If you’re looking for a new Mercedes-Benz then the timing is just right. The German luxury brand is bracing for a busy remainder of 2023 with no less than 11 new or updated models hitting showrooms.
To highlight the brand’s strength of diversity, this new model onslaught will include both existing internal combustion engine models as well as a range of new all-electric options.
The product offensive has already begun with the arrival of the all-new EQE Sedan, which has arrived just in time to take advantage of Tesla’s decision to definitively drop the Model S from its Australian line-up.
Mercedes-Benz will also be able to offer would-be Tesla Model X buyers, who are now looking for an alternative, two electric SUV options when the EQE and EQS SUVs arrive in the third quarter. The addition of those two models will take Mercedes’ Australian EV portfolio to eight by the end of the year; EQA, EQB, EQC, EQE, EQS, EQE SUV, EQS SUV and EQV.
For those looking for a more traditional Mercedes experience, they are covered too. In June, the crucial new GLC SUV will land in dealerships, with the GLC Coupe scheduled for the fourth quarter of the year.
The brand’s small car line-up will get a mid-life update too, with facelifted versions of the A-Class arriving in June before the CLA and GLA lob in the third quarter.
July will see the arrival of the new-generation SL, with the local operation only offering the highest-specification AMG SL63. This seventh-generation of the luxury roadster was unveiled back in 2021 but should be worth the wait with its 430kW/800Nm twin-turbo V8.
Finally, the fourth quarter of the year will see the arrival of the facelifted SUVs from different ends of the range, with the compact GLB and full-size GLS.
Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman Jerry Stamoulis said this bevy of new metal won’t lead to a sales spike but should continue the brand’s sales ticking along “on-track”. This is expected to be enough for it to retain its spot as the best-selling luxury brand in the country.
Importantly, he said supply for each model shouldn’t be restrained, beyond the ongoing challenges around shipping and logistics plaguing the entire industry.
“Supply is looking good,” Stamoulis said. “Other than supply chain issues, such as shipping, from a stock point-of-view we’re looking good.”
Last year, Mercedes-Benz Australia sold a total of 26,801 new vehicles, a slight 5.5 per cent decreased compared to 2021.
So far in 2023, after four months of trading, the premium German brand has found 7798 new homes for its vehicles, placing it ahead of rivals BMW and Audi who are on 7135 and 5872 sales respectively.
Keyword: Watch out BMW, Audi and Tesla! Mercedes-Benz planning 2023 new model onslaught