Mercedes-Benz - What's New for 2009 (U.S.)
 

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CL-class: The CL550 will be sold only with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and all models get paddles on the steering wheel, replacing buttons, for manual gearshifting.

CLS-class: The exterior styling is refreshed with a new two-bar grille, a redesigned rear bumper, and new taillights. Inside, the CLS has a three-spoke steering wheel with shifter paddles and a new multifunction display. New features include voice-command capability and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

E-class: Soldiering into its last year before a redesign, the E-class has only minor changes. E350 and E550 Sport models now come standard with an AMG appearance package, and 4MATIC is now a no-cost option on sedans.

G-class: Thirty years young, the G gets a number of interior and exterior revisions and more power: The 292-hp G500 is now the 382-hp G550, and the G55 AMG goes from 493 to 500 horses.

GL-class: The GL320 CDI is replaced by the GL320 BlueTec, which now meets emissions laws in all 50 states. Power from the 3.0-liter V-6 turbo-diesel drops five horsepower to 210.

GLK-class: Officially on sale as a 2010 model in January, the GLK is M-B’s foray into the small-luxury soft-road market. Based on C-class architecture, the GLK will be powered by a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard; 4MATIC all-wheel drive is optional.

M-class: The ML has a larger grille, modified headlights, a new rear bumper, and stainless-steel skid plates. Inside, there are new seats and a new steering wheel. The BlueTec 50-state diesel replaces the ML320 CDI.

R-class: The R320 CDI is replaced by the 50-state, 210-hp R320 BlueTec.

SL-class: The SL’s face lift includes a new single-bar grille and more-angular headlights. Inside, the Airscarf head-warming system debuts. The SL550 and SL600 gain a new variable-ratio steering rack. The SL55 AMG is replaced by the SL63 AMG, which features a 6.2-liter V-8 making 518 horsepower and mated to AMG’s new seven-speed automated manual transmission—in reality, an automatic gearbox with wet-plate clutches in place of a torque converter. Later on, Mercedes will introduce the SL65 AMG Black Series, which features a 670-hp version of the twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 used in the SL65 AMG, along with carbon-fiber composite body panels, monster tires, and a price north of $200,000.

SLK-class: Another mild refresh includes a nose and tail job. There’s more power for the SLK350, a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 300 horsepower, a jump of 32 hp over the engine output in the departing model. The SLK280 gets a new SLK300 badge, but underneath it’s powered by the same 228-hp, 3.0-liter V-6engine.

Unchanged: C-class, CLK-class, S-class, SLR McLaren.