Mercedes-Benz EQS caught in spy shots

Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ concept, 2016 Paris auto show

For decades, Mercedes-Benz sold only two passenger cars. Now, the automaker is promising 10 different electric cars.

Although the Mercedes has not revealed plans for all of them, spy photographers have recently captured a large electric sedan from Mercedes-Benz testing at Mercedes's headquarters in Sindelfingen, Germany. 

The spy pics were published by Motor Authority.

In line with Mercedes-Benz's naming convention and statements from company executives, observers expect the new sedan to be called the EQS, sitting parallel in Mercedes-Benz's lineup with its flagship S-Class.

Previous statements from Mercedes executives have hinted that the EQS will go on sale in 2020, likely as a 2021 model.

It is expected to ride on Mercedes's dedicated, modular electric-car architecture, dubbed MEA. At the same time, Mercedes is separately developing a new gas-fueled S-Class sedan that will ride on a separate rear-wheel-drive gas platform (MRA), and debut around the same time.

The EQ chassis sits a little higher than the basic S-Class to allow space for the large battery packs under the floor, but it has a much more steeply swept windshield and sleeker profile.

A high tail indicates it could be a hatchback, perhaps like the Tesla Model S, its target competition. It could, however, be just part of the prototype's camouflage.

Among the 10 electric models Mercedes has said it will deliver, the EQS represents the third passenger car, after the EQC small SUV and the EQA small coupe.

It has also revealed prototypes and specs of two commercial electric vans, and is expected to offer a small electric sedan the size of the C-class.

More Mercedes Plug-in Hybrids Are Coming

Mercedes will bring 10 new plug-in hybrid models to the market by 2017, according to a board member speaking at the launch of the Mercedes S 500 Hybrid, reports CarAdvice.com.au. A new model will debut every four months, and this rapid-fire expansion will make Mercedes a major player in the plug-in market in short order all thanks to modular motor setup that can fit into multiple models.

Next up is a C-Class plug-in hybrid, which has already been spotted testing on roadways, and every Mercedes model from the C-Class on up can be fitted with the modular plug-in drivetrain.

“In principle, the [plug-in hybrid] system is suitable for all Mercedes models with rear-wheel drive and 4MATIC drive,” said Daimler AG board member Dr. Thomas Weber “This modular approach enables high volumes and therefore economies of scale … a first-class, standardised modular hybrid system with individual components.These modules can be freely combined with gasoline and diesel engines and also with all engine types, starting withour four and six cylinders.”

Down the road, the system can also be adapted to smaller front-drive models like the A-Class and B-Class, the latter of which currently uses a Tesla-developed electric drivetrain. The S 500 Hybrid is the vanguard of a new generation of plug-in Mercs. Using a 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6 engine paired with a powerful electric motor and 8.7 kWh of lithium-ion batteries for a total output of 436 of Tesla-rivaling horsepower. Throw in some of the most advanced autonomous driving technologies, the promise of wireless charging, and a world-renowned brand name, and you’ve got the first of what Mercedes says is many plug-in hybrids.

Does that mean they’re giving up on pure electric vehicles for now?

Source: Gas 2.

New Mercedes Diesel C Class Debuts at NAIAS 2014

Mercedes brought the latest version of its C Class sedans to the 2014 Detroit Auto Show – make that, the latest versions of its C Class sedan. According to the announcer at the MBUSA press conference, buyers will be able to choose the “traditional” Mercedes-Benz slatted grille or the “SL style” grille with a prominent 3-pointed star. The biggest news, however, is the availability of a Bluetec Mercedes diesel engine in the C Class.

In addition to the C300 Bluetec Mercedes Diesel shown here (in white), you’ll be able to order a C250 powered by a 201 hp, 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine or a C350 that’s powered by a 3.5 liter V6 capable of delivering more than 300 hp while getting 29 MPG highway.

The new engines come with a refreshed exterior more in tune with Mercedes’ new S600 flagship sedans. Softer edges, improved aerodynamics, and an interior featuring a prominently placed “tablet” floating above the dashboard work together to keep the newest “baby Benz” culturally relevant in the face of what’s sure to be stiff competition from Tesla’s upcoming Model E and Fisker’s Nina (assuming anyone’s willing to pay the now $55 million needed to make that a reality).

Even more telling, perhaps, that Mercedes considers Tesla and, now, Lexus as its primary competitors might be the announcement from MB brass that a Bluetec hybrid C Class will be coming next year to join the company’s bigger, badder, S class hybrid offerings. So far, details are scarce- but you can check out a quick video of the upcoming C300 Bluetec Mercedes diesel hybrid, here …

… and check out the new C Class’ available nose options in these photos, below, and let us know what you think of Mercedes’ newest C Class options in the comments section at the bottom of this article. Enjoy!

Sporty Mercedes Diesel C300 C Class

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Comfortable Mercedes C250 C Class

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Source: Gas2.0

2015 Mercedes C-Class Is Bigger, Lighter, And More Efficient

With the introduction of the Mercedes CLA, the C-Class is no longer considered the luxury brand’s entry-level competitor. That left room for the 2015 Mercedes C-Class to grow, though through its Bavarian magic Mercedes managed to make a bigger car lighter and more efficient. WIth upcoming diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options, the C-Class has grown up leaner and meaner.

As the brand’s best-selling model, Mercedes has a lot riding on the success of the next-gen C-Class, and they haven’t disappointed. With about 100 kg/220 lbs of weight savings and better aerodynamics, Mercedes claims up to 20% better fuel economy over the outgoing model. European buyers will get to choose between either a 136 horsepower 1.6 liter turbodiesel, or a 170 horsepower 2.2 liter turbodiesel with almost 300 ft-lbs of torque on tap. The 2.2 liter engine will reportedly be capable of up to 58 MPG on the European cycle.

The 2015 Mercedes C Class will also get five four-cylinder gas engines making between 156 and 238 horsepower, as well as a 333 horsepower V6 will be available down the road. In the U.S., C-Class buyers will choose between a 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine making 235 horsepower or a 3.0 liter V6 making 329 horsepower.

The most-exciting model for me though is the C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, which pairs a four-cylinder turbodiesel rated 204 horsepower with a 27 horsepower electric motor. This diesel-electric hybrid should not only offer a devious amount of torque, but will reportedly deliver as high as 60 MPG.

Sounds like the perfect drivetrain for some kind of classic-meets-modern engine swap. Or you know, just on its own merits as an incredibly efficient luxury car. Either way, I’ll take one.

Source: Mercedes