Mercedes-Benz details new model onslaught for Australia

Mercedes-Benz is in the midst of a massive new model rollout, both globally and here in Australia.

Hot on the heels of the new-generation CLA hybrid and electric range, the German luxury marque's local division has confirmed a number of all-new and updated models for the Australian market, as well as rough timing.

See below for everything you need to know about Mercedes-Benz's "largest product offensive in its history".

New GLB electric and hybrid – August/September

The second-generation GLB is due imminently, moving to the same "electric-first" Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) that underpins the latest CLA and supports both battery-electric and 48V mild-hybrid powertrains.

Final pricing and specifications for the Australian market are still to be confirmed, but we're expecting a similar model lineup to what's available in the related CLA – though going by global specs there may be some small differences.

In Europe, there are GLB180, GLB200, and GLB220 mild-hybrid variants, with the 200 and 220 offered in both front-drive and 4Matic all-wheel drive variations. The GLB electric, meanwhile, is available in single-motor GLB250+ and 350 4Matic flavours with up to 631km of WLTP-certified range.

As with the original it offers seating for up to seven people, while the new platform allows for all the new MMA technologies such as the MBUX Superscreen running the latest MB.OS software interface. The GLB has also grown in just about every dimension, promising more space and practicality than its predecessor.

MORE: Bigger, less boxy 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB debuts

New GLC electric – October

The popular Mercedes-Benz GLC family will be joined by a new all-electric model based on a dedicated platform from October.

As announced last month, the new GLC400 electric will be priced from $112,200 before on-road costs, and powered exclusively at launch by a 360kW/800Nm dual-motor electric powertrain fed by a 94.4kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery.

Zero to 100km/h takes a claimed 4.3 seconds, making it quicker than the combustion-powered AMG GLC43, while Australian-spec models offer 630km of driving range based on WLTP testing.

Mercedes-Benz Australia will offer a special Launch Edition priced at $110,000 plus on-roads, which brings no extra equipment but comes at a slightly lower cost.

Standard equipment on the GLC400 includes a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, plus a head-up display, open-pore birch wood trim, Digital Light headlights with micro-LED technology, and 21-inch alloy wheels.

A panoramic fixed-glass roof is standard, featuring nine segments that can be turned from clear to opaque with the push of a button thanks to Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal technology.

MORE: 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC400 electric: New EV priced to take on BMW iX3

Updated S-Class – November

Described as one of the most comprehensive mid-cycle updates in the history of the nameplate, the updated S-Class arrives later this year with more than 50 per cent of the vehicle's components being newly developed, updated or refined.

Headlining the upgrades is the S580's new petrol V8, codenamed M177 Evo.

The 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 is sourced from the AMG stable, including a flat-plane crank to improve refinement, response and operating efficiency, and bolts on the brand's latest 48V mild-hybrid system with a 17kW starter-generator for better fuel efficiency.

It's the first flat-plane V8-powered Mercedes since the AMG GT Black Series, and ups outputs by 23kW and 50Nm over its predecessor to 395kW/750Nm. Zero to 100km/h takes a brisk 4.0 seconds.

Beyond the S580's updated powertrain, the new S-Class boasts a refreshed design with availability of a larger illuminated grille as well as an illuminated Three-Pointed Star emblem on the bonnet.

New Digital Light headlights with micro-LED technology, new alloy wheel designs, the latest MB.OS in-car software and a range of new and improved cabin luxuries round out the highlights.

MORE: 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class revealed with stars in its eyes – and a new V8

Updated EQS – November

The relatively unloved electric companion to the S-Class arrives in a few months with mild exterior revisions hiding more extensive changes under the skin. Mercedes-Benz says more than 25 per cent of components in the latest EQS are newly developed, updated, or refined.

The German automaker’s flagship electric limousine has been revealed with a new 800-volt electrical architecture – up from 400V – and new electric motors.

It also uses a larger 122kWh battery (up from 118kWh usable) which is claimed to offer a 925km WLTP range figure – an increase of 13 per cent – and employs silicon-oxide anodes to improve density.

That will set a new record for an electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, beating the 900km WLTP range quoted for the upcoming BMW i3 mid-size electric sedan, and the 805km range of the imminent BMW iX3 50 xDrive mid-size electric SUV.

In Europe, the 2026 EQS lineup will include the rear-wheel drive EQS400, the rear-drive EQS450+, the all-wheel drive EQS500 4Matic (which will likely replace the existing 450 4Matic), and the EQS580 4Matic.

