the most intelligent technology ever. This makes them true dream cars."

Design: e-motion at its best

The main feature of the new look E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet is the revised front with new headlamps comprising a single headlamp lens over all functional elements. The headlamps are fitted with anti-dazzle LED lights as standard, with full LED technology now available for the first time in this class as an option. Flowing light elements within the headlamps reinforce the "twin-headlamp" look which is typical of the E-Class.

New front bumpers with a more pronounced V-shape and large air intakes considerably accentuate the dynamism of these agile vehicles. As a whole, the front with sports car radiator has an autonomous, sporty face, while at the same time emphasising the close affinity between the Coupé and Cabriolet and the new E-Class Saloon.

As a visible sign of this sporty car's rear-wheel drive, the muscular-looking rear wing has been retained. New tail lamps and a wide-effect rear bumper with "wing design" and chrome-look trim serve to discreetly underline the athletic appearance of these model series.

The Coupé has classic proportions with a long bonnet, elongated side line, flat roof line, and powerful tail end. Traditional stylistic features which render the Mercedes-Benz Coupé models unmistakeable define the striking lines of the two-door variant. For example, uninterrupted by a B-pillar, the side windows can be opened to their full extent.

The four-seater Cabriolet model also has fully retractable side windows, with a continuous shoulder line that ascends slightly as it runs from the front to the boot lid emphasising its clear proportions.

A fine interior

Mercedes-Benz has additionally updated the interiors of the E‑Class Coupé and Cabriolet, carefully coordinating them with the expressive exteriors. Inside the vehicles, stylish materials dominate alongside clean-cut surfaces and the two-part trim which stretches across the entire dashboard. It can be selected in a wood or aluminium look, thereby rounding off the high-quality overall impression made by each interior.

The kindred nature of the new E-Class family is indicated by an analogue clock between the redesigned air outlets, as well as by controls in silver chrome.

The interior is characterised by the redesigned centre console without selector lever, as well as a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with DIRECT SELECT lever and shift paddles in conjunction with automatic transmission.

One special benefit of the new E-Class Cabriolet is that, thanks to the acoustic soft top with its particularly high-grade insulation, the vehicle has the lowest noise level in its class. The unique acoustic soft top ensures that even at high speeds, only very little wind noise is heard in the interior.

For exceptional comfort when driving with the top down, the speed-dependent AIRCAP system is available as an option. This reduces wind swirl within the vehicle interior and therefore noise levels, too. New: the AIRCAP system deploys automatically at speeds exceeding 40 km/h and the wind deflector in the front windscreen frame automatically retracts again below 15 km/h. This ensures that the E-Class Cabriolet appears at its purest and most alluring when driving slowly and when stationary. The draught-stop between the rear head restraints responds to the number of vehicle occupants (passengers in the rear are detected if the rear seat belts are in use). The positions of the extendable wind deflector in the windscreen frame and the draught-stop are then adjusted accordingly.

Also optionally available: AIRSCARF neck-level heating. This addition extends the cabriolet season by ensuring it is comfortable to drive with the top down, even when it is cold outside.

Limitless individual appointments

The E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet offer virtually unlimited scope for individualisation. Examples include new interior colours and colour combinations such as deep-sea blue to contrast with silk beige in the interior. This brings a breath of fresh air to the exclusive ambiance of the two sportier E-Class models.

"Intelligent drive" with futuristic new assistance systems

As for the Saloon and Estate models, new assistance systems that combine comfort with safety have found their way into the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet. Mercedes-Benz refers to this development as "Intelligent drive".

One basis for all this is formed by state-of-the-art sensors such as a Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera in the vicinity of the rear-view mirror that provides a three-dimensional view up to around 50 metres in front of the vehicle. Intelligent algorithms merge the data from the stereo camera with data from installed radar sensors, performing an evaluation of three-dimensional visual information in order to detect vehicles that are driving ahead, oncoming or crossing, as well as pedestrians and a variety of traffic signs and road markings within a large field of vision. The algorithms also spatially classify moving objects.

As standard in the main markets, both the Coupé and Cabriolet models are fitted with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive brake assist systems. It helps to significantly reduce the risk of a rear-end collision. Also forming part of the standard equipment is ATTENTION ASSIST, which is now able to warn of inattentiveness and drowsiness across a wider speed range, and also inform the driver about their level of fatigue and the amount of driving time which has elapsed since their last break. It also offers an adjustable sensitivity level.

