Recent reports are in that the Mercedes in-line six-cylinder engines are not just on their way back but design is well underway. Once the defining characteristic of the Mercedes-Benz brand, Mercedes got rid of the straight-six engines in the mid ’90s.

The in-line engines will be part of a new modular powertrain architecture that will also include three and four-cylinder units as well as the popular six. Mercedes’ new engines will likely debut in a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.  A year after that, a mid-life revised 2017 C-Class will be introduced with a three-cylinder engine.

What’s being dubbed by AutoCar as the ‘Autobahn Pilot’ will also makes its arrival in 2016 on the E-class and in 2017 on the C-class. Insiders at Mercedes-Benz say the system is an “autonomous driving assistant with an overtaking function”.

Sources have confirmed that the new Mercedes C-Class AMG  will get a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine with a seven-ratio Speedshift automatic transmission and will have the option of all-wheel drive. A nine-speed Speedshift is also under development and is expected to appear during the 2017 mid-life refresh.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you did indeed read the title right –  Mercedes is rumored to be working on a GL-Class Coupe, which may or may not be dubbed the Mercedes-Benz GLC.  If the rumors are true, the 2016 crossover model would go head-to-head with the Audi Q8 and the BMW X7.  The all-new five-door model would have a sloping roofline similar to that of the CLS Shooting Brake, a new front bumper, headlights and grille, and of course, an updated and more modern interior design.

As is the case with the MLC, the GLC would also be built in the U.S. Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant.  Likely engine variants will include several gasoline and diesel options, including a V8 engine that will be paired to the company’s new nine-speed automatic transmission.

We’ll keep you posted on the possible Mercedes GL Coupe as more details emerge.

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class will include a convertible variant. Could it be true this time, will Mercedes actually produce a model similar to the one they teased us with way back in 2007. Reports are in that Mercedes wants to compete and fill the gap in the range where Maybach was.

Those in the know at Mercedes revealed to CarAdvice that the S-Class convertible will be based on the company’s Ocean Drive concept, the concept revealed to us back in 2007. Taking its folding fabirc roof from the Ocean Drive, but the production S-Class Cabrio will instead be a two-door.

We can also expect the new S-Class convertible to feature the company’s Airscarf neck-warming technology. Debuted in the 2004 on the Mercedes SLK roadster, the system pumps warm air through vents incorporated into the seats, in the S-Class, it will likely be pumped to all four seats.

Engine options in the S-Class convertible will likely be limited compared to the standard model however, expect to see a diesel and powerful V12 in the mix.

It’s no secret Mercedes-Benz is working on revamping their A-Class and B-Class lineups, as the company has confirmed they’ll be redesigning the entry level ranges from the ground up in a variety of body types.  Speculating on what exactly might be in store for the models, Auto Express has published a rather lengthy look at Mercedes upcoming models, starting with the fact a newly designed hatchback is in the works set to rival the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3.  According to the publication, the new model will be based on a new front-wheel drive platform, and it will take its design cues primarily from the F800 Style concept in either a three or five door design.  Launching in 2012, the hatchback will likely maintain the A-Class moniker, and it will serve as one of four new key vehicles making use of Mercedes’ new front wheel drive architecture.

Commenting on the changes to their compact lineup, Dr. Joachim Schmidt, head of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz, noted:  “In the next couple of years, we will launch additional cars where we don’t currently have predecessors.  Our current A-Class and B-Class will be replaced by a new platform for four totally different cars defining new segments for Mercedes.”  Schmidt went on to state that “If you want young customers, you need to have a brand that is sexy and sporty.  The reason we didn’t get this customer before was, in my opinion, not a brand issue, but a product issue.”

To help Mercedes reach a younger audience, Mercedes is also said to be planning a small 4×4 or 2×4 crossover to take aim at the BMW X1.  Another model said to be in the works is a small four-door coupé, possibly badged the BLS, that will seek to capitalize on the success of the CLS, in a smaller package.  Both are likely to see a release date in 2013.

Of course, with two year to go before any of the revamped compact Mercedes will make their debut, it’s still early to say anything definitively regarding the new A-Class and B-Class lines.  We’ll keep you posted if new details or spy photos of any are revealed, but in the meantime, you can check out the full Auto Express article here.

Adding to the speculation surrounding the next-generation Mercedes SLK-Class, Car magazine is the latest to weigh in on the subject, noting several of the new enhancements drivers can expect from the already sporty roadster.  As seen in past spy photos of the Mercedes SLK, the publication notes that the most noticeable design developments are the replacement of a Formula 1 style nose with a bigger, bolder grille and the inclusion of LED running lights.  Meanwhile, approximately 220 pounds of weight will reportedly be shed to boost the vehicle’s environmental impact while adding to its already sporty character.

Car goes on to speculate that one diesel engine – a twin-turbo 2.1-litre four cylinder – will be available as part of the Mercedes-Benz SLK range, and that “everything from eco BlueEfficiency tech to the latest Airscarf neck warmers and the new Aircap wind deflector should be available”.

As always, we’ll continue to keep you updated as additional information regarding the next Mercedes SLK is released.

Reports are coming in today detailing Mercedes’ plans to offer an AMG B-Class variant.  According to current AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg, Mercedes plans to expand the AMG range to include the subcompact model, which the company believes will help attract younger buyers.  Changes are said to follow AMG’s traditional range of improvements including revised chassis tuning, exterior enhancements and a higher-performance engine (likely a tuned four-cylinder) that will be hand-built in AMG’s Affalterbach, Germany factory.

Currently the Mercedes B-Class AMG is slated for a late 2011 launch with a 2012 model year designation; at present, there’s still no word as to whether or not we’ll be seeing any B-Class variants making it to the United States.  Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche has confirmed Mercedes will be expanding their compact range beyond hatchback versions, with rumors indicating we could see compact sedan, coupe and roadster models.  If Mercedes does expand the range to include multiple compact variants, one would have to assume that at least some will be destined for the U.S. market.  As always, we’ll keep you posted if we hear anything new; in the meantime, you can check out some second-generation B-Class spy photos below, or head over to Motor Authority for the full B-Class spy photo gallery.