The addition of an all-new bread-and-butter C-Class sedan is the most significant product news for Mercedes-Benz for 2022. New versions of the C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet will follow the compact sedan, but those won't come until the 2023 model year. The introduction of the first member of the new Mercedes EQ sub-brand of electric luxury vehicles is the other banner headline for 2022. Constructed on a purpose-built electric vehicle (EV) architecture, the "cab-forward" EQS luxury sedan brings S-Class levels of luxury and style to the battery-electric sedan market. Also, a new AMG SL debuts with room for four passengers.
On the tech front for 2022, Mercedes-Benz continues to improve its MBUX infotainment system. The EQS, C-Class, and new SL all feature MBUX 2.0, a heavily enhanced system that offers 50 percent more processing power and enhanced voice control functions than the previous system. In some models, it also powers an augmented-reality head-up display.
Except for the all-new EQS, C-Class sedan, and SL convertible, the rest of the Mercedes-Benz model lineup for 2022 boasts only modest changes.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has minimal changes for the 2022 model year. The compact sedan is available in front-drive (FWD) and 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions, and its Premium package adds SiriusXM satellite radio for 2022. The minor updates on the sporty AMG variants include a standard USB-C cable and the availability of Rose Gold paint.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class receives a significant change as it transitions from one generation to another. The C-Class sedan is all-new for the 2022 model year, while the C-Class Cabriolet (convertible) and C-Class Coupe retain the previous platform and mechanicals for 2022. A highlight of the new C 300 sedan is the new mild-hybrid 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powertrain. Its 48-volt mild-hybrid system includes an integrated starter-generator adding 22 pound-feet of torque that Mercedes says provides better drivability and fuel efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz completely redoes both the exterior and interior of the sedan for 2022, and the interior is one of the most modern in the automaker's lineup with two sizeable digital display screens. For the first time, the C 300 sedan is available in three trim levels—Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle—and the new longer, wider body delivers added rear legroom. Meanwhile, the C-Class Cabriolet and Coupe get minor equipment updates on the previous platform.
A 4-door coupe derivative of the A-Class sedan, the CLA also has minor changes for the 2022 model year. The Premium package on the CLA 35 adds SiriusXM. Mercedes also adds an AMG Night Package Plus to the lineup, featuring black grille louvers and black badging.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic 4-door coupe is the subject of a mid-cycle refresh for 2022. The AMG Line styling is now standard, and the most significant change is a new grille that sports a 3-D version of the famed Mercedes-Benz 3-pointed star. The rear end of the CLS also receives a nip-and-tuck. The highlight of the interior changes is the addition of a Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel that includes capacitive sensors to make semi-automated driving easier. New upholstery and trims are added to the menu, as are fresh 19- and 20-inch alloy wheel designs.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineup includes sedan, coupe, cabriolet, and wagon variants. For the 2022 model year, the changes across the E-Class portfolio are minor. All models now come equipped with standard adaptive high-beam headlight assist. In addition, a heated steering wheel is now standard on the Mercedes-AMG E 53 sports sedan. The automaker fits AMG Coupes and Cabriolets with rear-seat USB-C ports and adds a couple of new paint colors.
The Mercedes EQS is the first member of the new Mercedes-EQ sub-brand of electric luxury vehicles. Constructed on a purpose-built EV architecture, the EQS has similar dimensions to the conventional S-Class sedan. A significant amount of advanced tech accompanies the progressive "cab-forward" exterior design, including an adaptive air suspension system and a rear-axle steering system.
Inside, the MBUX Hyperscreen infotainment system that includes three digital screens under a 56-inch curved glass surface that stretches across the dashboard dominates the interior. The luxury sedan also features systems designed to relieve stress and improve attentiveness. A HEPA filtration system keeps the interior air pure and healthful.
Buyers can outfit the EQS 580 with AWD facilitated by two asynchronous electric motors. The EQS 450+ has an EPA-certified range of 350 miles, while the EQS 580 4Matic is rated at 340 miles on a full charge.
At the time of publication, Mercedes-Benz has announced no changes for the 2022 G-Class SUV.
