Here’s What’s New for Mercedes-Benz’s 2019 Lineup
G-Class: Reinvention of an Icon
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class earned its “iconic” label following four decades of taming severe roads and off-road conditions. The 2019 redesign is the most comprehensive change to date, and improves all aspects of performance, handling, ride comfort, luxury and safety, while preserving its off-road prowess.
Two models are available for 2019. The G 550 uses the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine producing 416 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, and the AMG G 63 is powered by a handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo with 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. New 9- speed automatic transmissions in both models improve performance and efficiency and make for a smooth ride.
While the 2019 G-Class body is all-new, the design remains instantly recognizable, including external door hinges and the unique G-Class door latch closing sound. The new model is 2.1-in longer and 4.8-in wider for improved leg room. Yet, the newG is also 375 pounds lighter than the previous model thanks to a body constructed with aluminum for the doors, hood, and fenders.
‘Both G-Class models include DYNAMIC SELECT with selectable on- and off-road driving modes. The G 63 features AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping, plus exclusive AMG styling and interior appointments.’
A stronger ladder frame chassis carries the first-ever independent front suspension and electromechanical power steering in a G-Class. Equipped with permanent all- wheel drive, selectable low range and three differential locks, the 2019 G-Class is ready to go virtually anywhere. Ground clearance, fording depth, breakover angle and angle of approach are all improved. A new “G-Mode” alters the damping, steering response, throttle response, and shifting for predictable and smooth off- road performance.
Both G-Class models include DYNAMIC SELECT with selectable on- and off-road driving modes. The G 63 features AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping, plus exclusive AMG styling and interior appointments. A side-pipe exhaust system with a driver-selectable flap varies the high-performance engine sound, enhancing driving enjoyment.
The interior of the new G-Class is more luxurious than ever and features the COMAND system with 12.3-in. display, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Heated front seats, three-zone automatic climate control, a glass-panel sunroof (a first for the G-Class), acoustic laminated side glass and Burmester Surround Sound system are standard. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC joins the roster of available safety systems.
E-Class: New Engines & Improved Performance
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class remains the only vehicle in its segment to offer Sedan, Coupe, Cabriolet and Wagon body styles.
New E 450 and E 450 4MATIC models debut an upgraded 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine that produces 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque compared to 329 hp and 354 lb-ft in the E 400 models that they replace.
The available Driver Assistance Package offers the enhanced safety systems featured on the 2018 S-Class models, using a substantially broader scope of map and navigation data. All driver assistance systems can be operated using the Touch Control Buttons on the new three-spoke Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel.
The 2019 E-Class debuts a variety of cabin upgrades and trim choices, enhancing its distinctive luxury ambience. The Coupe and Cabriolet now offer the ENERGIZING Comfort Package, which engages pre-set preferences for the climate control system, fragrancing, seats (heat, ventilation, massage), LED lighting and music.
The 2019 model year also marks the debut of the new AMG E 53 Sedan, Coupe and Cabriolet models. All E 53 models feature the same powertrain as the CLS 53, which combines a new inline six-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine with the EQ Boost integrated starter-generator, 48-volt electric system and auxiliary supercharger. Also like the CLS 53, the E 53 models are equipped with the AMG 4MATIC+ fully variable All-Wheel Drive system and AMG Sport Suspension based on AIR BODY CONTROL.
All AMG E-Class variants come standard with the 12.3-in. Widescreen instrument cluster and Burmester Surround Sound system.
Upgrades to the entire C-Class Family
Refreshed front and rear styling for all C-Class Sedan, Coupe and Cabriolet models includes standard LED headlamps, along with revised tail lamps and front and rear fascias. The C 300 models debut a new 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque for improved performance and responsiveness.
Inside, the C-Class offers an even higher level of tech than before, with available 10.25-in. high-resolution center media display (standard on Coupe, Cabriolet and AMG versions) and 12.3-in. digital instrument cluster. Newly available options for paint, wheels and trims expand personalization potential in all 2019 C-Class models.
