The Three-Pointed Star brand has been the best-selling premium automaker in the U.S. since 2011 when it dethroned Lexus from the spot it held for no less than 11 straight years. Mercedes-Benz also overtook its domestic rival BMW in the process. The reigning champion in luxury car sales has marketed 375,311 units in the U.S. during 2017, and some 2 million additional models across the globe. Compared to the aforementioned 2011, that’s an increase of around 42 percent in the U.S. and almost 72 percent on the global level. The Germans owe most of that to an extremely broad range of models that is only getting larger as time passes. Needless to say, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz lineup will be bolstered by a few additional all-new models which should help the brand preserve their continual growing habits. Furthermore, most of the Mercedes-Benz range is in for an overhaul which should provide further growing incentives.
With so many changes in the lineup, it’s evident some options will be better investments than others. This is why we’ll conduct an in-depth analysis of the Mercedes-Benz lineup and try to answer the question: “What to buy and what to stay away from when it comes to Mercedes-Benz in 2019?” Being set with the next few years in mind, redesigned an all-new models will be the obvious pro choices here. On the other hand, outdated models nearing the end of their cycle are something you might want to avoid the way things are set.
What’s Hot in the New 2019 Mercedes-Benz Lineup
11. 2019 G Class
The iconic Mercedes Geländewagen is one of those precious few vehicles that never seems to change. It’s also the last Mercedes-Benz soldiering on an archaic boxy design. First introduced way back in 1979, the G Class never truly evolved beyond its initial angular frame. Despite the G-Wagen being ushered into a new era, the classic rustic design language has been kept largely intact. Although slightly softened around the edges, the G Class is still very much one sharp indestructible luxury box on wheels. The next-gen did, however, bring a lot of new stuff. Most of it can be found under the timeless shell that’ll likely follow the G-Wagen until the end of its days. Changes are so numerous in fact, that the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G Class is actually the first truly redesigned model since 1990.
It all starts with the new independent front suspension and wider front track. Although it’s designed to be and feel heavy, the new G Class weighs 375 pounds less than the outgoing model and sports improved handling thanks to the new rack-and-pinion steering. The engine has been carried over, however, and the 2019 G Class will initially only offer a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with 416 hp and 450 lb-ft of twist. The bi-turbo is, however, tied to a new 9-speed auto which should help with fuel economy and make the G550 feel quicker. The New G Class also comes with an entirely new interior. Maybe the Germans have a reputation to uphold when it comes to the G Class’ rugged appearance, but no one can obviously force them to carry over with the same interior. Not only is it more contemporary on the inside, it’s also much more comfortable. So much in fact that the rear seat legroom has been increased by no less than 5.7 inches, for instance. As soon as the AMG models arrive, the next-gen G Class will be complete.
10. 2019 AMG GT 4-Door Coupe
The high-performance Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is only the second model developed fully by the AMG division after the SLS AMG; a car which, in turn, was designed as a contemporary spiritual successor to the iconic nineteen fifties Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. First unveiled in 2014, the AMG GT was available as either a coupe or roadster, but exclusively in 2-door form. Up until now, that is. Enter the 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 4-door coupe, which is bound to instill some practicality into what is currently a ludicrous 400 plus horsepower sports car. Despite being based on the E-class sedan’s MRA architecture sporting longitudinal-engine placement and rear-wheel-drive config, the AMG GT 4-door boasts its own body and, of course, the front-mid engine placement.
The all-new AMG GT four-door coupe arrives in three different tunes from the get-go. The least powerful option will be powered by Mercedes-Benz’s new 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six mill. The GT 53 should be good enough for 429 horsepower and an additional 21 ponies from the 48-volt mild hybrid system. At the next step on the ladder, the GT 63 features a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 capable of producing 577 horsepower. Finally, the GT 63 S generates the ultimate AMG figures of 630 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of twist for a 0 to 60 time of 3.1 seconds and top speed of 195 mph. It also comes with a standard selectable Drift Mode which directs torque to the rear wheels only (both GT 63 models sport a standard all-wheel drive). A feat that’s optional with the non-S GT 63. The GT 63 coupes will go on sale in early 2019, whereas the more subdued GT 53 version is set to follow later on. Prices still haven’t been disclosed, but it’s evident that only a handful of lucky ones will be able to afford them.
