Photo: Daimler AG
As some of you already know, the three-pointed star is depending a lot on a wave of upcoming SUVs and crossovers to jump back in front of BMW and Audi in terms of global luxury car sales.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development recently told the Aussies from Motoring: “With this architecture we are able to do much more than 10 different vehicles. […] The main strategy you see when we discuss the MFA architecture is one architecture with only one vehicle wheelbase, five completely different vehicles are possible. The new MRA platform is even more flexible because also more wheelbases are possible, more the width of the vehicle can be differentiated, so it is a completely modular approach.”
So, in other words, it's the MRA (Modular Rear-wheel Architecture) platform that will provide the backbone to the all-new three-pointed star SUVs and crossovers that will invade most Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the nearby future.
Currently, the Mercedes-Benz lineup consists of the recently-launched GLA, the GLK, the M-Class, the GL-Class and the legendary G-Class, which is more than any of its competitors.
In the upcoming years, that lineup will expand to no less than seven different Mercedes-Benz models with SUV credentials, with the Germans wanting to increase their current 25 percent share from the segment to over 40 percent.
Among the aforementioned models, Mercedes-Benz will introduce a BMW X6-fighter starting with 2015, called MLC. Based on the M-Class platform, it will try to recreate the success of the CLS and CLA in the crossover/SUV segment.
The second all-new model to complement the current lineup will be the GLC, which will be based on the MRA platform, shared with the recently-introduced C-Class (W205) and using many common parts and wheelbase with the upcoming GLK (X205).
These two aren't the only surprises that the Stuttgart brand is preparing for the following years, with their clear intention being to reach two million cars sold globally by 2020. Most of that growth is expected to be supported by models that have no predecessor.
So, in other words, it's the MRA (Modular Rear-wheel Architecture) platform that will provide the backbone to the all-new three-pointed star SUVs and crossovers that will invade most Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the nearby future.
Currently, the Mercedes-Benz lineup consists of the recently-launched GLA, the GLK, the M-Class, the GL-Class and the legendary G-Class, which is more than any of its competitors.
In the upcoming years, that lineup will expand to no less than seven different Mercedes-Benz models with SUV credentials, with the Germans wanting to increase their current 25 percent share from the segment to over 40 percent.
Among the aforementioned models, Mercedes-Benz will introduce a BMW X6-fighter starting with 2015, called MLC. Based on the M-Class platform, it will try to recreate the success of the CLS and CLA in the crossover/SUV segment.
The second all-new model to complement the current lineup will be the GLC, which will be based on the MRA platform, shared with the recently-introduced C-Class (W205) and using many common parts and wheelbase with the upcoming GLK (X205).
These two aren't the only surprises that the Stuttgart brand is preparing for the following years, with their clear intention being to reach two million cars sold globally by 2020. Most of that growth is expected to be supported by models that have no predecessor.
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