On the AMG side, the C 43 gains 23 hp for new 385 hp output, as well as an enhanced AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT nine-speed transmission, exterior design upgrades and comfort upgrades. The C 63 and C 63 S are now equipped with a new AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT nine-speed transmission and AMG-specific grille, and the C 63 now has a standard electronic limited-slip differential (already standard on C 63 S).
AMG GT for 2019
The AMG GT series grows for 2019 with the addition of the first-ever GT 4-Door Coupe.
The GT 4-Door Coupe, the third model developed independently by AMG, melds the front and rear design of the two-seat GT models with a 4-door, 4-seat body wearing a sweeping coupe roofline. As on the two-seat GT Coupe models, an elegantly integrated tailgate accesses the luggage compartment.
Three versions will be offered: the GT 53 equipped with a 3.0-liter, inline-six turbocharged engine with EQ Boost from the CLS 53 and E 53 models, with the same 429 hp output and up to an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque that EQ Boost generates for short periods. An electric auxiliary supercharger supplements the turbo’s low-speed boost. The GT 53 is the first AMG-built model to use the electric system. Equipped exclusively with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 9- speed TCT transmission, the GT 53 accelerates from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds.
‘Customers can choose between the Executive Rear Seat with versatile 40:20:40 split folding seatbacks to expand cargo capacity, or the non-folding carbon fiber-backed rear seats that amplify the sports car look and feel.’
The GT 63 is powered by the same 577 hp, handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo as the AMG GT R sports car, while the GT 63 S is the most powerful model in the GT line with 630 hp from its Handcrafted 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. Both V8s are teamed with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 9-speed MCT transmission. The GT 63 can accomplish 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, and the GT 63 S in 3.1 seconds.
All GT 4-Door Coupes are equipped with AMG 4MATIC+ Performance All-Wheel Drive with fully variable torque distribution. In the GT 63 S, selecting Drift Mode converts the car to pure rear-wheel drive for exciting track driving by skilled drivers. (Drift Mode is also available for the GT 63.)
The GT 53 uses AMG Ride Control Sport Suspension, while the V8 models feature AMG Ride Control+ air suspension and active rear axle steering for even sharper agility. The widescreen cockpit with dual 12.3-inch high-resolution screens is standard in all models, as is the Burmester Surround Sound system. Customers can choose between the Executive Rear Seat with versatile 40:20:40 split folding seatbacks to expand cargo capacity, or the non-folding carbon fiber-backed rear seats that amplify the sports car look and feel.
Added Safety
Mercedes-Benz continues to expand availability of its most advanced driver assistance technology to the 2019 C-Class family and the new CLS. The newest version merges sensor and navigation map data to enhanced capabilities, including Route-Based Speed Adaptation.
Recent and upcoming launches (subject to change):
- CLS 450 / CLS 450 4MATIC (all-new) Fall 2018
- E 450 4MATIC Sedan (new engine) Fall 2018
- E 450 4MATIC Wagon (new engine) Fall 2018
- E 450 / E 450 4MATIC Coupe (new engine) Fall 2018
- E 450 / E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet (new engine) Fall 2018
- AMG E 53 Sedan (all-new) Late 2018
- G 550 / AMG G 63 (facelift) Late 2018
- C 300/C 300 4MATIC/AMG C 43, C 63 & C 63 S Sedan (facelift) Late 2018
- C 300/C 300 4MATIC/AMG C 43, C 63 & C 63 S Coupe (facelift) Late 2018
- C 300/C 300 4MATIC/AMG C 43, C 63 & C 63 S Cabriolet (facelift) Late 2018 AMG E 53 Coupe (all-new) Late 2018
- AMG E 53 Cabriolet (all-new) Late 2018
- AMG CLS 53 (all-new) Late 2018
- AMG GT 4-door Coupe: GT 53, GT 63, GT 63 S (all-new) Early 2019 S 560e Sedan (new variant) Mid-2019