Mercedes-Benz Australia readies C-Class, EQS, Maybach S-Class and more for 2022, but sales expected to be steady

Mercedes-Benz is expecting a busy 12 months in 2022, with the launch of no less than six new models, but sales are expected to remain relatively close to the 2021’s total.

Why won’t the premium German brand see an uptick in interest? That’s simple, ongoing supply chain issues and a global pandemic, according to Mercedes-Benz Australia PR boss Jerry Stamoulis.

“Until we have some sort of normality in regards to COVID and semi-conductors, there are other focusses rather than volume,” he said.

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“If any car company was to say ‘this is the number we are going to hit’, well maybe there’s another market missing out.

“Ultimately … the semi-conductor shortage won’t be sorted until 2023.”

That means 2022’s volume should remain steady, despite the launch of the much-anticipated new-generation C-Class.

Mercedes Australia is yet to lock in a date for the premium mid-sizer, but interest should be high given the model has traditionally been vying for leadership in the segment against the archrival BMW 3 Series.

In the first 11 months of the 2021, Mercedes found 2766 new homes for the C-Class – a slight 3.6 per cent drop over the same period in 2020, though it is now in runout.

While the C-Class release date is still unknown, Mercedes will open 2022 with the release of the flagship Maybach S680 sedan and all-electric EQS 53 AMG.

The former will sit at the top of the S-Class range, which launched in seventh-generation guise in April 2021, and adds extra premium appointments such as an extra long wheelbase, 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 engine and adaptive air suspension.

The Maybach S680 will wear a retail price of $565,800 before on-road costs, some $187,503 more than the GLS-based Maybach 600 SUV.

The EQS 53 AMG meanwhile, will be the go-fast brand’s first all-electric model and serve up enough performance to take on the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S.

Two tunes are available overseas – a 484kW/950Nm version or a 560kW/1020Nm grade – while driving range is up to 580km thanks to a massive 107.8kWh battery.

Full Australian details on the EQS 53 including pricing and specification are yet to drop.

Complimenting the EQS will be the launch in the second quarter of the new EQA 350, a more potent version of the already-launched EQA 250 electric crossover.

The EQA 350 scores a dual-motor set-up with 215kW/520Nm at its disposal, while driving range is pegged at 432km.

The third quarter of 2022 will also see another all-electric Mercedes hit showrooms, the EQB SUV, which shares the same underpinnings as the EQA, but wears more practical, family-friendly body work.

Finally, Mercedes Australia will also bring to market the plug-in S580e around the same time in 2022, given limousine driver’s a more environmentally friendly powertrain option.

Despite all this, Mr Stamoulis said sales are expected to remain steady in 2022 – which should reflect 2021’s total of around 29,000 units – not decrease like some other brands.

“We’re really lucky in that we have a lot of cars that people want, we don’t have many cars that don’t sell,” he said.