Currently in Australia, the EQS450 4Matic is priced at $219,900 before on-road costs, while the EQS53 AMG 4Matic – a replacement for which is yet to be revealed – is priced at $327,075 plus on-roads.

The refreshed EQS is also claimed to mark the first time a German automaker has brought steer-by-wire technology to a series-production vehicle, and it’s accompanied by an F1-style steering yoke affording the driver an unobstructed view of the instrument cluster and the ability to perform U-turns without moving their hands from the tiller.

With no mechanical connection between the front wheels and the steering wheel, the new electronic steering system employs actuators and a computer to transmit steering inputs to the wheels.

MORE: 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS will set new range record in Australia

New CLA Shooting Brake electric and hybrid – December

Hot on the heels of its four-door 'Coupé' twin, the CLA Shooting Brake is returning to Australia for the first time since 2019.

CarExpert understands the Shooting Brake will be available with a similar model range to the coupe-styled sedan, with both electric and mild-hybrid powertrains confirmed for Australia.

However, it's unclear whether the niche wagon will be available in all three mild-hybrid and two electric powertrain variants, or if perhaps Mercedes-Benz Australia will forego the base 180 hybrid.

The new-generation wagon is built on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) which underpins the CLA 'Coupe' as well as the upcoming GLA and GLB SUVs, and it's the brand's first-ever electric wagon.

Both the sedan and Shooting Brake share the same wheelbase (2790mm), overall length (4723mm), and width (1855mm), though the wagon's overall height is ever so slightly taller. Of course, its roof is also considerably longer, but both still get a panoramic glass roof as standard.

The boot is naturally larger in the wagon than in the sedan, but not drastically. Mercedes quotes a seats-up capacity of 455 litres in the Shooting Brake, up from 405 litres in the sedan; both electric models get a 101-litre storage compartment under the bonnet.

When it was last sold in 2019, the CLA Shooting Brake had a fairly consistent price premium of ~$1500 over the equivalent CLA sedan. Applying a similar $1000-$2000 difference to today's CLA sedan, which starts at $66,500 before on-roads, and considering inflation, the CLA Shooting Brake could start at roughly $70,000 before on-roads when it arrives.

MORE: 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake: Hybrid, EV wagon coming to Australia

Updated GLE and GLS – November

The GLE and GLS large SUVs has received a comprehensive second facelift, and it will arrive in the early stages of next year, after initially being earmarked for November 2026.

As before, the GLE range will be offered with either traditional SUV (referred to as SUV) or sleeker coupe SUV (Coupe) body styles, though AMG Line and Night packages are now standard across the range.

The GLE range also now opens with the GLE350d at $142,300 before on-road costs, featuring a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six with 210kW of power and 650Nm of torque, mated with a 48V mild-hybrid system, all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

This replaces the old 198kW/550Nm turbo-diesel four-cylinder GLE300d, which was $5700 cheaper, with the gruntier 270kW/750Nm turbo-diesel inline-six GLE450d retired in Australia but living on overseas.

The GLE Coupe will continue to go without a diesel option in Australia, with its lineup opening at $160,400 before on-road costs for the GLE450 featuring a 280kW/560Nm turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six petrol with a 48V mild-hybrid system, all-wheel drive and a nine-speed auto.

The GLE450 Coupe, like the GLE350d SUV, features Mercedes-Benz's Comfort Suspension, with Airmatic air suspension a $3800 option.

Both body styles are available in AMG GLE53 guise for the same $187,900 plus on-roads price, featuring a "comprehensively redeveloped" turbocharged 3.0-litre mild-hybrid inline-six petrol with 330kW and 600Nm (640Nm for 10 seconds in Overboost mode) and the AMG Speedshift TCT 9G nine-speed auto, as well as AMG Ride Control+ suspension.

The GLE range is topped with the hot AMG GLE63 S, priced at $277,900 + ORCs as an SUV and $279,900 + ORCs as a Coupe. These feature a 4.0-litre twin-turbo mild-hybrid petrol V8 with 450kW and 850Nm, mated with all-wheel drive and the same nine-speed auto.

Australia will miss out on the twin-turbo petrol V8 GLE580, though Mercedes-Benz says it's weighing a local introduction for the GLE450e plug-in hybrid.

"The GLE450e plug-in hybrid is under consideration for Australia and might join the range at a later stage," said a Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesperson.