09. 2019 C Class
The current generation of the C Class, internally referred to as W205, first arrived for MY 2015. After four successful years, the Germans have decided to treat it with a welcome mid-cycle makeover. The facelifted C Class is set to debut for MY 2019 as the new car pushes the level of refinement further up. This trend actually started with the W205 in late 2014 after the then-new CLA class had occupied the entry-level executive spot within the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C Class doesn’t only bring a new exterior accompanied with a corresponding interior layout, but a number of advanced tech goodies as well. The optional 10.3-inch screen and Intelligent Drive assist are some of them, whereas smartphone integration, Attention Assist, and automated emergency braking are all standard from now on.
The new Mercedes C Class has also upped its performance game somewhat. Its base 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine now makes 255 horsepower which is an increase of 14 horses compared to the outgoing model. The AMG C 43, on the other hand, gets 23 additional ponies as its output rises from 362 hp to 385 hp. A 3.0L twin-turbo V6 remains a driving force behind this new figure. Both models sport a 9-speed automatic transmission, and both should become slightly better at conserving fuel. The rest of the lineup including the plug-in hybrid C 350e, AMG C 63, and AMG C 63 S will keep their respective outputs, which amount to 275 hp, 469 hp, and 503 hp. They will all be updated in correspondence with the aforementioned C 300 and AMG C 43 C Class sedans and coupes.
08. 2019 GLA Class
One of the latest inductees into the Mercedes-Benz family of cars, the GLA Class crossover is getting ready for the next-gen switchover. The subcompact luxury vehicle which first saw the light of day during MY 2014 is basically an A Class hatchback with added ground clearance. While the A Class hatchback is something you can’t lay your hands on in the U.S. (which should be addressed soon enough), the GLA Class is readily available from around $33,000 onward. And since the next-gen A Class has already been unveiled at the 2018 Geneva auto show, we pretty much have a clear picture of what the GLA Class is going to look like. As you’ve probably already guessed, it’ll be a peach.
The current-generation GLA Class offers only two engines to choose from. Both are 2.oL turbocharged 4-cylinders, albeit with an extremely wide gap in respective power outputs. The base GLA 250 makes 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the beastly AMG GLA 45 generates a whopping 375 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The next-gen GLA Class will likely be powered by the same dynamic engine duo, but with an increase in power as more than a likely outcome. Especially when it comes to the non-AMG model which could clearly use it. Don’t expect anything groundbreaking new though, as the GLA Class still sits at the lower end of the Mercedes portfolio.
07. 2019 A Class
The aforementioned Mercedes-Benz A Class hatchback which serves as GLA Class’ role model might be an overseas exclusive of the German brand, but that’s all about to change during MY 2019. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A Class presented in Geneva (as above stated) is actually finally making its first appearance in the U.S. It won’t arrive as a hatchback though, but as a sedan. Only Canadians will get the opportunity to enjoy it as it was originally intended. The U.S.-spec A Class sedan will thus take the entry-level spot within the family from the CLA Class, which in turn took it from the C Class a few years back. The new Mercedes-Benz A Class sports a slightly longer wheelbase than its predecessor, while also being slightly taller, longer and wider overall. The U.S.-spec sedan will likely be even larger. The same units will also receive a multilink axle suspension.
Despite offering a wide range of efficient engines, the U.S.-spec A Class will be offered exclusively with a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine developing 221 horsepower. The engine will be mated exclusively with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The high-performance AMG version of the A Class could arrive later on, and so could an additional four banger with a higher state of tune, but don’t hold high expectations for such offerings. The A Class is intended as a budget car (however much meaning that actually holds in the Mercedes-Benz world), and will remain fairly basic in terms of available options. Prices should start from around $30,000, but as always, optional features should push it higher up.
