125th Anniversary Mercedes-Benz Dealer Meeting, Live from Stuttgart!

Mercedes-Benz Turns 125 Years Old

We are here in Stuttgart attending the 125^th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz, the oldest car manufacturer in the world today. Seeing as 125 is a big number, Mercedes-Benz has matched it with an International Dealer-only meeting that fits the occasion.   

As part of the meetings first session, Mercedes-Benz introduced their plans through the next 5 years, which seems in “Mercedes-Benz time” like a very short period of time.  Unfortunately,  all cameras and phones were prohibited and yes, we were checked by guards at the door.  So this will be a written update on what are some exciting and ground breaking products from the world’s leading automobile manufacturer.

First up is the upcoming 2012 SLK, which we should see in June 2011. Let me tell you, on YouTube that panorama glass roof might be cool, but in person it is absolute breathtaking on a design that gives the SLK a closer alignment with the incredible SL Class.

Next up is the 2012 CLS, which will debut at the same time as the SLK. Expect some firsthand accounts of this car, since Mercedes-Benz  is providing us a fleet of them to “drive/flog/race” around The Hockenheim (race track) here shortly.

The C-Class Coupe, the two-door the world has waited for since the CLK bowed out, will be here sometime in September.  This is Mercedes-Benz’s answer to the 3-Series coupe and in our “unbiased” opinion,  this car is a knock out.

Acting as the next to last act in this cavalcade of new products, the 2012 ML utility vehicle will be here in September as well!  Equipped with a completely new styling, and enhanced interior space, options and value, the new ML will again allow Mercedes-Benz to set the standard in the Sport Utility market. 

The final act for 2011 introductions of 2012 models will be the incredible, beautiful and awe-inspiring SLS AMG Roadster.  There is nothing traditional about this roadster, except the call it makes to the memory of the classic SL300 Roadster of the mid 1950’s.  The SLS’s roadster styling definitely sits well with us, giving a complete different view from the gull-wing model.

The summer of 2012 will see the new 2013 SL, with a new AMG version with 612+ horsepower, as well as a refresh to the GL, giving it a family resemblance the upcoming ML styling.

Fall 2012 will bring a facelift to the GLK, with the E-Class to see a facelift in early 2013, complete with two new engines including a diesel motor.

2013 provides us even bigger news.  Yes the flagship of the line, the S-Class will be redesigned to look more Maybach-like, but the biggest news, the game changing news is two just announced new models:  the GLC, which will be a sub-GLK sized SUV, as well as the CLC, a smaller version of the CLS 4-door coupe. These two products will be stunning additions to our vehicle lineup and both the GLC and CLC will be offered in front wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

Finally, the A and B Class compact vehicles should be here in 2015.

Look forward to more updates from us as the meeting progresses!