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Mercedes may not be done with R-Class after all

The idea of blending a three-row SUV and a minivan into a luxury model like the Mercedes-Benz R-Class still seems wonderfully absurd, particularly when you consider that there was an AMG version of that German people-mover. Apparently, though, one of the brand's execs doesn't believe the concept behind the R-Class is all that bizarre. In fact, he thinks it could be time to try again. Wolf-Dieter Kurz, Mercedes' vice president in charge of SUVs and sports cars, believes that crossovers could be a major driver of product variants in the future due to their popularity. There are a lot of design possibilities to explore in the segment, in his opinion. "There was already one that we had in the portfolio – maybe we were too early – which was the R-Class, which we are still selling in China. It's doing good, with 12,000 to 14,000 units per year," Kurz said during the launch of the GLE and GLE Coupe, according to CarAdvice. Under a recent deal, the quirky model is made by AM General and exported out of the US. Kurz even suggested the exact niche that the new model might fill. "So let's say these more, let's say, on-road based but still very roomy, but not station wagon, is definitely an interesting segment also in the future," he said, according to CarAdvice. That almost sounds like a blend of wagon and SUV in a move not too dissimilar from the current Subaru Outback or the old R-Class. One hurdle for any future model reviving the concept of the R-Class is that the company is already bursting with CUVs. Every size is practically already filled with the GLA, GLC, GLE, and forthcoming GLS, plus Coupe variants for some of them.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe looks just as banging as big brother

When Mercedes-Benz redesigned the C-Class, the new sedan was crafted as a sort of baby S-Class, both inside and out. So is it really any surprise that with the 2017 C-Class Coupe, MB has once again looked to its flagship model for inspiration? The new C Coupe is, for all intents and purposes, a scaled-down S-Class Coupe, featuring many of the same styling cues that make that big two-door such a stunner. The pert tail is set off by the same kind of duck-bill spoiler integrated into the rear decklid and horizontal taillights. A strong shoulder line emphasizes the aggressive slope of the roof and the high beltline, which if anything is more aggressive than what Mercedes penned for the S-Class Coupe. Up front, a strong grille is flanked by scale model's of the S Coupe's headlights, complete with LED lighting accents. It's a similar story in the cabin, where Mercedes scaled things down but really didn't skimp on style or materials. Expect the C Coupe's mechanicals to mirror those of its four-door counterpart. The C300, the only version of the new two-door to be announced so far, will use the same 241-horsepower, 273-pound-foot, 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder as the C300 sedan. We'd expect the rest of the engine range to get fleshed out over time, with the more potent C400, C450 AMG Sport, and C63 AMG coming online. While not specified, a seven-speed automatic should be on hand to funnel power to either the back wheels or to a 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, here in the C300. As for optional extras, Mercedes specifically mentions an Airmatic suspension, a vast suite of safety systems, and a 360-degree camera, to name just a few. As with the engine lineup, expect the options sheet to mimic the C-Class Sedan. You can read more about the new C-Class Coupe in the attached press release. We've also embedded a hefty gallery of images at the top of the page. The new C Coupe will make its auto show debut at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show, and will hit dealers in the US next this spring. Related Video: The all-new MY2017 C300 and C300 4MATIC Coupe Seduction of the heart and mind Stuttgart – Athletic and sporty, the vivid, sensual design of the new C-Class Coupe cuts a fine figure on the road and embodies modern luxury. At the same time, its interior raises elegance and style to a sporty level.

Firing of M-B boss upheld

Ernst Lieb, the disgraced former CEO of American operations for Mercedes-Benz, will not be getting any more money from the Silver Arrow'd teat. His wrongful dismissal suit against MB's parent company, Daimler, was tossed out of a German appeals panel. This, followed the initial rejection by a lower court last year.
According to court documents acquired by Automotive News, Lieb was found to have "accepted payments of substantial value to which he - as he was aware - had no claim."
Lieb took over American operations from former CEO Paul Halata in September of 2006. Reports surfaced in October of 2011 that Lieb was dismissed from his posting at MB, with a variety of rumors swirling. Eventually, news broke that financial wrong doing was responsible for the German's firing.