06. 2019 GLE Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Class has never been considered as one of the best or most reliable Mercedes vehicles. The mid-size crossover is finally getting a much-needed makeover for MY 2019, and things might just take a turn for the better. The 2019 GLE should be more athletic and refined at the same time, while also bringing a number of new tech goodies to the table. The new interior that relies on modern dual TFT screens, adjusted driving dynamics, and new advanced safety gear should finally bring the most important Mercedes-Benz’s SUV up to standards mandated by the competition. The core Merc’s SUV will also switch to a new Modular High Architecture (MHA) and the brand new Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system (MBUX).
The powertrain lineup should remain mostly intact overall, but power updates are bound to happen regardless. The new 3.0L turbocharged inline-six with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque should make it to the GLE lineup, and so should its AMG variant with 429 horses and 384 pound-feet of rotational force. The way things are set, diesel option is yet again set to elude us when it comes to the mid-size Merc SUV. Most of the new Mercedes-Benz engines feature an additional 48-volt mild-hybrid system, however, which should help to mitigate the high fuel consumption damage of their high-output gasoline mills.
05. 2019 AMG E 53 Coupe and Convertible
The Mercedes-Benz E Class is now deep enough in its fifth generation for the Germans to consider giving it a mid-cycle makeover. That won’t happen for MY 2019, but a duo of exciting new models will join the lineup in order to prolong its care-free pre-facelift cruise. It’s the AMG lineup that’s getting the reinforcements. The AMG lineup of the E Class coupe, to be more precise. Whereas the E Class sedan sports the AMG E 43 and E 63 models, the AMG-devoid E Class Coupe is now getting the E 53 to bolster the 329-horsepower E 400 coupe. Both the coupe and convertible will don the same moniker and offer the same amount of power and running gear for a similar price.
Speaking of power, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 coupe and convertible will be motivated by the new 3.0L turbocharged inline-six mill capable of producing 429 ponies and 384 pound-feet of twist. The engine boasts a new 48-volt hybrid-assist system that’s worth exactly 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Although their top speed will be limited to “only” 130 mph, the AMG E 53 coupe and convertible should be able to hit 60 mph from a standstill in 4.3 and 4.4 seconds respectively. Moreover, both models will sport a mandatory 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and a 9-speed automatic transmission. Pricing and additional info will become available as we close in on the release date. Expect them to slot in the region between $80,000 and $90,000.
04. 2019 GLC Class
Introduced for MY 2016, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Class stepped in to replace the outgoing compact GLK. It’s now ready to take on a new guise coming with the mid-cycle refresh in 2019. The exterior changes will be kept to a minimum, but the interior is receiving a rather extensive overhaul. The new GLC Class crossover won’t sport the dual TFT screen we’ve been seeing in a number of other redesigned Mercs. Instead, it’ll keep a floating tablet-like monitor, but the screens will still grow in size. There’s also a new instrument panel and probably a number of additional features that’ll be revealed when we zero-in on the release date.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC Class should continue with the same lineup of engines which means the conventional models will only sport a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder. The four-banger does come in two sets of tunes, though. The GLC 300 generates 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of trotational force, while the plug-in hybrid GLC 350 develops 320 hp and 413 lb-ft of twist. There’s a possibility of a new 3.0L turbocharged inline-six replacing the current twin-turbo V6 in the AMG GLC 43. The above-mentioned inline-six would make 362 hp and 369 pound-feet of twist, whereas the current V6 delivers a corresponding amount of horsepower bolstered by 15 additional lb-ft. There’s also a possibility of the V6 receiving a mild-hybrid system implemented in the upcoming 2019 C Class sedan. that would see it make 385 horsepower from now on.
03. 2019 GLS Class
The GLS Class wraps up the entirely facelifted or redesigned lineup of Mercedes-Benz crossovers and SUVs bound to arrive during MY 2019. The full-size SUV’s second generation debuted during MY 2013, and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS Class will apparently be all-new and redesigned. Based on the new MHA platform, the next-gen GLS should shed some weight while simultaneously growing slightly in size. It should also receive some mellowed-down lines on the outside, while adopting a new interior design at the same time. The latest issue of Mercedes-Benz tech features will also grace the three-row SUV which doesn’t come as a surprise given its flagship status within the family.
