Paperwork filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is suggesting that Mercedes-Benz will offer a new option in the E- and C-Class as a late-cycle update.

The document shows entries for a 3.5-liter V6 E300, E300 4Matic and C300. That raises the question of which engine might be put in with those cars. At the moment, Mercedes already sells its E300 4Matic in Canada with a detuned version of the 3.5-liter V6 found in the E350. The Canadian E300′s engine only makes 248 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque compared to the more powerful version’s 302 hp and 273 lb-ft.

While paperwork filed with NHTSA doesn’t guarantee a new model, releasing something like this in the U.S. would make sense for Mercedes. Currently, it doesn’t offer a car to compete with BMW’s base level 528i or Audi’s 2.0T-powered A6. Offering a less-expensive version of the mid-range luxury sedan could make it more competitive in the American market with the current top two luxury brands.

What’s more, adding the same engine to its C300 could offer an update to the aging and unimpressive car, which is now too close to the entry-level C250. Given that Mercedes already sells an E300 in North America, it would be an easy transition to take it from the Canadian market to the U.S. Similarly, it seems like an easy step to improve the C300 with an updated engine to make it a relevant purchase.

[Source: Car and Driver]

For several years now Hertz has offered a ‘Prestige Collection’ of high-end vehicles to rent including models from brands like Lincoln and Cadillac. The rental car company has now decided to take it up a notch by offering two vehicles from those German luxury experts at Mercedes-Benz.

Both the new C-Class and GLK350 will joint the Prestige Collection alongside models from Audi, Infiniti, Lincoln, Cadillac and Volvo.

The C-Class model to be offered is the C300 (sorry, no C63 here) with a 228hp V6 engine, 17-inch wheels and a 7-speed automatic transmission. The GLK350 model is one of the company’s latest products and features a 268hp 3.5-liter V6 and as an entry-level luxury crossover offers plenty of space for passengers and luggage.

“The Prestige Collection continues to be a popular choice among our customers,” said Joseph Nothwang, President of Vehicle Rental and Leasing. “The C-Class and GLK350 fit wonderfully into the Collection providing customers seeking an exciting driving experience with an edgy sedan or a perfect-sized SUV for family road trips.”

Hertz offers the Prestige Collection in 50 U.S. locations as well as in 25 locations in the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland and Australia.

[Source: dBusinessNews]