The compact Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV has minimal changes entering the 2022 model year. Its Premium package of options now includes SiriusXM and a 115-volt outlet. On the sportier AMG side, a USB-C Cable is now standard. An AMG Night Package Plus "blackout" variant has black grille louvers and exterior badges. Rose Gold is a new exterior color.
For 2022, the changes to the Mercedes-Benz GLB crossovers mirror those of the GLA. The GLB's Premium package adds SiriusXM and a 115-volt outlet. On the AMG GLB 35, a USB-C Cable is now standard, and an AMG Night Package Plus includes black grille louvers and black exterior badges. Again, Mercedes adds Rose Gold to the exterior color palette.
The headline news on the Mercedes-Benz GLC line for 2022 is the addition of the AMG GLC 63 S. The model takes SUV performance to a new level with its twin-turbocharged V8 engine that enables the crossover to jet from zero-to-60 mph in a claimed 3.6 seconds. At the same time, the performance model offers an abundance of interior room and cargo space plus extensive advanced driving assistance systems.
The AMG GLC 43 now has a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and adaptive high-beam headlight assist is standard across all GLC models.
Meanwhile, the GLC SUV and GLC Coupe get the same upgrades for 2022. Standard USB ports in the rear and a standard USB-C adapter cable are included. Parking Damage Detection is now standard as well.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV and GLE Coupe are the recipients of some minor alterations and additions for 2022. The GLE SUV gets new interior leather options in black and brown, plus standard adaptive high-beam tech. In the AMG GLE 53 4Matic+, massaging front seats are added to the stand-alone options list, as is the Air Balance air purifier/fragrance system. The GLE Coupe stands pat for 2022, but the AMG GLE 53 also gets the added stand-alone options.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS large SUV is only mildly different for the 2022 model year. Both AMG Line styling and wheels are newly available on the model. So is a black-themed Night package. Inside, an espresso brown/black leather upholstery combination is now available. Additionally, Mercedes adds Cirrus Silver paint to the exterior color palette. All-season floor mats are now optional for those who want to protect their carpeting.
The Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe's most significant news is the new Manufaktur Exclusive Edition GT 53. It offers distinctive paint and interior trim. The new sub-model has 21-inch AMG forged wheels and AMG puddle lamps. Perhaps more practical is the new availability of a 3-person rear bench seat. In addition, the 4-door performance-oriented coupe gets updated wheels, upholstery, trim, and exterior colors. New Nappa leather upholstery options include Yacht Blue, Neva Grey, Deep White, Sienna Brown, and Classic Red. On the functional side, the suspension is re-tuned to provide a wider gulf between sportiness and comfort.
The most notable change to the S-Class lineup for 2022 is the new-generation Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4Matic that becomes the most powerful model in the Maybach lineup. The automaker fits the substantial sedan with a 6.0-liter V12 twin-turbocharged engine now teamed with a 4Matic AWD system specially tuned for this application. The S 680 4Matic includes several Maybach-exclusive features like radiator grille, front bumper, and wheel designs. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan now offers the E-Active electronically adaptive suspension, and the MBUX Interior Assist Front gesture-control system is now standard.
For the 2022 model year, Mercedes-Benz has introduced an all-new Mercedes-AMG SL, continuing a long line of convertible sports cars dating back to the 1950s. This time around, the SL includes a rear seat making it a 2+2, but it retains the classic soft convertible top that distinguished it for decades. While the SL oozes classic sports car, it is filled with modern touches like rear-wheel steering, active adaptive suspension, and optional ceramic brakes. Inside, it has a fully digital instrument cluster integrated into a 3-dimensional visor. Another bow to modernity is the latest-edition MBUX infotainment system.
Two versions of the new SL are on offer at launch. A 469-hp version of the model's 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine propels the SL 55. Mercedes-Benz says it will go from a standing start to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. Heady as that is, the SL 63 has a 577-hp version of the biturbo V8 that enables it to get from a stop to 60 mph in a claimed 3.5 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz is the source of information in this article. It was accurate on December 12, 2021, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the Mercedes-Benz website or your local dealership.
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