The replacement for the Mercedes-Benz CL will launch later this year, according to Daimler chief Dieter Zetsche.
Speaking on the eve of the Detroit motor show, Zetsche confirmed the CL would be renamed S-class coupé, following on from a concept car of the same name from the Frankfurt motor show last autumn.
Zetsche also confirmed that 2014 would see the launch of the most efficient Mercedes-Benz S-Class ever, with the S500 plug-in hybrid now complete and with CO2 emissions of just 69g/km and 94.2mpg combined economy.
Plug-in hybrid technology will also come to the new C-class for the first time – and indeed the first time in the segment – with the launch of the C300 plug-in hybrid model later this year, Zetsche revealed.
Also confirmed by Zetsche at the Mercedes Detroit preview event was US production of the new C-class for the first time.
The smaller Mercedes-Benz CLA is also helping to bring in younger customers to the brand, eight out of 10 of which are new to Mercedes.
