#MercedesBenz

Mercedes-Benz has submitted its intended U.S. lineup with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the 2024 model year and the E-Class wagon is back on the list. With the W214 generation having just been introduced, everyone has been wondering which versions of Mercedes’ midsize model would make it to our shores. But it looks like we’re only getting the All-Terrain variant for now. 

Looking at most dealer lots, there’s a fair argument to be made that crossovers and SUVs have rudely – and perhaps permanently – shoved sedans into the bin. But the venerable body style is still kicking at some brands, selling in solid numbers and providing an option for smart customers who’d rather not copy their neighbors.

Today's UCOTD is a rare bird -- a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280ce Euro that was imported from Japan.

Those of you just itching to get behind the wheel of a new entry-level Mercedes will enjoy the news that Stuttgart has given its smallest vehicles a nip and tuck while also gifting them an electrified powertrain.

Remember a few years ago when just about every automaker was promising that self-driving would become publicly available by 2020? Well, they’re hoping you didn’t because a few of them are starting to issue new claims that vehicular autonomy is once again less than a decade away.

While “hands-free” driving systems that require you to remain constantly vigilant (in case you need to take over) have become the new hotness, Mercedes-Benz said it’s planning on selling a version that will qualify as truly self-driving by 2030. But there are caveats to that claim pertaining to specific traffic conditions – meaning it’s still not actually going to be SAE Level 5.

On Wednesday, Mercedes-Benz made a string of announcements pertaining to novel tech features it plans on implementing – including partnering with Google to determine how it can leverage cloud-based artificial intelligence into the navigation system. But we’re here to talk about the E-Class specifically, which is poised to get a touchscreen spanning the entire dashboard, integrated interior cameras where the focus is always on the driver, and a new version of the MBUX interface that comes with TikTok and Zoom.

If you want to get into a Mercedes-Benz cheap, just wait 20+ years for depreciation to kick in.

OK, that's a bit harsh. But here we have an example of a cheap-but-old MB SUV.

Mercedes-Benz has officially debuted the all-electric version of the Sprinter and confirmed it will arrive in the United States sometime after the summer solstice. While the van will come in an array of formats to suit varying cargo needs, the initial run will be the long wheelbase variant with the highest roof and largest battery the Germans have to offer. But different versions are said to be forthcoming. Storage in the eSprinter seems to be more or less on par with its combustion-driven counterpart, though it cannot hold quite as much weight due to the heft of the battery pack. Range likewise seems useful, though the electric van will undoubtedly be better suited to localized delivery routes than any long-haul jobs.

The engine of the current Mitsubishi Mirage, much derided for its alleged slowness, must pull a bit more than 27 pounds of car for each of its 78 horsepower. That's underpowered, yes? Not compared to the Mercedes-Benz W123 equipped with a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder diesel engine! That's the car we're going to admire for this week's Junkyard Find.

Mercedes is giving the entry-level CLA-Class a notable update for 2024 that includes fresh styling, more standard tech, updated infotainment, and a more powerful AMG variant. The car goes on sale in late 2023 in four versions: CLA 250, CLA 250 4MATIC, AMG CLA 35, and AMG CLA 45.

Adding to today's list of spied prototypes, the Mercedes-Benz EQG got nabbed by a shooter.

Mercedes-Benz spent a lot of time and likely money launching its EQ sub-brand for electric vehicles. Even so, the automaker appears to have realized there’s no point in separate branding when it plans to convert its entire catalog to EVs. 

BMW, one of the companies that kicked off the exceptionally annoying trend of in-vehicle subscription features, now says it won’t follow rival Mercedes-Benz in offering added-cost power upgrades for some vehicles. 

Say what you will about Tesla, but there’s no denying that the company’s charging network is a huge benefit and differentiator that has played a significant role in its growth and success over the years. Given the number of automakers moving toward electrification and the amount of money entering the arena, it’s surprising that we haven’t seen another manufacturer doing the same. Mercedes-Benz is jumping in to change that, announcing its intention to build a network of 10,000 fast chargers.

The W116 was the first Mercedes-Benz to get the S-Class designation from the factory, and it was sold in North America from the 1973 through 1980 model years. During the darkest days of the Malaise Era, the W116 was a rare bright spot of performance and build quality, and I still see quite a few of these cars during my junkyard travels (because they took this long to wear out). Here's a late-production W116 sedan, found in a self-service Colorado yard last summer.