• In the coming years, Mercedes-Benz will drastically reshape its portfolio.
• A number of two-door coupes, wagons, and SUV coupes are destined for discontinuation.
• Going forward, expect a greater focus on top-end variants from AMG and Maybach, as well as super-exclusive Mythos models.

In May 2022, Mercedes-Benz outlined its latest long-term strategic plan, which involves drastically resizing and reshaping its massive product portfolio to move even further upmarket and become even more profitable. At the time, the automaker did not give a full explanation of how it plans to do so, but now we have a much clearer idea of what’s destined for the guillotine and what new models we can expect.

Only 14 of 33 Body Styles Will Survive

We talked to several top managers in Untertürkheim and Sindelfingen to find out exactly why they believe that wagons, coupes, and convertibles have an uncertain future—or no future at all. Apparently, it has to do with the brand’s new understanding of luxury. Mercedes intends to tailor its future products to prepare them for extended personalized mobility services, ease the pressure on the driver, and redefine creature comfort as a key brand value. The new model mix may boost profits, but it contains fewer emotional products. Based on what we’ve seen, of the 33 body styles Mercedes currently offers between Europe and the U.S., only 14 will survive.

“At the end of the day, we simply don’t need estate cars [wagons] or underperforming two-door…