As for the Saloon and Estate models, a number of assistance systems are also optionally available which are either new or now feature significantly extended functions. The following is an overview of the innovations:

- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist can help to take the burden off the driver when it comes to keeping the vehicle in its lane and also track traffic in tailbacks semi-automatically

- for the first time, the Brake Assist system BAS PLUS with Junction Assist is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians too, and boost the braking power applied by the driver accordingly

- the PRE-SAFE® Brake can detect pedestrians and initiate autonomous braking to avoid a collision at speeds up to 50 km/h

- PRE-SAFE® PLUS can recognise an imminent rear-end collision. The driver of the vehicle following behind is warned by activation of the rear warning lights with increasing frequency (not in the USA and Canada). The PRE-SAFE® system then triggers occupant protection measures to reduce the forces to which occupants are subjected. It can also firmly apply the stationary vehicle's brakes in the event of a rear-end collision to prevent secondary accidents

- Active Lane Keeping Assist can now detect when the adjacent lane is occupied, including detection of oncoming traffic. When there is the risk of a collision, the system can also prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane unintentionally, when continuous lines are present, by applying the brakes on one side. As such it makes the ideal supplement to Active Blind Spot Assist

- Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS allows the main-beam headlamps to be kept on permanently without dazzling traffic by masking out other vehicles in the beams' cone of light

- Active Parking Assist enables automated parking with active steering and brake control in both parallel and end-on spaces

- in addition to speed limits, Traffic Sign Assist can now also detect and display no-overtaking zones and the respective signs signalling their end. In the case of signs imposing access restrictions, it can also provide visual and acoustic warnings

- the 360-degree camera covers all four sides of the vehicle, thus enabling a uniform all-round view, including virtual bird's eye view – a top-down view of the vehicle and its immediate surroundings. Dynamic guide lines help with entering and leaving parking spaces as well as manoeuvring

Professor Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development: "The new E-Class represents a major step forward in every respect. The design elicits plenty of emotion, causing a stir in its segment. Its technical highlights are unique. For example, new assistance systems from the upcoming S-Class take the burden off the driver by automatically keeping the vehicle in its lane and also tracking traffic in tailbacks. For the first time, there are also systems that can prevent accidents involving crossing traffic or pedestrians. What is more, with its new engines the E-Class achieves optimum values in terms of efficiency, offers an internet-enabled infotainment system, and boosts safety when driving at night thanks to advanced LED headlamps and permanent high-beam with no dazzling. The E-Class is absolutely packed with high-tech features and altogether makes a very attractive package."

Powerful drive system delivering exemplary efficiency

There is a wide choice of powerful petrol and diesel engines for the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet. All are highly efficient and equipped with the ECO start/stop system. Six petrol engines are available ranging in output from 135 kW (184 hp) to 300 kW (408 hp) and there are also three diesel engines ranging from 125 kW (170 hp) to 195 kW (265 hp).

A new element is the BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engine with spray-guided direct injection, based on the same trend-setting technology used in the latest generation of six and eight-cylinder engines from Mercedes-Benz. Its technology package includes fast-acting piezo injectors for multiple injection, quick multi-spark ignition, turbocharging, fully variable camshaft adjustment on the inlet and exhaust side, as well as a controlled oil pump.

The BlueDIRECT four-cylinder engine also sees the world's first use of the stratified lean burn process in combination with exhaust-gas turbocharging and external high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation. As a result the Coupé and Cabriolet achieve outstanding emission and consumption figures. In addition, the new BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engines already meet the EU6 standard which will apply from 2015.

Also making up the BlueDIRECT petrol engine range are the familiar V6 and V8 engines. A new addition is the six-cylinder engine, which is being offered for the first time as the E 400 with biturbo drive. With its performance potential and enormously high levels of torque at low engine speeds, this engine sets new standards in the six-cylinder sector and also meets the EU6 emissions level.

The six-cylinder diesel engine for the Coupé and Cabriolet is available as BlueTEC models fitted with the established SCR (selective catalytic reduction) technology and as such meets the EU6 emissions standard.

