Mercedes to introduce small SUV, coupe in U.S.

(January 30, 2011) Mercedes-Benz will launch coupe and SUV versions of its new compact car family in the United States in the next three years and is considering a third variant — a convertible or a shooting brake — to help win younger customers to the brand, Automotive News reports.

Joachim Schmidt, Mercedes' global sales and marketing boss, said in an interview with the automotive industry newspaper last week that the automaker is developing at least four models based on its new MFA, or Mercedes Front-wheel-drive Architecture.

“We will introduce the next generation of our MFA family to the U.S.,” Schmidt said. Two variants, maybe even a third, are planned for the U.S., he said.

The coupe will be launched in the U.S. in summer 2013, according to a company source.

Mercedes insiders call it a "baby CLS" because it will have similar styling to the brand's larger CLS coupe-styled four-door model. An SUV aimed as a rival to the BMW X1 will follow in summer 2014. Both variants will go on sale in Europe three to five months ahead of their U.S. launch.

Mercedes will introduce compact cars in the U.S. because consumer preferences are changing toward smaller vehicles. The automaker also wants to stay apace with rivals BMW and Audi.