The updated Mercedes-Benz GLS, meanwhile is priced from $181,900 before on-road costs, with the hot AMG GLS63 S priced at $313,900 plus on-roads and the sumptuous Mercedes-Maybach GLS680 priced at $424,900 + ORCs.

Pre-orders are now open, with vehicles expected to arrive in Australia from November 2026 – apart from AMG and Maybach variants, which are expected in early 2027.

The turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol GLS450 has returned to the lineup, after having been retired in Australia as part of a facelift for 2024.

The GLS450 produces 280kW of power and 560Nm of torque from a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol inline-six – up from 500Nm when it was last offered here – while the GLS450d uses a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six with slightly less power (270kW) but more torque (750Nm). Both GLS variants feature standard Airmatic air suspension and 22-inch alloy wheels.

The AMG GLS63 S upgrades to a 450kW/850Nm twin-turbo 4.0-litre petrol V8, and features standard 23-inch forged wheels and AMG Ride Control+ suspension, plus an electronic rear limited-slip differential.

The Maybach GLS680 features the same outputs, and features E-Active Body Control suspension and unique 23-inch forged wheels.

It replaces the Maybach GLS600, with outputs rising by 40kW and 80Nm to match the AMG GLS63 S which retains the same power and torque figures despite moving to the new M177 Evo V8 engine.

MORE: 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Updated large SUV range priced for Australia, including AMG versions
MORE: 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Facelifted three-row SUV range priced for Australia, including AMG and Maybach versions

Updated AMG GLE SUV and Coupe – H1 2027

See above.

Updated AMG GLS and Maybach GLS – H1 2027

See above.

New C-Class electric – H1 2027

Mercedes-Benz Australia will launch the first-ever electric C-Class in the first half of next year.

It will be sold alongside existing petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) C-Class models locally, with its 800V underpinnings shared with the GLC electric SUV due here before the end of 2026.

Mercedes-Benz claims the C-Class EQ brings standout quality for the segment, with a ‘coupe-like’ silhouette and upright ‘iconic’ grille previewed on earlier prototypes.

The grille features 1050 illuminated dots, while there are three-pointed star motifs within the headlights and tail-lights, blending lighting and chrome elements.

The C-Class electric rides on the same 2962mm wheelbase as the GLC electric, making it 97mm longer than petrol-powered models. This results in increased legroom and headroom, as well as a 470-litre boot – up 15L on the regular C-Class – plus a 101L storage space under the bonnet.

While Mercedes-Benz has confirmed rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants – with rear-drive versions offering up to 800km (WLTP) of range – the first confirmed variant will be the C400 electric, boasting a 360kW dual-motor powertrain capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds, and covering up to 760km per charge according to WLTP testing.

MORE: 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV revealed with up to 800km of range

Updated Mercedes-Maybach S-Class – H1 2027

Following the updated S-Class range, the exclusive Maybach versions of Benz's flagship limousine will arrive next year.

Visually, the Maybach adopts many of the stylistic changes that grace the facelifted S-Class, including the star-shaped headlight and tail-light graphics. 

The Maybach's grille has grown in size and is now 20 per cent larger than before. Illumination is available for the grille frame, Maybach grille lettering, the Mercedes-Benz bonnet star, and the Maybach logo on the C-pillar.

Speaking of logos, all Maybachs equipped with silver forged alloy wheels have three-pointed star wheel cap badges that now stay completely level thanks to a ball-bearing mechanism.

The exterior colour palette of 150-plus hues has been boosted by the addition of a new sparkling black paint with a glass‑flake clear coat, as well as satin-finish Verde Silver Magno. There are also two new wheel designs available: a 21-inch Manufaktur wheel finished in gold, and a set of polished 20-inch rims.

On the inside, buyers have the option of a new leather-free interior for the first time. There's a new beech brown colour scheme available too, and the 13.1-inch displays mounted onto the back of the front seats are now operated by new individually customisable remote controls.

The car also includes a new water-cooled ’supercomputer‘ for assisted driving features, including the MB.Drive Assist Pro system that allows for eyes-on-the-road hands-free driving on highways and in urban environments. For now, Mercedes-Benz only has plans to introduce MB.Drive Assist Pro to China and, later, the USA. Also available is the latest Airmatic air suspension system, which can communicate with Mercedes-Benz cars ahead to anticipate road changes.