Mercedes-Benz will also offer two transmissions for the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet in the future: a six-speed manual transmission with high ease of shifting and short shift travel, and the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever and DIRECT SELECT shift paddles. This latest stage of evolution of the 7G-TRONIC PLUS provides significant advantages in terms of efficiency and ease of maintenance.

A new feature is the short-term M mode. The benefit of this: if the driver has shifted up or down manually, after a set period of time the transmission independently switches back to the fuel-efficient automatic shift mode.

The suspension – the basis for superior handling

As standard, the Coupé and Cabriolet are fitted with the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system. The shock absorbers adapt to road surface conditions, thereby ensuring a high level of ride comfort. Sporty handling is enabled while still delivering the comfort on long journeys that is typical of the brand.

An AGILITY CONTROL sports suspension with selective damping system and firmer damping characteristics is available as an alternative along with the Dynamic Handling package. The latter offers a choice of driving mode settings for sportier accelerator pedal characteristics and gear shift points, as well as electronic damping control. This allows the driver to adjust the damping to their requirements at the touch of a button, depending on whether they want a comfortable or sporty ride.

Like the Saloon and Estate models, in future the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet will be equipped with the electromechanical Direct-Steer system as standard. This combines speed dependent power assistance from speed-sensitive steering systems with a steering ratio that varies with the steering angle. The electromechanical Direct-Steer system ensures a more direct response, comfortable handling and high levels of steering comfort across all speed ranges. It also offers the potential to make considerable savings by only calling up energy for the steering action and making innovative assistance systems, such as Active Parking Assist systems, possible for the first time.

High-quality appointments

The Coupé and Cabriolet models come with a comprehensive range of high-quality equipment as standard, including modern infotainment systems. These help to keep the driver up to date while on the road in terms of what is happening around the world or in the office. The systems also enable music to be enjoyed or also optionally offer powerful navigation solutions as well as an internet connection.

The Audio 20 CD Radio comes as standard equipment. It features a 14.7 cm TFT colour display, twin tuner and MP3-capable CD player as well as a USB connection in the centre armrest. Bluetooth®-capable devices can also be connected, and SMS text messages displayed.
Optionally the Audio 20 CD can be combined with a six-disc CD changer as well as the reasonably-priced, entry-level Becker® MAP PILOT navigation solution, which can also be retrofitted.

Alternatively, Mercedes-Benz offers the COMAND Online multimedia system with 17.8 cm high-resolution colour display, internet connection, hard-disc navigation and emergency call feature, which can also be combined with a six-disc DVD changer. COMAND Online provides internet access enabling customers to surf the web while the car is stationary or call up a Mercedes-Benz app, whose particularly fast page loading and simple operation make it suitable for use while driving. Integrated apps include Google™ Local Search and Weather and the facility for downloading a route which has previously been configured on a PC using Google Maps and transmitted to the car. In addition, apps for Google™ Streetview as well as Google™ Panoramio and other apps are also available.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Mercedes-Benz posts new sales record in 2012

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Following record sales in the previous year, Mercedes-Benz Cars has once again posted an annual record in 2012 as well as the highest December sales to date. Over the past twelve months, 1,423,835 customers chose a vehicle of the brands Mercedes-Benz, smart and Maybach. The previous year's sales volumes were thus exceeded by 4.5% or 60,901 units. Also Mercedes-Benz achieved a new sales record in 2012. From January through December, a total of 1,320,097 vehicles of the core brand were sold.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “We are very pleased with our sales for the full year 2012. Despite the difficult market environment in the southern European countries and numerous model change-overs, we managed to exceed the previous year's sales record. Our new models in particular were received extremely well by our customers. From the B-Class, more vehicles were sold in 2012 than ever before in a single year, the A-Class got off to a sensational start and our new SUVs are also enjoying lasting popularity.”

Product initiative will be continued

The company expects the positive trend to continue in the next year. Dr. Zetsche adds: “With our product initiative in the premium segment, we will consistently pursue our Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy in 2013. With the new S-Class, the new E-Class but also the new CLA, we will present our customers a complete series of fascinating product highlights. In addition, our new A-Class will also be available in many additional markets. All of this will continue to provide us with momentum in the upcoming months.”

