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 BlogGLA 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.