Mercedes-Benz South Africa has announced that Co-CEO & Executive Director Mercedes-Benz Cars Johannes Fritz, who steered South Africa’s top-selling premium car brand since September 2017, will be moving back to Germany to head up Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans in Bavaria – one of the largest sales regions in the German market.
Fritz will be succeeded by Mark Raine, who is currently Vice President of Product & Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars in Korea. The move is something of a homecoming for Raine, who grew up in Pretoria before joining Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart in 2002.
Mark Raine, new Co-CEO & Executive Director Mercedes-Benz Cars-Benz South Africa
Raine has played a key role in driving the company’s digital transformation and further enhancing its brand value in the Korean market, while working to reduce complexity and improve the product portfolio. He previously worked in the company’s Middle East operation, before heading marketing and sales for Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia.
One of Raine’s main strategic objectives will be the successful introduction of the highly anticipated Mercedes-EQ range into the South African market from Q1 2022 onwards. To further drive the future-orientated transformation, essential strategic imperatives include to pursue sustainable sales growth by enhancing the digital e-commerce journey of Mercedes-Benz and its retail partners.
The newest SUVs from Mercedes-Benz have finally arrived in South Africa and are set to liven up the market
Mercedes-AMG’s long-awaited performance offering for the GLE generation has reached South African shores, with the GLE 53 4MATIC+ and GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé set to liven up the mid-size SUV market with a combination of head-turning looks and scorching performance.
At the heart of the new AMG GLE 53 is a 320 kW 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine, which is good for a 5.3 second 0-100km/h sprint, thanks to fully variable all-wheel drive and an agile 9-speed automatic transmission.
Sporting the AMG-specific radiator grille the wheel arches, in the same colour as the car, provide space for the large 20-inch light alloy wheels with AMG lettering, which comes as standard. There are seven rim variants available, from 20 to 22 inch.
The new GLE 53s offer more power than their predecessors, and the Coupé adds style and elegance to our SUV family
– Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars
“As the inventors of the performance SUV, it is important to us to continue to lead when it comes to innovations, driving dynamics, individuality and design. The new GLE 53s offer more power than their predecessors, and the Coupé adds style and elegance to our SUV family. Both guarantee a thrilling driving experience,” says Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars.
An SUV highlight is the optional, foldable third row of seats, which make the GLE 53 4MATIC+ a seven-seater. Thanks to the Easy Entry function of the fully electrically adjustable second seat row, the two rearmost passengers can conveniently reach their seats.
The luxurious, sporty look and feel typical of the AMG brand continue through the high-quality interior. Characteristic colour highlights such as red contrasting topstitching on the upholstery and red seat belts ensure a thoroughly sporty ambience with a dynamic and exclusive touch. AMG-specific interior features and controls lend a typical AMG atmosphere to the cockpit and support the sporty, precise handling.
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ is priced from: R1 837 000
We have always made automotive dreams come true, and the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet facelift take this to the next level.
– Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars
Back in 1991, Mercedes-Benz debuted an elegant cabriolet at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. A four-seater with a fabric top, it was initially known as the 300 CE-24, and revived a long tradition of four-door open-top vehicles in company’s brand history. It was renamed the E-Class in 1993, launching a range that has become amongst the most emotionally appealing in the Mercedes-Benz stable.
Fast forward to 2021, and Mercedes-Benz has just launched a comprehensive facelift for its already stunning E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet. Upgrades include a healthy facelift, with the front sections, in particular, being given a fresh look; a good dose of new technology, including the next generation of driving assistance systems and the MBUX infotainment system; and a range of electrified, more efficient, petrol and diesel engines.
“We have always made automotive dreams come true, and the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet facelift take this to the next level. We have resharpened the brand identity and we are continuing to drive forward the revision of our entire E-Class family successively,” says Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars.
The emotive appeal of these two dream cars has been further reinforced by the model upgrade
– Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars.
“The emotive appeal of these two dream cars has been further reinforced by the model upgrade. The E-Class Cabriolet with the classic fabric top offers spaciousness and comfort on long journeys for up to four people, while the new E-Class Coupé combines the beauty and classic virtues of a grand tourer with state-of-the-art technology.”
South African customers will initially have two models available at launch. The E200 offers a 2 litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 145 kW and 320 Nm of torque. This results in a 0-100 time of 7.5. The E300 has the same engine, which is tweaked to deliver 190 kW and 370 Nm, with a 0-100 time of 6.4 seconds.
