2018 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

It's been a long road, but after months of deliberations, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has officially been named the 2015 World Car of the Year! Labeled a trendsetter in the premium midsize segment, the C-Class has become known for its luxurious design, innovative technological features and top-of-the-line driving dynamics, which appeal to drivers globally, leading to its success across all markets.

Mercedes is currently preparing to redefine the luxury market by releasing an all-new midsize pickup by the end of the decade. The German automaker believes the truck is the perfect model for expanding their global lineup and has appointed Mercedes-Benz Vans to handle the project. The pickup is currently slated to launch in Latin America, South Africa, Australia and Europe; however, there's a chance the U.S. market may also receive the truck when it arrives by 2020.

Elite Mercedes would like to thank everyone who attended the 2015 Dash for Down Syndrome 5K on Saturday, March 21. Held at our dealership, the annual race drew in an astounding number of people throughout the Springfield community. Benefitting Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks, the Dash for Down Syndrome 5K was able to raise an incredible $5,700 to support the organization and its active members.

Mercedes has plans to rapidly expand their hybrid lineup by adding 10 new plug-in models to the roster by 2017. The company estimates a new model will debut around every four months in order to stay in line with their goal. Additionally, Mercedes will be replacing their "plug-in hybrid" branding with the letter "e" on all upcoming plug-in hybrid models.

The aging Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 has gone into retirement and has now been replaced by the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT3. A racecar version of the stunning Mercedes-AMG GT, the GT3 is set to take on Le Mans, the Nürburgring, United SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship during this year's promising race season.

Elite Mercedes has signed on to sponsor the Dash for Down Syndrome 5K once again this year, which is slated to be held on Saturday, March 21 at our dealership. The race, consisting of both a 5K and 1-mile walk, will raise awareness for Down syndrome and benefit the Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks. Last year, we were able to raise over $5,000 for the organization, and for 2015, we hope to surpass this record.

The all-new 2015 Mercedes GLC isn't expected to make its big debut until this fall, but just recently, a plug-in version of the incoming model was seen being tested in Sweden. Draped in camo, the plug-in was nicely concealed; however, an opening in the rear bumper containing a charger socket blew its cover. This is the first sighting that has been documented of the new model, and as its arrival approaches, we're likely to see more revealing photos.

Mercedes has started 2015 off with a bang, displaying a 15-percent sales increase for the month of January compared to last year. Demand for the brand's vehicles has also rose 14 percent, putting Mercedes on track to reaching 5-percent revenue growth for 2015.

The Girls on the Run Southwest Missouri chapter will be holding a very special Valentine Soiree on Saturday, Feb. 7 at The Old Glass Place in Springfield. As a proud supporter of the organization, which utilizes running exercises to encourage young girls to live a healthy lifestyle, Elite Mercedes would like to extend an invite to the entire community to attend this charity dinner.

It may have only debuted on the market four years ago, but the Mercedes-AMG's 5.5L V8 is already on the cusp of being put out to pasture. The beloved high-speed engine, which outputs an incredible 577 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque, is set to make two final appearances in upcoming models before being replaced by an all-new 4.0L twin-turbo V8.