Globally there are four available drivetrains. The only one to feature a straight-six engine is the plug-in hybrid S580e with EQ Hybrid Technology, which has a total system output of 430kW and 750Nm, and a 22kWh battery for an estimated EV range of at least 92km (WLTP).

There are two options available with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, starting with the 395kW/750Nm S580 and concluding with the 450kW/850Nm S680. Both have a 48V mild-hybrid system that uses a 17kW/205Nm electric motor to provide a small boost. For some markets, such as the USA, the S680 is powered by the company's hand-made 450kW/900Nm 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 instead. All drivetrain options are equipped with a nine-speed automatic.

MORE: 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class facelift revealed, Australian launch locked in

New AMG CLA45 – H1 2027

Based on the same 800-volt Mercedes Modular Architecture as non-AMG CLA models (and the upcoming GLB mid-size SUV), the battery-powered AMG CLA45 is powered by the same axial-flux electric motors as the 300km/h Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door unveiled in May.

Revealed in both 'Coupe' and Shooting Brake body styles, it produces substantially more power than before, with peak outputs of 500kW and 1759Nm comfortably eclipsing the previous model's 310kW/500Nm figures from its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

This enables a claimed 3.0-second 0-100km/h time, making it more than a second quicker to the national highway limit than the petrol model it replaces (4.1 seconds), despite weighing a lot more – 2295kg compared with its predecessor's 1687kg.

Mercedes-AMG also quoted a 2.7-second 0-100km/h sprint with a one-foot (30.5cm) rollout, as well as a 250km/h top speed, increasing to 270km/h with the optional Dynamic Plus Package.

Adding to the experience, there's also "original combustion sound", including gear shift "interruptions" when in AMGFORCE S+ mode, accompanied by standard seat shakers to "deliver authentic vibrations" and mimic an internal combustion engine.

Mercedes-AMG said the sounds are not synthetic, having used 13 microphones to record the previous A45 S hatchback's turbo four to create a petrol engine-like soundtrack for the electric powertrain.

The CLA45 uses advanced axial-flux technology for its three electric motors – one on the front axle and two on the rear axle – which are lighter and more compact than conventional motors, and housed in a 'sandwich' layout to save space.

The electric powertrain includes a 94kWh lithium-ion battery, providing a claimed 640km driving range (WLTP) for the sedan and 670km for the Shooting Brake.

The CLA45 has an AMG-specific chassis tune featuring three-link forged aluminium front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension, while the adaptive dampers offer Comfort, Sport and AMGFORCE S+ settings.

MORE: First electric Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 revealed with 500kW, confirmed for Australia

New AMG GT 4-Door Coupe – To be confirmed

While the AMG CLA might beat it to Australian showrooms, the new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is the performance tuning arm's first bespoke electric performance car.

The GT63 and GT55 – the latter producing 600kW and 1800Nm – are the first models to use the company’s AMG.EA 800-volt electric architecture and axial-flux electric motors showcased by the GT XX concept.

The former can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 2.4 seconds, or just 2.1 seconds with a foot of rollout. The GT55 takes 2.8 seconds and 2.5 seconds respectively. The new-generation electric GT 4-Door Coupe takes over while bringing a simulated V8 soundscape – including artificial gearshift sounds – in a bid to win over die-hard petrol enthusiasts.

Styling closely follows the GT XX concept, including aerodynamic aids and ‘air panels’ also seen on the SL range, helping deliver a claimed drag coefficient of 0.22. Key design cues include an illuminated front grille and twin ‘power domes’ on the bonnet. 

Underneath, the ‘skateboard’ chassis uses multi-link front and rear suspension with semi-active roll stabilisation, forged aluminium components and selected steel parts for added stiffness. 

The new GT uses individually cooled cylindrical battery cells using a new lithium-ion chemistry designed to maximise packaging efficiency. 

Advanced cooling systems for the batteries, motors and transmission also cool a pair of silicon-carbide inverters. 

Mercedes-AMG claims a WLTP driving range of up to 696km for the GT63 and up to 700km for the GT55, while 600kW DC fast charging can replenish the 106kWh battery from 10 to 80 per cent in around 11 minutes, adding more than 460km of range. 

Combined with regenerative braking, the cooling systems are designed to maintain peak performance for longer periods, with AMG targeting strong “continuous power density” for repeated high-load driving. 

MORE: 860kW Mercedes-AMG GT EV revealed, confirmed for Australia

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