In 2019, Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars, said he was optimistic about the brand’s prospects in South Africa for 2020
In 2019, Mercedes-Benz claimed a string of awards, including the coveted SA Car of The Year award for the new A-Class Hatch, ‘Coolest Motor Vehicle’ as awarded by the Sunday Times Gen Next, and ‘Top Brand’ accolade from Sunday Times.
In addition to those accolades, the German automaker closed off 2019 as the top selling premium car brand in South Africa, despite challenging market and economic conditions that saw an overall decline in premium vehicle sales due to pressure on consumers’ disposable income and fragile business and consumer confidence.
Also in 2019, Mercedes-Benz ended the year as global leader in the luxury car brands category and achieved its ninth consecutive record year of sales.
Fast forward to the end of 2020 and Mercedes-Benz has retained its position as the top selling premium car brand in South Africa; this in a year that saw a considerable overall decline in the market due to COVID-19. Globally, Mercedes-Benz ended 2020 as number one among the luxury car brands. 2020 saw the Stuttgart-based brand sell a total of 2 164 187 units (-7.5%) with China and Europe regions contributing most considerably to the overall number.
Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars, said that our number one position can be attributed to the consolidated effort of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and the agent network in these challenging times.
The large number of new models introduced across the Mercedes-Benz Range including the all-new GLA, GLB, GLE Coupe, GLS and G 400d SUV Models also had a very positive impact. Additionally the E-Class Family received a Facelift with updates to the Sedan, Coupe and Cabriolet derivatives.
Mercedes-Benz GLB, galaxyblau Mercedes-Benz GLB, galaxy blue
On the High-Performance front, the brand launched the Mercedes-AMG A & CLA 35, both of which received an outstanding welcome into the market, giving customers a head turning entry into the Mercedes-AMG brand. The Mercedes- AMG A & CLA45’s were also launched in 2020 as well as the GLC 43 & 63s rounding off the Mercedes-AMG Line-up.
“More than ever before, there are challenges which lie ahead of us as we constantly strive to provide customers with the utmost convenience when it comes to their mobility solutions, which is why in 2020 we launched an online platform called Mercedes-Benz Online Store, enabling customers to start and complete their online buying journey from the comfort of their homes.” concluded Fritz.
“This new Generation C-Class, which is also built in South Africa, follows a R10 billion investment in the East London Plant, and will contribute valuably to the South African economy”.
Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars
Globally, Mercedes-Benz was again named as one of the top ten ‘Best Global Brands’ in 2020 by renowned US brand consultancy Interbrand, and defended its position as the world’s most valuable luxury automotive brand for the fourth consecutive year. In South Africa, the Mercedes-Benz brand also maintained its position in 2020 as the ‘Coolest Motor Vehicle’ as awarded by the Sunday Times Gen Next, and earned yet another ‘Top Brand’ accolade from Sunday Times. The newly introduced Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d 4Matic was selected as the Top Premium SUV for 2020 by the Autotrader Car of The Year judging panel.
Mercedes-Benz continues to strive towards providing the best Premium Customer Experience and Customer Satisfaction remains a top priority in 2021.
Bildwelten zur Geländefähigkeit, Design und Onroad-Performance und greifen Naturelemente, wie Fels- und Lavaformationen, sowie Wasser auf, die wie die G-Klasse „stronger than time“ sind. Die Tonalität der Kampagne spiegelt den Charakter der Offroad-Legende wieder: starke Botschaften in beeindruckenden Bildwelten. Image worlds of off-road capability, design and on-road performance, and take on natural elements such as rock and lava formations, and water, which are like the G-class “stronger than time”. The tonality of the campaign reflects the character of the off-road legend: strong messages in impressive picture worlds.
Fritz said the product offering continues into 2021 with the launch of our brand new C-Class sedan, which will continue to set the benchmark for the midsize sedan segment. “This new Generation C-Class, which is also built in South Africa, follows a R10 billion investment in the East London Plant, and will contribute valuably to the South African economy”.
Speaking of Benchmarks, 2021 sees the introduction of the all-new Flagship S- Class, the pinnacle of technology and elegance in the industry. In addition, 2021 will see the arrival of three extremely special models in the S-Class Maybach, the GLS Maybach and finally the highly anticipated AMG GT Black series, which sets an all-new standard for performance road vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz is committed to making 2021 a great year for our customers and we are confident that we will once again raise the standard of automotive mobility with these exciting new products launches.
