Happy New Year! I know it is not even September but with all of the new 2020 models arriving from Mercedes-Benz it seems like the future! We have already received the resigned GLE-Class, the refreshed GLC-Class and the 2020 E350. We have quite a few models coming in the new year that you might not be familiar with just yet. In fact, there might be a few I am not totally familiar with just yet! The Future Models section at www.mbusa.com is a good place to start.

GLB

Our SUV line-up has grown substantially over the years. The G-Class has been around since the 70's but the first modern luxury SUV was the ML (now GLE) for 1997. Since then we have added a larger SUV, the GLS-Class, and two smaller models, the GLA-Class and GLC-Class. Well, it turns out there was still a little room and the GLB-Class is coming for 2020! I haven't seen it in person yet but it seems to have the interior technology from the new A-Class and a exterior with a few more corners than all of the other SUVs. That is good news for the square SUV fans!

EQC

This will be the first vehicle in the EQ sub-brand from Mercedes-Benz. It looks to be approximately GLC-sized but with a full electric drive system and impressive new technology. It is very powerful, charges quickly and will be a great option for customers looking for full electric capability.

GLS-Class

The all-new GLS-Class should arrive late 2019. It is a little larger, a lot more luxurious and now available with Captain's Chairs! People have been asking for captains chairs since the beginning of time! We have already started our order list for the GLS450, GLS580 and the yet-to-be-announced AMG variant. Don't wait! The vehicle is currently being built and there might be a stampede when it is released to the dealership!

Expected to arrive "late this year" the 2020 GLS-Class is sure to be a best seller! Look at all of these improvements! You should be ordering now if you want to get one early!

• New engines -4.0L V8 biturbo engine with EQ Boost and 48-volt onboard electrical system (GLS 580) and 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine with EQ Boost and 48-volt onboard electrical system (GLS 450)
• New 6-seat option with Captain’s Chairs (both 6-seat and 7-seat configuration available as standard)
• All-new intelligent suspension, E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
• 4MATIC® variable torque on demand All-Wheel Drive now available
• Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Voice Control and optionally available MBUX Interior Assistant
• Revised dimensional concept (Increased length, width, wheelbase, track width)
• Emotional and dynamic exterior SUV design with power domes on hood
• New Carwash function enables the car to be prepped for entry into a carwash with the press of a single button
• Large roof spoiler, wide shoulders and two-part taillamps
• Black wheel arch claddings
• New 19" - 22" wheels (GLS 450); new 23" wheels (GLS 580)
• Illuminated running boards with robust stainless steel inserts
• Distinguished, chromed underride guard in SUV-specific design
• New exterior paint colors
• New, progressive design in interior with new-generation steering wheel with Touch Control Buttons, two grab handles on center console, widescreen dual display with 12.3" Digital Instrument Cluster and 12.3" multimedia display with touchscreen and new generation Touchpad in center console, trim elements in open pore woods and new 64-Color Ambient Lighting
• SUV-specific storage compartments designed especially for off-road driving
• Executive Rear Seat Package and Executive Rear Seat Package PLUS

Standard Equipment:

• 7-seater or 6-seater with Captain’s Chairs
• 12.3” Digital Instrument Cluster and 12.3” Touchscreen Multimedia Display
• Burmester Surround Sound System
• LED Intelligent light system headlamps and LED taillamps
• 9 USB-C ports
• 19” wheels (GLS 450), 21" wheels (GLS 580)

This is just a few highlights from the press release about the car. There are a lot more details and pictures to come. The all-new GLE should give you a very good idea of the styling and the technology. I am guessing the GLS580 will become even more rare than the GLS550 has been. I cannot wait to have captain's chairs available for my customers!

The refreshed 2017 GLS450 arrived this week and I know you want to see the differences! The GLS is on the left and the GL is on the right. These cars are the same color with similar equipment. I made a video too! (Please subscribe to my YouTube channel!) Here is a side-by-side of the interior changes. The color is strikingly different between the Ginger Beige in the 2017 and the Almond in the 2016. (I'm sorry that the steering wheels are upside down.) So, there you have it! The 2017 GLS450 vs. the 2016 GL450. An evolution...

