Mercedes has confirmed that a dozen new models will debut in the global markets by 2020. The news was confirmed by R&D chief Thomas Weber, at the opening ceremony of Mercedes-Benz's new research centre in Beijing.
Weber also said that every model will be a new addition to Merc’s existing portfolio, none of them having a direct predecessor. Although concrete details are sparse, it is understood that the 12 cars are either all-new variants or new models built from the ground up. Each will be an addition to a family under the Merc badge. It will be the “most intensive development cycle” undertaken by the German marque.
Some of the models that are in advanced stages of development are the CLA Shooting Brake, New C-Class Cabriolet, S-Class Maybach, S-Class Pullman, GLC Coupe and GLE Coupe. Another possible new model could be a sub-GLA-sized crossover to rival the Audi Q1, based on the recently revealed G-Code concept car.
This new announcement from Mercedes-Benz follows another recent statement in which the company disclosed plans to add 10 new plug-in hybrid cars to its line-up.