Although Daimler AG is implementing an internal efficiency program with a view to saving €1 billion over the next two years, Mercedes-Benz, Smart and Mercedes-AMG look to that period with ambition and, together, intend to launch 32 models by 2022.
The news was advanced by British Autocar and gives an account of what is seen as the biggest product offensive in the manufacturer's history, with plans already finalized by the German group to launch 32 models by the end of 2022.
From city models to luxury ones, passing through the electric “must haves” and the always desired sporty ones, new features will not be lacking for Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and Smart in the next two years. In this article, we will introduce you to some of them.
sports are to keep
Despite the current times in the automotive industry seem to be unsuitable for launching sports models, in the next two years there should be no shortage of news from Mercedes-AMG.
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Therefore, the arrival of a plug-in hybrid variant of the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door (which is estimated to have more than 800 hp) is expected; the radical GT Black Series and even the long-awaited Mercedes-AMG One, which is due to arrive in 2021 due to the difficulties of the Formula 1 engine in complying with emission regulations.
What to expect from Mercedes-Benz?
As you might expect, when talking about plans to launch 32 models by 2022, a sizable share of them will be plug-in hybrids and electrics.
Among the electric cars, Mercedes-Benz is preparing to launch the EQA (which appears to be no more than the new GLA, but electric), the EQB, the EQE, the EQG and, of course, the EQS whose prototype we have already tested and which will debut the EVA (Electric Vehicle Architecture) platform.
In the field of plug-in hybrid models, Mercedes-Benz will offer the CLA and GLA the same plug-in hybrid system that we already know from the A250e and B250e. Another of the novelties among this type of models will be the plug-in hybrid variant of the renewed Mercedes-Benz E-Class, another novelty for the German brand in the next two years.
As for the “conventional” models, in addition to the renewed E-Class, Mercedes-Benz is preparing to launch in 2021 the new C and SL-Class. As for the latter, it seems that it will have a canvas hood again and will adopt a 2+2 configuration, deriving from the sportier two-seater GT.
For this year, Mercedes-Benz has been preparing the launch of its “most advanced production model ever”, the new S-Class. Developed based on a renewed version of the MRA platform, it should offer level 3 autonomous driving. Coupé and Cabriolet versions will not have successors — current models are expected to remain on sale until 2022.
And Smart?
Finally, Smart also has a share of the models that integrate this plan, which intends to launch 32 models by 2022. Two of them are the new generations of the EQ fortwo and EQ forfour, which will replace the current ones in 2022, already a result of joint venture signed between Daimler AG and Geely last year.
That same year, the arrival of a compact electric SUV is also expected, as a result of the same partnership. This new generation of Smart will be produced in China and then exported to Europe.