Mercedes-Benz Korea plans to launch 9 new models including 2 EVs

Mercedes-Benz Korea will launch nine new models this year, including two electric vehicles, aiming to re-create the sales success of last year, the automaker said Wednesday.

This year, the German brand will augment its flagship luxury sedan lineup by launching new C-Class and S-Class models.

Also coming to local consumers this year are the revamped CLS, the four-door coupe and a new engine variant for the G-Class, the G 400 d.

The automaker is also planning to roll out two pure electric vehicles -- the new EQA in the first half of this year and the EQS in the second half -- as well as charging products specialized for the EQ lineup.

“We will continue to drive innovation as the global automotive industry is going through an era of transformation and prepares itself for a future of sustainable mobility to open the era of sustainable future mobility,” said Thomas Klein, the new president and chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz Korea, during an online press conference. Klein began his term Jan. 1.

The German automaker retained its top position in the imported vehicle market here in terms of sales last year. It was its fifth year at the top.

In 2020, it sold 76,879 units here. Sales of SUVs grew 13.4 percent on-year, while its performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG brand reported a 60.3 percent jump. Electric car sales rose by 63.1 percent compared with the year before, the company said.

Mercedes-Maybach, the automaker’s high-end luxury brand, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. The company said it will introduce the brand’s first SUV, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, reinforcing the company’s SUV lineup. It will also launch the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, a transformed version of its top-class sedan, the company said.

The company’s “Mercedes me” app is coming to South Korea for the first time in the world. The app will provide loyalty benefits to customers booking services through partnerships with more than 50 partners, such as car washes, chauffeur companies and golf courses, the company explained.

An online sales platform that enables customers to purchase cars online will also be established this year, the company said.

By Jo He-rim (herim@heraldcorp.com)