The current U.S.-spec GLS Class comes in three available forms including the base GLS 450 sporting a 362-hp 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine, intermediate GLS 550 with a 449-hp 4.7L twin-turbo V8, and top-of-the-line 577-hp AMG GLS 63 with the largest 5.5L twin-turbo V8 mill. Although the overall shape of the lineup likely won’t be changed come the next generation, the new mild-hybrid system will certainly be incorporated across the range. The Germans didn’t invest $1 billion into this technology to let it sit idly after all. This won’t only help with the sub-par fuel economy of the thirsty full-size SUV, but provide additional power that the Germans’ reputation mandates every time a new model sees the light of day. A true plug-in hybrid is also a certainty sometime down the line, but probably not during MY 2019.
02. 2019 CLS Class
The third-generation CLS Class was revealed at the 2018 Detroit auto show and the segment-defining 4-door coupe now has at least three care-free years in front of it. The fully redesigned model follows its predecessors in their wake by donning a completely new and unexpected styling despite being based on the E Class sedan. Of course, the CLS is lower, sharper, longer, and wider. Things aren’t as clear on the inside where the CLS takes a more diverging approach than its E Class role model. The level of standard equipment is also much higher than that of the E Class, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the wide price discrepancy between the models. The Germans even addressed the rear seat practicality issues, although the CLS’s nature will never allow it to be on-par with any of Mercedes-Benz’s sedans.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class is no longer a V8-exclusive affair. The new 3.0L turbocharged inline-six is making its appearance here as well. It makes 362 horsepower and 364 pound-feet of rotational force without the additional 21 ponies and 184 lb-ft that come from an additional electric motor. The same powerplant now motivates the AMG version of the CLS coupe. The AMG CLS 53 will be making 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque At the same time, the AMG CLS 63 S is being withdrawn from the market as its place gets taken by the aforementioned AMG GT coupe. This move should keep the CLS Class within a more affordable price range overall. Although the separate CLS models will actually cost more, the range-topping $109,000 AMG CLS 63 S isn’t there to push their overall sticker up anymore.
01. 2019 CLA Class
Much like the A Class it’s related to, the CLA Class is also in for a complete overhaul during MY 2019. the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class will continue to offer an affordable sporty practicality in a four-door coupe package, whereas the new A Class sedan should be there to address the CLA’s issues with rear seat room. The new Mercedes CLA should also incorporate the German automaker’s new interior design strategy with large dual screens, and all the benefits that come along with it. It will be close to the A Class sedan in every way imaginable, though, including the starting price tag of some $30,000 to $35,000.
As far as the powertrain lineup goes, things won’t be much different than they currently are. At least two versions of a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine are expected – one conventional and one AMG-tuned. The former should make 221 horsepower, while the latter’s output should clock someplace below the 400 hp mark. There’s also a possibility of an additional AMG version with north of 400 horses, but let’s wait and find out before getting our hopes high. As always, the conventional models will come with a standard front-wheel drive and optional 4Mattic config, while the CLS AMG is bound to offer a mandatory all-wheel drive.
What’s Not in the New 2019 Mercedes-Benz Lineup
01. 2019 E Class
The fifth generation of the mid-range luxury line of sedans coupes and convertibles debuted a couple of years ago, and while the rest of the range is already undergoing either a full-time redesign or a part-time makeover, the facelifted E Class most likely won’t arrive prior to MY 2020. Not that the mid-size executive car is outdated, but it might be a smart move to skip on the 2019 model and go for a refreshed unit instead. That way you’d be given the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the next generation of Mercedes-Benz features like their new infotainment system and interior design.
Apart from the above mentioned AMG E 53 coupe and convertible, the rest of the E Class will mostly carry over into 2019 unchanged. This goes for the powertrain lineup as well which will continue to consist of a 2.0L 4-cylinder and 3.0L V6 units. Not counting the AMG E 63 S sedan, of course, which packs a 603-horsepower 4.0L twin-turbo V8 under its hood. After the upcoming facelift, the E Class might become the last Mercedes-Benz line of cars to switch to a new turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid-assisted mill instead of its current V6. Then again, the Germans might offer their new engine across the E Class range even sooner. For now, only the AMG E 53 units have been confirmed to receive this treatment in 2019.
