2000 Merceds-benz Sl500 Designo Edition on 2040-cars

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Next Mercedes-Benz C-Class spotted in the snow

The entry-level Mercedes-Benz C-Class has long felt like nothing more than, well, just that. Aside from the potent and delicious C63 AMG models, there hasn't been much to set the C-Class apart in the entry-level luxury/sport segment, leading to the model being regarded by many as "The Cheap Mercedes." No, it's certainly not a bad car, but for our money, it hasn't stood up particularly well to competitors like the BMW 3 Series or Audi A4.
So with the handsome new CLA-Class coming to round off the entry-level end for Mercedes-Benz, big plans are in store for the C-Class. We can see some evidence of that in this latest set of spy shots from our friends at CarPix. According to earlier reports, the new C-Class will be "far more dramatic" in the visuals department, and while the sedan's sculpting is still covered by camo, the much sleeker headlamp design we see here is, at the very least, a good start. The car's overall size is expected to grow a bit to further distance itself from the CLA, though thanks to lightweight materials, curb weight isn't expected to increase.
Just like the current model, the new C-Class is expected to use four- and six-cylinder engines, both gas- and diesel-fed, and overall power output for the global engine range should span from 120-ish on the low end to as much as 330. These new engines are expected to be mounted lower and farther rearward than before, offering better balance for both rear- and 4Matic all-wheel drive configurations. And as for that AMG? Rumors suggest a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 will fall underhood.

Mercedes spotted prepping new S63 AMG Cabrio

If the market for convertibles is on the decline, nobody seems to have told the fellas over at Mercedes-Benz. The German automaker keeps adding more droptops to its lineup, and soon it will have one more on its hands in the form of the new S-Class Cabriolet. And here we have photos of the new flagship cabrio getting ready for its big debut – but not in just any old form. This would appear to be the new S63 AMG convertible. As the S-Class Coupe is already out there in various states of tune, we're not expecting any major surprises from the new convertible. Look for a folding fabric roof mechanism to open up a spacious four-seat cabin. A car with which Benz can attack the likes of the Bentley Continental GTC especially, but also the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible, Aston Martin DB9 Volante, and the upcoming Rolls-Royce Dawn (the drophead version of the Wraith). The AMG version ought to help that effort even more, complete with Affalterbach's 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8, fully expected to pack the same 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque as the other S63 models. We're anticipating Daimler to take the wraps off the S-Class cabrio at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, but we'll have to wait to see if the AMG version appears alongside it or follows at some later date. Related Video:

Mercedes spotted testing updated A45 AMG

Now on the market (or some markets at any rate) for a couple of years already in its current form, Mercedes is preparing a slight refresh for the A-Class. And that means a new A45 AMG performance version, as well. Pictured undergoing testing in Germany, this prototype is hiding some enhancements for the littlest Benz. We're expecting the updates to be rather subtle, but they ought to help the Silver Star hatch keep up with the likes of the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 in the increasingly competitive premium hatchback market. Best of all, Mercedes is tipped to be preparing an even more powerful A45 AMG S with over 400 horsepower to keep pace with the upcoming Volkswagen Golf R400. Unfortunately the A-Class isn't offered in North America, but we can hope that some of the enhancements (especially in the performance department) are ported over to the CLA-Class sedan and GLA crossover as well. Related Video: