The 2015 model year marked a significant period for Mercedes-Benz, introducing a range of updates and all-new models across its diverse lineup. As a leading name in automotive luxury and performance, Mercedes-Benz continued to innovate, enhancing existing models and introducing groundbreaking vehicles to the market. This guide provides a detailed overview of the changes and highlights for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz auto year, catering to auto enthusiasts and potential buyers in the English-speaking market.
B-Class Electric Drive: Electrifying the Urban Commute
Mercedes-Benz expanded its footprint in the electric vehicle segment with the introduction of the B-Class Electric Drive in the USA for the 2015 model year. This new model boasted a 177 hp electric motor producing 251 lb-ft of torque, offering brisk acceleration and a refined driving experience. With an estimated EPA range of 85 miles, and closer to 100 miles in real-world conditions, the B-Class Electric Drive was tailored for efficient urban commuting and eco-conscious drivers. Launching in ZEV states in July 2014 and expanding to other states in the first half of 2015, the B-Class Electric Drive signaled Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainable mobility. The MSRP started at $41,450, excluding destination and delivery charges.
C-Class Coupe: Enhanced Features and Sporty Appeal
The C-Class Coupe in its current form continued into the 2015 model year with enhanced features and an emphasis on sporty aesthetics. For the C250 Coupe, the Premium Package became standard, adding sought-after features like satellite radio, media interface cable, Harman/Kardon Surround Sound, and heated front seats, elevating the in-cabin experience. Becker Map Pilot pre-wiring also became standard, facilitating navigation upgrades. A new Appearance Package further amplified the sporty appeal, incorporating sport seats, grey stitching on armrests and door trim, 18″ bicolor wheels, and Keyless-Go. These enhancements solidified the C-Class Coupe’s position as a stylish and feature-rich option in the luxury coupe segment.
All-new C-Class Sedan: Setting New Benchmarks in Luxury and Technology
The 2015 model year heralded the arrival of the all-new C-Class Sedan, built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for the USA and Canadian markets. This generation represented a significant leap forward, featuring an all-aluminum exterior and optional Intelligent Drive features previously seen in the flagship S-Class and E-Class models. Mercedes-Benz aimed to establish class leadership in safety, technology, and overall luxury with this new sedan, showcasing a striking new interior design and advanced functionalities. Highlights included an available heads-up display, segment-exclusive AIRMATIC suspension for superior ride comfort, an Air Balance Package for cabin air purification and fragrance, and a Burmester Premium Sound system for audiophile-grade audio.
Image alt text: Luxurious interior of a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, showcasing premium materials and advanced technology.
Model-specific variations included the C300 4MATIC Sedan, featuring a new direct-injection 4-cylinder powertrain producing 241 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque, with a rear-drive C300 arriving in early 2015. The C400 4MATIC Sedan offered a more potent driving experience with a new direct-injection V6 biturbo engine delivering 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. While the C63 AMG sedan was yet to be officially announced at the time of this model year overview, anticipation was high for its performance-oriented iteration.
CLA-Class Four-Door Coupe: Refining the Entry-Level Luxury Segment
Following its all-new debut in the 2014 model year, the CLA-Class Four-Door Coupe received further refinements for 2015. Interior ambient lighting was added as part of the Interior Package, enhancing the cabin’s ambiance. KEYLESS-GO was incorporated into the Premium Package for added convenience. The Multimedia Package now included a larger 7″ display, improving infotainment usability. A new steering wheel design refreshed the driver’s touchpoint. The CLA250 fwd/4MATIC continued with its 208 hp/258 lb-ft engine, while the high-performance CLA45 AMG 4MATIC maintained its impressive 355 hp/332 lb-ft output.
CLS-Class Four-Door Coupe: A Mid-Cycle Facelift Enhancing Elegance and Technology
The CLS-Class 4MATIC Four-Door Coupe underwent a facelift for the 2015 model year, bringing refreshed styling and advanced technology. New front and rear bumpers, along with a redesigned front fascia, updated the exterior aesthetics. The interior received an upgraded dashboard and freshened appointments, elevating the cabin’s premium feel. Intelligent Drive passive/active safety systems, mirroring the S-Class, E-Class, and new C-Class, were added as optional equipment, emphasizing safety innovation. The CLS550 rear-wheel drive variant benefited from a new 9-speed transmission, improving efficiency and performance. The introduction of the CLS400 and CLS400 4MATIC models broadened the range, positioned below the existing CLS550 and CLS63 AMG S-Model.
Image alt text: Front view of a 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, highlighting the redesigned front fascia and elegant lines.
Model-specific powertrain options included the new CLS400 / CLS400 4MATIC with a 3.0 V6 biturbo engine (329 hp / 354 lb-ft), the CLS550/CLS550 4MATIC with a direct-injection 4.6-liter biturbo V8 (402 hp, 443 lb-ft), and the performance-oriented CLS63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC, now standard with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine producing 577 hp/590 lb.-ft. The CLS63 AMG S-Model also featured RACE START function, AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed Sports Transmission, and a suite of AMG-specific enhancements.
E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet: E400 Variants Replace E350
The E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet lineups saw a powertrain update for 2015, with E400 coupe/cabriolet variants replacing the E350 models. The E550 coupe/cabriolet models remained in the lineup, catering to those seeking V8 power. The E400 Coupe RWD and 4MATIC, along with the E400 Cabriolet RWD, featured a direct-injection 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 329 hp and 354 lb.-ft., offering a balance of performance and efficiency. The E550 Coupe and Cabriolet continued with the potent direct-injection 4.6-liter biturbo V8 engine (402 hp, 443 lb.-ft.).
E-Class Sedan and Wagon: Powertrain Reconfigurations and New Models
The E-Class Sedan and Wagon range underwent powertrain reconfigurations for the 2015 model year. The E400 rwd and 4MATIC sedan replaced the E550 4MATIC sedan, similar to the coupe and cabriolet updates. The model lineup was diverse, ranging from the fuel-efficient E250 BlueTEC diesel variants to the high-performance AMG models. The E250 BlueTEC sedan offered a 2.1-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, while the E350 models continued with a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6. The E400 HYBRID Sedan combined an electric motor with a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 for enhanced efficiency. The E400 rwd and 4MATIC Sport Sedan featured a turbocharged direct-injection 3.0-liter biturbo V6. The performance spectrum was topped by the E63 AMG 4MATIC Sedan and the E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC Sedan and Wagon, all powered by AMG biturbo 5.5-liter V8 engines with varying power outputs.
G-Class SUV: Minor Updates for an Iconic Off-Roader
The G-Class SUV, an icon of off-road capability and rugged luxury, received minor updates for the 2015 model year, with no major changes. The G550 continued with its V8 engine and 18″ wheels, while the G63 AMG maintained its high-performance status with a 5.5-liter direct-injection biturbo V8 engine and ECO Start/Stop.
GL-Class SUV: Engine Upgrades and Efficiency Improvements
The GL-Class SUV saw notable engine upgrades for the 2015 model year. The GL450 received a V6 biturbo engine, enhancing both power (362 hp / 369 lb-ft) and fuel economy. Start/stop functionality became available on all engine variants except the GL350 BlueTEC, further improving efficiency. The GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC continued with its V6 turbodiesel engine. The GL550 4MATIC maintained its direct-injection twin-turbo V8, while the GL63 AMG remained the high-performance variant with a hand-built AMG V8 engine.
GLA-Class SUV: Entering the Compact Luxury SUV Segment
A significant addition to the 2015 Mercedes-Benz lineup was the all-new GLA-Class SUV. This compact luxury SUV expanded Mercedes-Benz’s SUV portfolio, sharing technology with the CLA 4-door coupe. The USA-bound GLA250 featured a raised suspension, akin to the European offroad package, enhancing its versatility. The GLA45 AMG maintained its global suspension setup and overall performance characteristics. The GLA250 fwd/4MATIC featured a 208 hp/258 lb-ft engine, while the GLA45 AMG 4MATIC delivered 355 hp/332 lb-ft.
Image alt text: Side profile of a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV, showcasing its compact dimensions and sporty design.
GLK-Class SUV: Continued Offerings in the Compact SUV Category
The GLK-Class SUV continued into the 2015 model year with no major changes, offering established options in the compact luxury SUV segment. The GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, introduced in late model year 2013, continued with its 2.1-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine. The GLK350 rear-wheel drive and 4MATIC variants featured a 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine with ECO Start/Stop.
M-Class SUV: Powertrain Updates for Enhanced Efficiency and Performance
The M-Class SUV lineup underwent powertrain updates focused on efficiency and performance enhancements for the 2015 model year. The ML250 4MATIC with a 4-cylinder clean diesel engine replaced the ML350 4MATIC with a V6 clean diesel, prioritizing fuel economy. The ML400 4MATIC with a V6 biturbo engine replaced the ML550 4MATIC with a V8 biturbo, offering a balance of power and efficiency. The ML250 BlueTEC 4MATIC now featured a 4-cylinder diesel engine, while the ML350 4MATIC and rear-wheel drive variants continued with the 3.5-liter V6. The ML400 4MATIC offered a V6 biturbo engine, and the ML63 AMG remained the high-performance option with a direct-injection 5.5-liter biturbo V8 engine.
S-Class Sedan: Technology Refinements and Coupe Introduction
Having been newly introduced for the 2014 model year, the S-Class Sedan received technology refinements for 2015. A touchpad with swiping, menu, and presets logic replaced the physical keypad, modernizing the user interface. The S-Class Coupe was added to the lineup, expanding the S-Class family. Model variations included the S550 with a direct-injection 4.6-liter biturbo V8, the S63 AMG 4MATIC with a high-performance V8 biturbo, the S600 Sedan-only with a potent V12, and the range-topping S65 AMG with an even more powerful V12 engine.
SL-Class Coupe/Roadster: SL400 Variant Expands Accessibility
The SL-Class Coupe/Roadster lineup expanded with the addition of the SL400 variant for the 2015 model year, increasing accessibility to the SL roadster experience. The SL400 featured a 3.0 V6 biturbo engine. The SL550 continued with its direct-injection 4.6-liter biturbo V8, while the SL63 AMG maintained its high-performance status with a 5.5-liter direct-injection biturbo AMG V8. The SL65 AMG remained the top-tier performance model with a high-performance 6.0-liter V12 engine, now featuring a 7-speed automatic transmission.
SLK-Class Coupe/Roadster: Minor Updates for the Roadster Lineup
The SLK-Class Coupe/Roadster saw minor updates for the 2015 model year, continuing its appeal in the roadster segment. The SLK250 continued with its 4-cylinder turbo engine and available manual transmission. The SLK350 now had the Premium1 package standard and ECO Start/Stop. The SLK55 AMG remained the high-performance variant with a direct-injection 5.5-liter V8 engine and cylinder deactivation technology.
Sprinter Commercial Van: Enhanced Features and New Variants
The Sprinter Commercial Van, significantly refreshed for the 2014 model year, received further enhancements for 2015. Additional standard equipment included Crosswind Assist, a segment-exclusive safety feature. New optional equipment included a 4×4 variant (with V6 only) and a super high roof, expanding its utility and versatility. The Sprinter offered a 2.1-liter 4-cylinder clean diesel engine as standard, with a carryover V6 clean diesel engine as an optional upgrade, now available with the 4×4 variant. Cargo Van, Crew Van, Passenger Van, MiniBus, and Cab Chassis models were available with both engine options and various configurations.
Conclusion: A Year of Innovation and Refinement for Mercedes-Benz Auto 2015
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz model year was characterized by significant innovation and refinement across its extensive lineup. From the introduction of the B-Class Electric Drive to the all-new C-Class Sedan and strategic powertrain updates across various models, Mercedes-Benz reinforced its commitment to luxury, performance, technology, and sustainability. These updates and new models solidified Mercedes-Benz’s position as a leader in the automotive industry, offering a compelling range of vehicles for diverse customer needs and preferences in the auto market.