Record sales in all NAFTA countries

As in the past two years, Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. once again posted double-digit growth in sales in 2012 (+11.8%). With 274,134 vehicles sold, the company secured a new sales record. In addition, the U.S. replaced Germany as the brand's biggest market. Mercedes-Benz also posted new sales records for the full year 2012 in Mexico and Canada, the other countries of the NAFTA region. At 30,106 units, sales in Canada were 5.3% higher than the previous year's record. In Mexico, the 2011 sales high was even topped by 21.5%.

China, Russia and Middle East region with new sales records; Japan with high growth rates
Despite limited availability of the GLK due to the production break at BBAC lasting several weeks during the first half of the year and the successive introduction of the new B-Class beginning only in August, Mercedes-Benz posted a new sales record in China (incl. Hong Kong) (196,211 u., +1.5%) also in 2012. The company also posted a sales record in South Korea and Australia, where sales increased by 6.5% respectively 5.4% for the full year. In Russia, Mercedes-Benz achieved the best year of sales since market entrance with a double-digit growth in 2012.

In the Middle East region, customer response was also excellent in the full year 2012. Sales here grew by 16.8%, posting a new sales record.

Sales in Japan have demonstrated very dynamic growth in the past twelve months. No other importer of premium vehicles delivered more vehicles to customers than Mercedes-Benz. With 40,488 units sold, the previous year's level was exceeded by 24.9%.

Mercedes-Benz with highest number of new vehicle registrations in Germany for the past 20 years; sales up in Western Europe

Mercedes-Benz has now been the premium brand with the highest number of new vehicle registrations in Germany for the past 20 years. At 261,084 units, sales in the domestic market last year were on the high level of the previous year (-0.4%) despite the model change of the high volume A-Class model. In Western Europe (without Germany), 2012 was characterized by the difficult market environment in Southern Europe. Still Mercedes-Benz was able to top the sales volumes of the previous year (293,713 u.; +1.5%) due to the favourable customer response to the new models and CO2 optimized engines. Customer demand in the UK (+10.5%), Switzerland (+21.1%) and France (+5.8%) showed a particularly positive trend. In the southern European markets of Italy, Spain and Portugal, the brand with the star performed significantly better than the respective total markets, thus gaining additional market shares.

New compacts received extremely well by customers – record sales for the new B-Class

The new B-Class celebrated a resounding success in its first full year of availability. Never before more vehicles have been sold than in 2012 (145,649 u.). The previous record set in 2006 was thus outdone by 11.4%. Compared to the previous year, growth was actually 51.2%. With the increased availability of the new A-Class, sales of the young compacts continue to gain momentum. Since its sales release, over 90,000 orders have already been recorded for the vehicle.

C-Class segment continues to grow

After posting double-digit growth in the previous year, Mercedes-Benz again posted a significant increase in sales in the C-Class segment (413,193 u.) with 3.0% in the 2012 reporting year. The C-Class coupe performed particularly well over the past twelve months. With 48,145 buyers in 2012, plus 77.3% chose the sporty two-door model compared to the previous year. The SLK was once again popular from January through December. With 31,809 new cars delivered, the roadster's sales volume increased by 18.9%. Both the C-Class coupe and the SLK were also the highest selling vehicles in their respective segments in 2012.

CLS with strong sales performance in the E-Class segment

In the year before the market launch of the new E-Class, 225,521 vehicles of the sedan and the estate were sold (previous year: 244,341 u.). In total, 310,408 new vehicles of the E-Class segment were sold (previous year: 338,386 u.). The CLS was the top performing model in the E-Class segment in 2012 and was also the front runner in its competitive segment. In October, an entirely new vehicle concept celebrated its premiere with the CLS Shooting Brake, once again highlighting the leading role of Mercedes-Benz in the field of design. Overall, 36,825 units (+13.2%) of the four-door coupe were sold.

S-Class again best-selling luxury sedan in the world

Even in the year before its model change-over, the S-Class sedan was once again the most sought-after vehicle in its segment with 65,128 units sold (previous year: 68,969 u.). In the S-Class segment, the new SL was also particularly popular with customers over the past twelve months. In total, sales of the sporty roadster more than tripled.

In the last year of its availability, the Maybach was very popular with the customers. Overall, 234 luxury models were delivered to new owners, 12.0% more than in the previous year.

