Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) had fairly quite a few highlights in 2023, starting with the introduction of the locally-assembled (CKD) EQS500 4Matic in February. The model’s EQ vary would regularly broaden over the 12 months, with AMG variations of the EQS and EQE arriving in June, whereas the EQS SUV and EQE SUV went on sale in October and December respectively.
Away from electrical autos (EVs), different notable launches embrace the second-generation GLC, which was initially launched in CBU kind earlier than the CKD model was launched with a cheaper price level. There have been additionally some area of interest fashions that have been made out there right here, together with the Mercedes-AMG GT63S E Efficiency and SL43, whereas bread and butter fashions such because the E-Class and A-Class (together with AMG variations) obtained updates.
It wasn’t simply automobiles that noticed adjustments, as MBM’s administration additionally welcomed Amanda Zhang as its new CEO and president in August 2023, succeeding Sagree Sardien superior to the place of head of area abroad for Mercedes-Benz Vehicles in Stuttgart. In 2024, MBM’s first transfer was introducing the facelifted GLA, however what else does the corporate have in retailer for us? Properly, right here’s what we’re anticipating:
W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The E-Class has been a staple in Mercedes-Benz’s line-up for years, with the W214 being the newest technology of the mannequin that made its international debut final April. Barely bigger in measurement in comparison with the earlier W213, the W214 boasts a bolder design and comes full of applied sciences, the latter contains the multi-display Superscreen.
In contrast to the G60 BMW 5 Sequence it competes towards, the W214 E-Class isn’t supplied as a totally electrical mannequin (just like the i5), with the EQE being the model’s “E-Class EV.” As a substitute, the newest E-Class is simply supplied with petrol and diesel powertrains in delicate hybrid or plug-in hybrid varieties.
Not all automobile consumers on this phase need an electrical powertrain, so if the E-Class arrives earlier than the inner combustion engine (ICE) variations of the G60 5 Sequence, it may acquire the higher hand till BWM Group Malaysia responds. Given the W213 is a CKD mannequin right here, we might anticipate the W214 to observe go well with to maintain pricing aggressive.
V167 Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift
One other mannequin that made its international debut final 12 months was the facelifted GLE, which was launched alongside its coupe-styled equal (the GLE Coupe). The latter has already been launched right here in November final 12 months, however we’ve but to get the up to date GLE in its common SUV physique.
The visible variations are refined and embrace a brand new DRL signature within the type of dotted traces on the highest and backside of the headlamps – the previous additionally will get a slim mild bar. There are additionally tweaks to the inside, with new steering wheels that incorporate contact sensors, revised trim and the second-generation Mercedes-Benz Person Expertise (MBUX).
Whereas the GLE Coupe is a CBU product, the common GLE has been a CKD providing since 2021 and is at present listed in a sole GLE450 4Matic AMG Line variant. A refresh would hold the GLE within the struggle towards the upcoming BMW X5 xDrive50e facelift and Volvo XC90 right here.
H243 Mercedes-Benz EQA facelift
One other mannequin that bought a facelift final 12 months was the EQA in August. The pre-facelift EQA we’ve right here was launched again in March 2022 and bought a value bump in early January 2023. The facelifted model is accessible with three powertrains (EQA250, EQA250+ and EQA300 4Matic) that include as a lot as two electrical motors, 228 PS, 390 Nm and 560 km of vary.
As with different facelifts launched by the carmaker, the styling adjustments are comparatively minor and embrace a redesigned black panel on the entrance with a star sample as an alternative of two horizontal slats, revised bumpers, a brand new steering wheel with contact panels and an up to date MBUX system.
C236 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The CLE was launched globally in July 2023 to exchange each coupe variations of the C- and E-Class. Sharing the identical wheelbase with the W206 C-Class, the CLE is a four-seater that will also be had as a cabriolet (A236). Powertrain choices for the CLE embrace turbocharged delicate hybrid engines in both 2.0 litre inline-four or 3.0 litre inline-six varieties – energy outputs go as excessive as 380 PS.
For individuals who need a Mercedes-Benz with two doorways, your solely choices at present are the SL and Mercedes-AMG GT, which retail for just below RM1 million and simply over RM2.08 million respectively. The CLE may arrive to fill within the hole between the 2, however we’ll need to see what we understand to be a distinct segment mannequin comes right here.
So, these are a number of the issues we expect to see from MBM this 12 months, however which of those automobiles are you trying ahead to probably the most? Share your ideas on the matter within the feedback beneath.
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