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Bakkies, coupes and roadsters: Merc reveals 2017 battle plans

Cape Town - Mercedes-Benz has revealed its model offensive for 2017 and beyond.

Daimler published a document reflecting on the first six months of 2016. In its release were several models planned for 2017 including the automaker's SA-bound bakkie.

South Africa's bakkie-hungry market will no doubt welcome the return of a Mercedes-badged bakkie, sold locally in 1955.

READ: Merc's SA-bound bakkie to be built by Nissan

Loads of new models

Other cars scheduled for production include the AMG GT R, GT C Roadster/Coupe, an All-Terrain E-Class and an updated S-Class.

In total, 11 new models are set to be rolled-out.

Image: Mercedes Blog

New Mercedes bakkie

Based on the upcoming Nissan Navara, the new bakkie is Mercedes’ attempt to take on double-cab stalwarts such as Toyota's Hilux and Ford's Ranger.

Expect a range of petrol and diesel engines to power the new bakkie.

New bakkies for SA: Navara, Fullback, Triton on the way

Image: Mercedes

E-Class expands

The E-Class range is set to expand with the addition of new derivatives. Wheels24 experienced the new E-Class locally earlier in 2016.

READ: 9 things you should know about the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class

In the first half of 2017, two new models, the Coupe and an All-Terrain derivative, will join the line-up. The All-Terrain features higher-ground clearance and is set to compete against the Audi A6 Allroad.

During the third quarter a convertible will join the range.

Image: Mercedes Blog

GLA Coupe

A Coupe variant will replace the current GLA crossover. This change falls in line with Mercedes’ scheduled facelift for the GLA.

Image: YouTube

GT R and GT models

News is still hot of Mercedes-Benz’s Nurburgring-beating monster, the 430kW AMG GT R, set to reach showrooms during the first half of 2017.

Even though the GT R will be on top of the Mercedes food chain, it will have to share that perch with an AMG GT Roadster, expected to be revealed early in 2017.

READ: Revealed - Nuburgring-developed Mercedes AMG GT R

More GT models will join the Mercedes-AMG line-up, starting with the GT C Roadster.

No news or details about this model have yet emerged but we do know that it's a possible update of the current GT and it, as well as a Coupe version, is scheduled for showrooms by the end of 2017.

In other news…

A facelift of the S-Class is scheduled for mid-2017 and an all-electric ForTwo Coupe EV is being readied for presentation by the end of 2016.

A ForTwo Cabrio EV and ForFour EV is scheduled for the first half of 2017.

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