Following the cancellation of the SLC, S-Class Coupe and S-Class Cabriolet, Mercedes looks to further simplify its highly complex lineup in the following years. It is a known fact that it will reduce the number of compact cars from seven to just four but some larger vehicles are also in jeopardy. Car and Driver citing sources within the automaker who claim the three-pointed star plans to overhaul its portfolio.
As previously reported, the C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet along with the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet will morph into a pair of CLE models. CLS is also not long in this world as the German luxury brand seems intent on ditching the swoopy sedan next year. Apart from that, the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is also not left behind CD reports Mercedes will discontinue its BMW M8 Gran Coupe competitor by the middle of this decade.
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We’ve also heard rumors about the carriage days being numbered and there seems to be some truth to that. Nothing’s official at the moment, but the E-Class Estate’s 2024 launch will surprisingly be the last of its kind. Mercedes will allegedly stop selling wagons altogether around 2030, meaning the C-Class Estate and CLA Shooting Brake are also living on loan. The latter is believed to be getting its next-generation model later this decade and going backwards without a successor at the end of its release period.
Mercedes intends to launch the next-gen GLC and GLE Coupe derivatives but this is believed to be the last. Overall, CD have heard from “top managers” that of the 33 body styles available today, only 14 will survive. It’s unclear what exactly “body style” means in this context, but it certainly looks like true automotive carnage.
While some of these Benz models may follow the dodo, enthusiasts can take comfort in knowing more AMGs are on their way. Mercedes is also looking to strengthen its Maybach portfolio and maybe even build a luxury V-Class minivan. According to the same report, new additions to the range could include a double-cab G-Class pickup, a revival of the iconic 300 SL Gullwing, and an SL-based “racy speedster”.