2017 C300 and C300 4Matic - Currently scheduled for "May"

2017 GLS450 and GLS550 - Currently "early April"

Model year 2017 is going to be a great one! If you haven't been cruising the Future Models Page at MBUSA.com get over there and start planning! The S-Class Cabriolet is sure to have a wait list, the C-Class coupe is a knockout and the new GLS-Class is going to get me a million GL-Class trade-ins! Order early!

I know many of you will be taking to the roads this weekend for a great Memorial Day Roadtrip. In honor of that here are a few pictures my cusomers have sent me from the road recently.

The GL63AMG Goes West!

The SL63AMG Travels Europe!

If you get an epic Mercedes roadtrip picture send it along or tag me on Instagram @benzblogger!

I just received an update on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450 and the latest information says:

"New 3.0L V6 biturbo engine in GL450 – same hp, same torque, improved Fuel Economy!"

The current 2014 GL450 is listed at 362 horsepower and 406 lb/ft of torque. That is a heck of a V6!

So, is this the same engine that will be in the new ML400? No word yet...but it seems likely!

Here is some 2015 Mercedes-Benz SUV info I just picked up:

GLA-Class

• Dealer Ordering Info expected in April
• Managed by the same team as the CLA-Class so expect similarities

GLK-Class

• Model Year 2015 is the last year for the current body style
• 10% of all GLK-Class sales in the US are the diesel variant

M-Class

• ML250 bluetec replaces the ML350 bluetec in August
• ML400 replaces the ML550 in August - Last Chance for the big V8!
• ML400 is a bi-turbo V6 with great power and great fuel economy. Long list of standard features.
• 15% of all M-Class sales in the US are the diesel variant

GL-Class

• GL450 gets the bi-turbo V6 to replace the current V8
• 21% of all GL-Class sales in the US are the diesel variant

G-Class

• Jade Green added
• G63 outsold the G550 55% to 45% in 2013

I think they like it!

"We just finished our second quarter with the GL and put almost 7,400 more miles on it. The truck is clearly a keeper."

"Through the first two quarters, all-day comfort has been unparalleled. For those with aging hips and backs, its seat heaters are therapeutic. It can run with everything else on the road and deliver a genuine 22 miles to the gallon, at speed and loaded to the hilt."

"Road manners remain superb, now with more than 15,000 miles on the ticker. Creature comforts are first-rate for all aboard. In fact, one staffer said it's almost wrong to classify it a truck: “Its amenities are limo-licious for airport runs or interstate jaunts.” The rear seats rake, and there are rear environmental controls so that the A/C up front need not affect those being chauffeured. Rear-headrest video screens can keep kids of all ages quiet, and the setup features cupholders aplenty, too."

"At this mileage pace, the GL350 Bluetec is right up there with our long-term fleet's mileage leaders. Though in denial, we do realize it will leave us eventually. What a sad prospect. Ol' “Blue” has become a friend, a confidant, a trusted soul. It hasn't disappointed us when asked to do something with and for us. We will miss it terribly when it's no longer in the garage. Good thing we have two quarters to go."

Read the full review at Autoweek online.

"The truth is that while there is a price premium (roughly $5,300 on average) associated with the initial purchase cost of diesel vehicles, they typically get 30% better gas mileage and flaunt superior torque numbers and reliability ratings. The automotive analysis firm Vincentric estimates that driving a diesel car will save $2,117 in fuel costs over one year assuming annual rate of 15,000 miles."

"But the purchase of something special, like the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Diesel, is financially justifiable based on the total cost of ownership: the GL350 Diesel costs $8,315 less to own than its GL350 cousin." (I think they mean GL450 cousin)

Read the full article online at Forbes.com