Mercedes-Benz is reportedly preparing one of its most ambitious new-car strategies yet, with plans to debut 21 new models over the next two years. According to reports from AutoCar and details shared at Mercedes-Benz’s latest product strategy and investor conference, the Stuttgart-based automaker’s new list of vehicles will feature new and updated models for both its range of internal combustion and electric vehicles.
The lineup overhaul comes amid the Three-Point Star’s change in heart over its electrification initiatives. Not too long ago, Mercedes-Benz dialed back on its electric vehicle offensive due to slow sales and a lukewarm market. Other external factors, such as lingering automotive import and export tariffs, and the potential for loosening environmental regulations influenced the company’s decision to circle back and further invest in and develop internal combustion tech, including gas-electric hybrid powertrains.
The Next-Gen CLA Kicks Off This 21-Model Strategy
Kicking off the new product offensive is the new, next-generation C119 CLA-Class, due to debut on March 13, 2025. The CLA will not only replace the current and aging second-gen C118. It’s also expected to usher in a long list of new features and elements that will eventually make their way into other Mercedes-Benz models in the near-future.
Following the CLA, Mercedes product planners scheduled the S-Class for a heavy mid-cycle refresh in 2026. Again, specifics are sparse.
Along with new styling, the CLA will introduce MB’s next-gen infotainment system interface and its new associated software, MB.OS, as well as the company’s next-gen AI-based driver assistance and safety tech, compliments of its partnership with Chinese software startup Momenta.
Furthermore, the CLA will also introduce Mercedes’ new “multi-energy” approach, where it’ll offer the CLA with several types of propulsion: traditional internal-combustion power, gas-electric hybrid, and all-electric. Mercedes is also expected to debut an all-electric version of the CLA in the second half of 2025, with promises of a driving range greater than 460 miles, using a new nickel-maganese-cobalt battery. The hybrid models will include conventional non-plug-in hybrids and plug-in hybrid models, due sometime in 2026.
The CLA is also the first car built using Benz’s latest Modular Mercedes Architecture, or MMA.
2025 To Bring New EV And Hybrid Models
In addition to the new CLA this year, Mercedes plans to reveal a new small electric vehicle based on the GLC compact crossover SUV. Set to succeed the original EQC SUV from 2019 through 2023, the new model will serve as the updated GLC’s all-electric version to accompany the model’s ICE-powered and soon-to-be hybrid model in the near future.
The EQC successor will continue its mission as a competitor to the BMW iX3, Audi Q6 E-tron, and Porsche Macan EV, complete with the latest and greatest 800-volt electric powertrain architecture. The model will also feature Benz’s latest MB:EA Medium all-electric architecture, a platform that will also underpin the next-gen C-Class and its electric variant in 2026.
A new GLB is also expected later this year. However, specifics to the new model weren’t fully available. Considering the current X247 debuted in 2019 as a 2020 model-year car, with a midcycle update rolling out in 2023, it’s safe to assume the new GLB in discussion will be a next-gen model. The current GLB turns roughly five years old this year and by 2026, it’ll be due for outright replacement.
The most iconic debut for 2025, however, is the anticipated arrival of Mercedes’ new electric supercar. On top of delivering incredible performance, its design is said to incorporate a lot of cues from the 2023 One-Eleven Concept. It’ll also be the star car to show off AMG’s next-gen high-performance electric propulsion system.
The new high-performance propulsion system supposedly features an axial-flux electric motor, cooperatively developed between Mercedes-Benz and UK-based Yasa. Benz executives said we can expect to see the same axial-flux electric motor in future high-performance EVs and possibly some newer hybrids.
Mercedes Says To Expect Heavily Revised S-Class And More In 2026, And Beyond
Following the CLA, Mercedes product planners scheduled the S-Class for a heavy mid-cycle refresh in 2026. Again, specifics are sparse. But after Mercedes’ investor conference in February, Benz executives said the current W223 S-Class’s mid-cycle refresh will be a lot more substantial than previous updates. The plan is to extend its production lifecycle until about 2030, giving the company ample time to develop a completely new S-Class.
In addition to the internal combustion-powered S-Class, its all-electric variant is also on the schedule as the replacement for the slow-selling EQS. However, instead of continuing the EQS badge, Mercedes is renaming the model to incorporate the use of the S-Class nomenclature.
Like some of MB’s other EVs, the company’s new 800-volt architecture will underpin the new S-Class EV’s powertrain, along with the latest MB:EA Large platform. The internal combustion models will continue using a modified version of the current S-Class’s MRA platform.
Many of the other models include an expansion of Benz’s EV lineup, on top of a rework of its current models, all to better align to the incoming competition from BMW’s Neue Klasse generation of automobiles. This includes a new C-Class to match the 3-Series and an all-electric variant of the C63 AMG.
Also on the docket is MB’s new “baby G,” or basically a shrunken-down, more affordable version of the current Gelandewagen, a new all-electric AMG GT SUV to combat the Lotus Eletre and Porsche Cayenne EV, and even an all-electric performance four-door-coupe to compete with the Lotus Emeya.
Source: AutoCar
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