Mercedes-Benz Descends Upon 2016 Auto China with a Thunderous Product Lineup

By Gong Zhengzheng (China Daily) Updated: 2016-04-25 09:08

Continuing SUV offensive

2016 is Mercedes-Benz' "Year of the Dream Car", but equally important is the company's continuation of its "Year of the SUV" this year, with a slate of new SUVs.

In 2015, one new SUV model was launched each quarter, covering the full spectrum from compact, mid-size to full size SUV segments and resulting in an impressive 40 percent year-on-year growth rate and over 149,000 units sold by the end of last year.

This year, momentum continues to pick up speed, with first quarter SUV sales reaching an impressive 72 percent year-on-year growth, accounting for 45 percent of total sales. Mercedes-Benz kick-started the year with the launch of the GLS SUV in March, and the company is now debuting the long-anticipated GLC Sport SUV at Auto China, as well as launching the GLE 500 e 4MATIC.

With the unveiling of the GLC Sport SUV, Mercedes-Benz is revolutionizing a design philosophy which favors sensual purity and a modern aesthetic over the SUV's classic off-road look. But while the GLC represents a departure from the G-Class in terms of appearance, its off-road capabilities remain as outstanding as ever, and on a technical level it sets new benchmarks in all disciplines.

"Our new GLC represents a further, systematic step in the implementation of our successful SUV philosophy," said Weber. "It combines the ultimate in driving comfort with a sporty touch, impresses on the road and - more than ever off road as well - and appeals to the eye with the new design and equipment line."

The model also signals a marked upgrade for the interior, which features high-class materials imbued with a hand-crafted character, meticulously finished details and an appealing overall touch and feel. The large, one-piece console panel sweeps elegantly from the central air vents to the armrest, with clear-cut lines that create a feeling of open space and establish a purist, modern vibe.

On a technical level the new SUV clearly makes its mark with the excellent safety standards that characterize the brand hallmark, with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, CROSSWIND ASSIST and ATTENTION ASSIST on board as standard. The GLC is also the only model in its segment to offer the option of fitting the chassis with a full-support multi-chamber air suspension system.

The All New GLE 500 e 4MATIC, which is launched at the show, features a plug-in hybrid drive that combines the power and refinement of a V6 engine with the fuel consumption of a three-liter car and the versatility of a premium SUV.

The highly efficient GLE 500 e 4MATIC is the first Mercedes-Benz SUV with plug-in hybrid technology that the company has introduced to China. Seamlessly combining outstanding efficiency and performance with plug-in hybrid technology, the GLE 500 e 4MATIC features a 3.0-liter Twin-turbo V6 engine with direct injection with an electric motor, raising the bar for clean, efficient drive transmission.

The GLE 500 e 4MATIC is available in four power options, including pure electric, and features DYNAMIC SELECT with five driving modes, allowing customers to adjust their driving experience accordingly. The vehicle is capable of reaching 130 km/h and has a range of 30 kilometers in electric mode. For added convenience, the GLE 500 e 4MATIC is capable of fast charging in two hours.

As plug-ins continue to play a key role in the company's larger strategy to reduce emissions and promote environmental responsibility worldwide, vehicles like the GLE 500 e 4MATIC set a positive precedent and lay the groundwork for future efforts in sustainability and responsible car ownership.