New SUV Unveiled

Mercedes-Benz, enjoying strong sales in the Japanese market. The best way to understand the reasons might be to visit their booth at the Tokyo Motor Show. Currently, Mercedes-Benz Japan sells 26 models across 127 variants. At the show, they presented a wide range of exhibits, including their F1 machine that overwhelmingly won the championship in 2015, upcoming new models, and a concept model making its world debut.

Among the new models, the "GLE Class," a full model change of the "M Class," drew attention. While retaining the distinctive design of the rear quarter pillar, its chassis performance has been improved. The Japanese sales strategy is a departure from the past, focusing on two variants: the "GLE 350 d" with a 3-liter diesel engine, and the "GLE 63 S 4MATIC" under the Mercedes-AMG brand, powered by a potent 5.5-liter V8 gasoline engine. These models clearly express two distinct personalities: efficiency and power.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

Alongside the GLE, the "GLE Coupe" was also displayed as a model planned for introduction. This SUV presents a novel image with its coupe-like styling, likely positioning it as a rival to the BMW "X6." Its body, measuring 4.9 meters in length and 1.73 meters in height, conveys a sense of lightness with its smoothly sloping rear window. The horizontal taillights, sharing a design motif with Mercedes-Benz coupes, emphasize its unique presence. While the powertrain has not been announced, a plug-in hybrid variant is a possibility.

In the SUV category, the "GLC Class" was also exhibited as a model slated for introduction. It shares the basic platform with the "C Class" but features a 33mm longer wheelbase. With a relatively large body measuring 4.7 meters in length, it replaces the previous "GLK Class." It is expected to compete with models like the BMW "X3" and Audi "Q5."

The new "V Class," announced prior to the Tokyo Motor Show, also attracted visitor attention. Only the model equipped with a 2.2-liter diesel engine will be introduced in Japan, available in two wheelbase options: 3,200mm for the standard model with a body length of 4,905mm, and 5,150mm for the long version. The 7-seater configuration and the substantial 1,035-liter cargo capacity in the long version offer practical utility.

It is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, achieving a fuel efficiency of 15.3 km/ℓ (JC08 mode). This represents an improvement of up to 12.5 percent compared to the previous generation's 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine model.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

Furthermore, a striking model making its world debut, the "Vision Tokyo," was unveiled.

Concept Model for a New Generation

"This is a cool car befitting the cool city of Tokyo." Gordon Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG, which oversees Mercedes-Benz, spoke about the "Vision Tokyo," making its debut in Tokyo. "We developed this with a particular focus on the youngest demographic living in megacities, 'Generation X,' and it is a future car that meets their needs in contemporary megacities."

Displayed alongside the "F015 Luxury in Motion," a proposal for an autonomous luxury sedan of around 2030 (a future "S Class"?), the "Vision Tokyo," in the words of Wagener, is "a minivan design in its most sporty form." The sense of mass in its chrome body and its blue lighting are particularly striking. It appears the interior is accessed by opening a single door, but this could not be confirmed with the show model.

Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo

Mercedes-AMG GT3

According to Mercedes-Benz, the interior is lounge-like, featuring an optional 3D hologram projector in the center. "All occupants can access content such as 3D maps, apps, and entertainment functions," Wagener explained the concept. This is a model for Generation Z, who were still children when smartphones and social networks emerged. It might be worth a second look.

At the Mercedes-AMG booth, the AMG GT3, equipped with a powerful 6.3-liter V8 engine, was also on display. This is a race car that was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Next to it was the "W05 Hybrid," which won the championship in F1 in 2014 (the W06 is still competing in the 2015 season). It vividly brings back memories of the Grand Prix victories achieved with the overwhelming speed of both drivers, Hamilton and Rosberg.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 W05 Hybrid

smart fortwo

"Motorsport imagery strongly enhances brand image in many markets," Dr. Thomas Weber, who oversees Mercedes-Benz's development division, once said. "Participating in F1 boosts sales even for our SUVs."

Next to them were the newly released smart "fortwo" and "forfour." The 999cc 3-cylinder engine, mounted at the rear, produces a maximum torque of 91kW and is paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The width of the fortwo has been increased by 100mm for improved handling, while revisions to the steering angle ensure ease of maneuverability in narrow spaces. The forfour (starting from 2.09 million yen) also makes a return to the Japanese market after a long absence. This time, it emphasizes enhanced maneuverability by using the same chassis as the fortwo (starting from 2.09 million yen for the limited edition "edition 1").

The booth at the Tokyo Motor Show truly appears to be a symbol of the giant Mercedes-Benz, continuing its advance with unstoppable momentum.