A success story continues – Mercedes-Benz SUVs post another record year

After the SUVs from Mercedes-Benz had already stormed from one sales record to the next in 2011, the previous year's record sales volume was topped again by 16.6% (289,960 u.) in 2012. Thus, one in five Mercedes-Benz cars sold last year was an SUV. Mainly responsible for this trend was the new M-Class, which increased its sales by almost one third (115,608 u.; +29.8%) and the facelifted GLK (109,813 u.; +17.0%). From January to December, the M-Class was even the highest selling vehicle in its competitive class. In 2012, the facelifted G-Class was also popular. With a 35.8% increase in sales, more G-Class vehicles were sold than ever before in a single calendar year.

Mercedes-Benz AMG posts new sales record

As in the past years, the sales volume of Mercedes-Benz AMG also developed favourably in 2012. With over 24,500 units sold, over 30% more customers opted for a performance vehicle than in the previous year. In the scope of the AMG Performance 50 growth strategy, AMG plans to increase sales to approximately 30,000 vehicles by 2017, thus continuing to hold the top position in this refined and exclusive segment.

smart fortwo again surpasses 100,000 milestone

Last year, 103,738 customers chose a new smart fortwo. With this, the previous year's outstanding sales volumes were not only met but exceeded by 1.7%. Dr. Zetsche: “The smart fortwo has once again managed to exceed our expectations, surpassing the milestone of 100,000 vehicles sold despite the difficult market environment in Southern Europe.” Over the last twelve months, the micro compact car performed particularly well primarily in the U.S. (+92.2%), China (incl. Hong Kong) (+43.8%) and Canada (+29.0%).

Overview of sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars

Credits: Daimler AG

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Mercedes-Benz USA Hits Its Highest-ever U.S. Volume with Sales of 305,072 Vehicles

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Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported its highest year on record with 305,072 vehicles sold in 2012, representing a 15.4% increase over the 264,460 vehicles sold during the same period in 2011. The Mercedes-Benz model line alone also recorded a record year with sales of 274,134 for the year, up 11.8%. Smart and Sprinter model lines both achieved their highest volumes under the MBUSA umbrella with smart sales increasing 92.2% to 10,009 while a record month for Sprinter took the brand to 20,929 for 2012, an increase of 26.3%.

"A strong product offensive backed our retail network's commitment to providing a world-class ownership experience put the wind at our back and enabled us to outperform the market and take the brand to new heights in the U.S.," said Steve Cannon, president & CEO of MBUSA. "We're going to ride that momentum into 2013 with new products across the entire model line from entry point to flagship."

For December, the Mercedes-Benz product line alone posted sales of 28,145 vehicles (up 9.5% from 25,701 in December 2011) bringing MBUSA sales to a best-ever 31,372, up 12.0% from the 28,006 vehicles sold in December 2011.

Strong sales were recorded across the model line. The sporty C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – recorded its highest year on record with sales of 81,697, up 17.9% over its year-to-date volume in 2011. The 9th generation E-Class followed with sales of 65,171, and the M-Class, MBUSA's top-selling SUV, rounded out the top three with sales of 38,101.

For December, sales at the high-end increased as well, with combined sales of S-, CL- and SL-Class vehicles increasing 18.9% percent to 17,416 (when compared to the 14,650 vehicles sold in 2011).

Separately, sales of Sprinter Vans increased by 39.9% for the month with sales of 2,231 compared to the 1,595 vehicles sold in December 2011.

Sales of the smart fortwo totaled 996 vehicles in December, up 40.3% for the month (compared to the 710 vehicles sold in December 2011).

Sales of the high-performance AMG models were 6,658 for the year a 27.5% increase of the 5,220 vehicles sold over the same period last year.

Sales of the company's BlueTEC diesel models were up 7.4% for the year at 15,416 compared to the 14,358 diesels sold in 2011.

Additionally, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,949 vehicles in December; an increase of 13.7% when compared to December 2011 (sales of 6,112 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 80,380 vehicles, an increase of 7.8% over the comparable period (with sales of 74,571 vehicles).

Mercedes-Benz December 2012 Sales Chart

Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

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Mercedes-Benz 2013 Agenda of New Releases: Continuing expansion on all fronts

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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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