On show: GLA, B-Class XL, S-Class Coupe, S63 AMG, S-Class Plug-in
GLA (pictured above)
If you wanted a small Mercedes 4X4 then your choice previously started with the gargantuan M-Class – a right hand drive GLK never made it to our shores thanks to a packaging issue. The new GLA is set to change all that though, taking its platform and diminutive dimensions from the A-Class.
That means it’s ideally suited for use in town, which is of course where all GLAs will spend their time. Showcased in production form for the first time, it may not be as exciting as some of the other Mercedes debuts, but it’s probably the most important of the lot.
You can read all about the new GLA here.
S-Class Trio
We drove the new S-Class earlier this year, and it’s only just arriving on these shores, but already the firm has big plans for the luxury limousine. First up is the S63 AMG, which uses the same 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 petrol engine found in the SL63 AMG sportscar to produce a monster 585bhp and 900Nm of torque. That means a 0-62mph time of 4.4 seconds for this tech-laden, two-tonne, leather-lined, luxury limousine.
Read all the details of the bahnstorming Mercedes S63AMG here.
Far more meaningful is the S-Class plug-in though, which promises to be just as luxurious as the rest of the range but sip fuel much more miserly. In fact it’ll go through a gallon only every 94.2 miles according to Mercedes Benz, and emits a paltry 69g/km. It can do this thanks to a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that is seamlessly combined with an electric motor.
For those that value style over anything else though the new Coupe model (pictured above) should pique their interest; the replacement for the CL will only be available with V8 or V12 petrol engines, so will remain a rare sight in the UK, and cost from £100,000 upwards. Still, it looks great and we can’t think of a more imposing GT currently on sale.
CLA-Class racing car
There was also a new racing car launched at Frankfurt based on the CLA.
Built to compete in many international race series, the CLA uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine turned right up to 11.
Click here for all the Frankfurt Motor Show coverage.
