2008 Mercedes-Benz Models

Mercedes-Benz redesigned its entry-level C-Class for 2008, offering new styling reminiscent of the automaker's latest S-Class flagship. Engine choices remain the same as last year: The C300 has a 228-horsepower V-6, while the C350 offers a larger, 268-hp V-6. All-wheel drive is available. 

Redesigned for 2007, the CL-Class is a two-door equivalent to the German automaker's high-end S-Class sedan. The high-dollar coupe gains two new AMG versions for 2008: a 518-horsepower CL63 AMG and a 604-hp CL65 AMG. The CL-Class competes with the Bentley Continental GT. 

Since 2004, the CLK-Class coupe has been tweaked, stiffened and beefed up. The car is sold as a convertible (Cabriolet), or as a coupe. Over the years, the B-pillars have been removed and an automatic soft-top, seven-speed automatic transmission and sensor-controlled roll bars disguised as head restraints have been added. 

For 2007, Mercedes-Benz added safety and power to its CLS — the sedan it says looks like a coupe. This model year, there are a few more standard options, including satellite radio and larger wheels. CLS-Class models include the CLS550 and CLS63 AMG. CLS models compete in the same market segment as the Audi A8, BMW 550 and Jaguar S-Type. 

Last year, Mercedes-Benz updated its E-Class midsize sedan, adding two new optional engines, styling changes, a Pre-Safe system and an AMG performance variant. Changes for 2008 are minimal, with an AMG appearance package now available on E350 and E550 models. 

For 2008, Mercedes-Benz touched up the G500 — a former military vehicle — by updating interior pieces, including the instrument cluster. New taillights and hands-free communication features were also added. The G500's competitors include the Hummer H2 and Land Rover Range Rover. 

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, which debuted for 2007, was the company's first three-row midsize SUV. This year, a GL550 model that offers more power is available, while the smaller V-8 and a diesel engine are still available. The three GL-Class models are the GL320 diesel model and the gas-powered GL450 and new GL550. The GL competes in the same class as the Acura MDX and BMW X5. 

The M-Class was redesigned two years ago, so there's no major changes for 2008, but the SUV does get new standard equipment. The ML500 also gets a beefed-up engine and a new name: ML550. The M-Class has been on the market for 10 years, and an anniversary edition marking the occasion will be available in October 2007. Competitors include Audi's Q7 and Cadillac's SRX. 

For 2008, the R-Class lineup has two fewer models than it did in 2007, as the R63 AMG and R500 models have been discontinued. The gasoline R350 and diesel R320 CDI continue on. Both offer seating for up to seven. The Lexus RX and Cadillac SRX are among the R-Class' competitors. Introduced for the 2006 model year, Mercedes says the R-Class "grand sports tourer" is the company's first model to blend the merits of a sport utility vehicle, sports sedan and luxury wagon. 

Mercedes-Benz's flagship S-Class sedan was redesigned for the 2007 model year and emerged as a larger car with a raft of safety features. For 2008, a second AMG high-performance model — the S63 AMG — has been added to the S-Class lineup, which also includes the S65 AMG, S550 and S600. The S-Class shares luxury-sedan real estate with competitors like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Bentley Continental Flying Spur. 

Revisions to Mercedes-Benz's SL-Class retractable-hardtop roadster last year included more engine power, slight changes to the exterior and interior styling, and chassis improvements. The sports car competes with the Cadillac XLR and Jaguar XK convertible. Little has changed for 2008. 

Mercedes-Benz redesigned its smallest sports car for 2005, giving the retractable-hardtop SLK-Class roadster a 3.5-liter V-6. For 2008, an anniversary edition called Edition 10 is available and marks 10 years on the road for the SLK. 

Mercedes-Benz stays in the supercar segment with its 2008 SLR McLaren Roadster. As a six-figure convertible, the SLR McLaren has few in its market segment, but competitors include offerings from Porsche, Ferrari and Aston Martin.