Vuyi Mpofu attended the media presentation of the new G-Class and shares a bird’s-eye-view of what the iconic SUV has to offer.
By far the longest-standing passenger car model series built by Mercedes-Benz, the G-Class is the forefather of all SUVs that carry the three-pointed star. It has become the standard against which others are measured in the off-road-vehicle segment: around 80 percent of all the G-Class vehicles ever produced are still in use, testament to its outstanding quality and durability.
The off-roader has shown its versatility in numerous special-purpose versions with the police, fire and rescue services around the world. It is also known the world over as the ‘Popemobile’, with Pope John Paul using a 230 G, painted in mother of pearl with a transparent special body, on numerous trips from 1980.
To mark its 40th anniversary in 2019, Mercedes-Benz had unveiled a range of highlights for G-Class fans, starting with the special STRONGER THAN TIME model – including the exclusive G 400 d, J40 Edition offering the most powerful expansion stage of the efficient inline six-cylinder diesel engine yet.
“41 years ago, the combination of on- and off-road properties was a revolutionary concept. The current G-Class continues this tradition, and forms the basis for its status as an automotive icon,” said Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa. “We are celebrating this milestone with several highlights for our customers and fans. I am convinced that, for the G-Class, it is just the beginning.”
For eternity: Three STRONGER THAN TIME edition
The three STRONGER THAN TIME Editions to mark the anniversary year as a real birthday treat.
The G 400 d offers a combined fuel consumption of 8.9-8.7 l/100 km, an output of 243 kW and an impressive maximum torque of 700 Nm at 1200 to 3200 rpm.
The G 400d comes in AMG Line guise, with flared wheel arches over black 20- inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, AMG design elements in the bumpers and an exterior protective strip, brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering and, The standard-fit Night Package gives the special model darkened lights as well as outside mirrors, a spare wheel ring and design elements in the bumpers in obsidian black and tinted rear windows. Attention to detail is showcased at night: the surround lamp projects the G logo and the lettering ‘STRONGER THAN TIME’ onto the road.
The Mercedes-Benz Editions are available in two looks: traditionalists will be delighted by a variant whose interior is characterised by black nappa leather with golden topstitching as well as trim elements in open-pore black ash. There are several paint and interior options available to those wanting a particularly exclusive G-Class.
Customers can choose from a wide colour palette for the nappa leather on the steering wheel, instrument panel and seats, and for the topstitching and seat belts. For the exterior, 4 paint colours offer a choice for every taste – and the spare wheel ring is now also available in the vehicle colour.
The technical data of the new Mercedes-Benz G 400d is as follows:
G 400d 4MATIC
Model/Number of cylinders/Arrangement
Diesel/6 in-line
Displacement
cc
2925
Rated output, combustion engine
kW/hp at rpm
243/330 at 3600-4200
Rated torque, combustion engine
Nm at rpm
700 at 1200-3200
Acceleration 0-100 km/h
s
6.4
Top speed
km/h
210
Consumption, combined or weighted
l/100 km
8.9-8.7
CO2 emissions, combined or weighted
g/km
235-229
Image courtesy of Motorpress
We will be better positioned to give an in-depth review of the G 400 d when we get it on test.
At the recent media presentation of the SUV range from Mercedes-Benz, our editor Vuyi Mpofu briefly interacted with the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Here is a bird’s-eye-view of what the luxurious vehicle has to offer.
Mercedes-Benz’s largest and most luxurious SUV to dates now available in South Africa, offering more space, more comfort and more luxury than ever before. The new Mercedes-Benz GLS is even larger than its predecessor, with a 60 mm longer wheelbase that provides increased interior spaciousness, and combines striking looks with outstanding comfort, agile handling and a high degree of off-road capability.
South African customers will be able to choose from the new Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d 4M and Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4M, which marks the world première of a new electrified V8 petrol engine with 48-volt on-board electrical system and integrated starter-generator.
“The new GLS is the S-Class of premium SUVs. It embodies luxury, confidence and intelligence like no other vehicle. In addition, it is the market leader in its segment – just like the S-Class Sedan,” says Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.
