Mercedes has confirmed that it will expand its compact car line-up from five models to eight in the near future. The announcement was made by Mercedes chairman Dieter Zetsche on the eve of the 2017 Detroit Motor Show at the unveiling of the updated GLA crossover.
Mercedes' current compact line-up includes: the A-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake, GLA and B-Class. AMG variants of those vehicles are not considered as standalone models so the range expansion will come from elsewhere.
The exact identity of the three new models is not confirmed but buoyed by the success and popularity of its small car line-up Mercedes is looking to capitalise. Over 60 per cent of the GLAs sold are conquest sales so Mercedes sees big potential for its small car range to bring even more new customers to the brand.
Ola Källenius, Mercedes R&D boss, told Auto Express: "They will be relevant expansions to the portfolio that we can do very decent volumes in. It's not just inch of an inch they will be volume segments."
Likely candidates that could broaden Mercedes' compact range could include a saloon version of the A-Class. Another is a new crossover that would sit above the GLA in the range – possibly badged the GLB of which various spy shots have emerged.
A model, which is perhaps a little further down the line, could be an all-electric hatchback, launched under Mercedes' new EQ range. Such a model would be unlikely to launch before 2020, however.
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