Following the cancellation of the SLC, S-Class Coupe and S-Class Convertible, Mercedes is apparently looking to further simplify its hugely complex lineup in the coming years. It’s a known fact that this will reduce the number of compact cars from seven to just four, but some of the larger vehicles are also at risk. Car and driver cite sources within the automaker as saying the three-pointed star plans to revamp its portfolio.
As previously reported, the C-Class Coupe and Convertible as well as the E-Class Coupe and Convertible will morph into a pair of CLE models. The CLS isn’t long for this world either, as the German luxury brand apparently intends to drop the swoopy sedan next year. Also, the AMG GT 4-Door Coupé is not far behind, with CD reporting that Mercedes will eliminate the BMW M8 Gran Coupe competitor by the middle of the decade.
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We’ve also heard rumors about which days the wagons were numbered and there seems to be some truth to that. Nothing is official at this point, but the launch of the E-Class Estate in 2024 will surprisingly be the last of its kind. Mercedes would stop selling wagons altogether around 2030, implying that the C-Class Estate and CLA Shooting Brake are also living on borrowed time. It’s believed the latter will get a next-gen model later this decade and retire without a successor at the end of its run.
Mercedes intends to launch next-generation GLC and GLE Coupe derivatives, but these would be the last. In total, CD heard from “top managers” that of the 33 body styles currently available, only 14 will survive. It’s unclear exactly what “body styles” means in this context, but it sounds like real automotive carnage.
While some of these Benz models might go the way of the dodo, enthusiasts can take comfort in knowing that more AMGs are on the way. Mercedes also wants to bolster Maybach’s portfolio and could even make a classy V-Class minivan. According to the same report, new additions to the lineup could include a double-cab G-Class pickup, a revival of the iconic 300 SL Gullwing and a “racy speedster” based on SL.