The GLS 580 4MATIC’s new electrified V8 petrol engine has a displacement of four litres and produces an output of 360 kW and 700 Nm of torque, with another 250 Nm of torque and 16 kW of additional output temporarily on tap via EQ Boost. Combined fuel consumption is around 10.1-9.8 l/100 km. The GLS 400 d 4MATIC produces 243 kW and 700 Nm of torque, with combined fuel consumption of 7.9-7.6 l/100 km.
In both variants, power is transmitted by the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.
The new GLS is the S-Class of premium SUVs. It embodies luxury, confidence and intelligence like no other vehicle.
– Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa
A new standard feature is the Carwash function, which moves the suspension to the highest position, folds in the exterior mirrors, closes the side windows and the sliding sunroof and switches the climate control to air-recirculation mode. It deactivates automatically when the driver drives out of the carwash and accelerates to a speed above 20 km/h.
Video credit: Opak Media
Exterior design: powerful presence
The front section of the new GLS exudes presence and power, with a striking appearance emphasised with an upright radiator grille and distinctive headlamp design.
Interior design: luxuriously elegant and powerfully progressive
The interior combines the comfort of a Mercedes-Benz luxury sedan with the robustly progressive detailing of an SUV. There are three fully electrically adjustable seat rows
The centre console offers a wireless-charging compartment for smartphones (Standard in the GLS 580) and standard additional USB ports. Rear passengers are further indulged with the optional Rear Comfort Package plus which includes luxury head restraints with additional cushions and the rearward-extended centre console between the front seats with cup holders.
The GLS combines modern luxury with the character of an off-roader. It combines powerful highlights of off-road design & capability with an elegance reminiscent of a classic luxury sedan.
– SELVIN GOVENDER, MARKETING DIRECTOR FOR MERCEDES-BENZ CARS SOUTH AFRICA
The Rear Comfort package Plus also includes removable 7-inch Android tablet in its own docking station in the second row’s larger luxury centre armrest, coupled with wireless charging in the rear. The tablet allows touch control of all the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) comfort and entertainment functions from the rear seat rows, such as access to radio, media, phone and web browser. It can also be used to control the Rear Seat Comfort package and the five-zone automatic climate control for the rear seats. The driver can assume control of all options and features from his or her seat at any time.
Driving assistance systems: even better support
The new GLS is equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adaptation allows the new GLS to recognise and respond to tailbacks or slow-moving traffic before the driver becomes aware of the hazard. When a traffic jam is detected on the highway (and if the driver does not choose a different response), DISTRONIC reduces the speed to around 100 km/h as a precaution. Once the tailback clears, the GLS accelerates back up to the pre-set speed.
Trailer Manoeuvring Assist is available as an option for drivers not familiar with towing trailers, or more experienced drivers towing longer trailers.
Suspension: AIRMATIC air suspension as standard
The GLS comes with the enhanced AIRMATIC air suspension system with Adaptive Damping System Plus fitted as standard. In addition to this, the air suspension keeps the car at the same level, regardless of the load on board. The off-road functions include recovery mode when coupled with the optional Off Road Engineering package.
If the GLS has become bogged down in a sand dune, for example, the suspension level is automatically raised and lowered several times, which changes the ground pressure of the tyres and therefore improves traction – the GLS rocks itself free. Individual wheel actuation allows the level at each wheel to be individually adjusted via the touchscreen of the media display, thus improving the vehicle’s alignment on rough terrain when one wheel is stuck in a ditch or a wheel spring is fully contracted, for instance. This also helps to increase traction and the torque at the wheel.
This is how the two GLS models compare:
GLS 400 d 4MATIC
GLS 580 4MATIC
Number of cylinders/arrangement
6/in-line
V8
Displacement (cc)
2925
3982
Rated output (kW)
243
360
at rpm
3600-4200
5500
Extra output from EQ Boost (kW) on take-off
–
16
Rated torque (Nm)
700
700
at rpm
1200-3200
2000-4000
Add. torque from ECO Boost (Nm) on take-off
–
250
Fuel consumption combined (l/100 km)
7.9 – 7.6
10.0 – 9.8
Combined CO2 emissions(g/km)
208 – 201
229 – 224
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)
6.3
4.7
Top speed (km/h)
238
250
Image courtesy of Motorpress
We will be in a better position give a more in-depth overview of the GLS once we get it on test.
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