Mercedes-Benz will not import any diesels for the 2017 model year, and perhaps longer, as the company continues to face a federal investigation over allegedly illegal emissions. That means the four diesel-powered Benzes we expected to see later this year won鈥檛 be coming. They include D versions of three SUVs鈥攖he compact GLC-class, the mid-size GLE-class, and the full-size GLS-class鈥攑lus the C-class sedan, which Mercedes withdrew from U.S. October. We鈥檝e been waiting to sample the all-new turbo-diesel 2.1-liter four-cylinder meant for the GLC300d and the C300d, which attaches exhaust treatment parts straight to the engine. We have already driven the GLS350d (pictured above) with its carryover turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6. The wait will now be indefinite. BMW and Benz: Diesel Has Long-Term Future in Europe, But Not in U.S. Daimler received EPA approval in April to continue selling diesel Sprinter vans in the U.S. But since April 2016, when the company announced it was the target of a Justice Department investigation, German executives have been indecisive on the company鈥檚 diesel strategy for the U.S. The latest word is that diesel engines will be crucial for Europe but won鈥檛 have a long-term future here. The federal probe was launched shortly after a February 2016 class-action lawsuit alleging the company installed hardware to manipulate test results on all of its BlueTec (diesel) vehicles. The lawsuit and investigation are pending.

Mercedes-Benz will not import any diesels for the 2017 model year, and perhaps longer, as the company continues to face a federal investigation over allegedly illegal emissions. That means the four diesel-powered Benzes we expected to see later this year won鈥檛 be coming. They include D versions of three SUVs鈥攖he compact GLC-class, the mid-size GLE-class, and the full-size GLS-class鈥攑lus the C-class sedan, which Mercedes withdrew from U.S. October. We鈥檝e been waiting to sample the all-new turbo-diesel 2.1-liter four-cylinder meant for the GLC300d and the C300d, which attaches exhaust treatment parts straight to the engine. We have already driven the GLS350d (pictured above) with its carryover turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6. The wait will now be indefinite. BMW and Benz: Diesel Has Long-Term Future in Europe, But Not in U.S. Daimler received EPA approval in April to continue selling diesel Sprinter vans in the U.S. But since April 2016, when the company announced it was the target of a Justice Department investigation, German executives have been indecisive on the company鈥檚 diesel strategy for the U.S. The latest word is that diesel engines will be crucial for Europe but won鈥檛 have a long-term future here. The federal probe was launched shortly after a February 2016 class-action lawsuit alleging the company installed hardware to manipulate test results on all of its BlueTec (diesel) vehicles. The lawsuit and investigation are pending.

In case you need to go off-road, the Levante also has air suspension, so you can raise or lower it as needed. Look For: The Zegna luxury package with silk inserts to be available for that extra touch of Italian flair. Sum Up: A thoroughbred Maserati that earns the trident badge with flying colors. Minor: In addition to lowering the cost of the i-Activsense suite of safety features, the midlevel Touring trim of the 2017 Mazda CX-3 now gets 18-inch alloy wheels as standard. A 146-hp, 2.0-liter I-4 is the only engine available in the CX-3, and it鈥檚 paired exclusively to a six-speed automatic gearbox with Sport mode. Adaptive LED headlights and LED taillights remain standard on the range-topping Grand Touring trim. Avoid: Spending too much at Ikea; the CX-3鈥檚 cargo capacity is one of the smallest in its class. Sum Up: Fun to drive but slow like molasses. Minor: After a refresh last year, the CX-5 isn鈥檛 expected to receive a major update for the 2017 model year. However, it鈥檚 possible that it could receive a new range-topping trim level, similar to the CX-9鈥檚 Signature grade, which has Auburn Nappa leather upholstery and real wood and metal interior accents.

A multi-information display cluster could be added on higher trim levels. Cool Fact: The CX-5 is one of a few crossovers that鈥檚 still offered with a manual, but it鈥檚 only available on the base 155-hp, 2.0-liter I-4. Sum Up: Proof that crossovers don鈥檛 have to be boring to drive. Unchanged: The CX-9 was all-new for 2016, and no changes are expected for the 2017 model year. Powered by Mazda鈥檚 first Skyactiv-G turbocharged engine, the new CX-9 has more torque than ever with 310 lb-ft at just 2,000 rpm. A new range-topping trim called the Signature was added, and it comes with Auburn Nappa leather upholstery, real metal and wood accents, LED interior lights, and LED grille accents. Cool Fact: The rosewood trim used in the CX-9 Signature鈥檚 interior is supplied by Japanese guitar maker Fujigen. Sum Up: The three-row crossover done the Mazda way. Major: The low-volume G-Class continues to grab the attention of enthusiasts everywhere, and for 2017, a G550 4脳4 squared model joins the U.S. The capable new model has three locking differentials, portal axles, and a ground clearance of 17.2 inches.

As with the regular G550, power comes from a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8 with 416 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. AMG models include the G63 and G65. Cool Fact: The G550 4脳4 squared鈥檚 frame gets more than 6,400 welds before it鈥檚 dip-primed and powder-coated. Sum Up: Mercedes manages to make something nearly 40 years old new. Minor: As with the CLA four-door, the GLA-Class might get refreshed this year. Aside from a squint-and-you鈥檒l-miss-it restyling, the 2017 GLA could add a new 8.0-inch touchscreen, a standard rearview camera (finally), and available LED headlights. Last year, the AMG GLA45 got a 20-hp and 18-lb-ft bump to 375 hp and 350 lb-ft, respectively, and we expect that and the 208-hp GLA250 engine to remain unchanged this year. Avoid: Getting surprised that the all-wheel-drive, turbocharged GLA45 can just outpace a Mustang GT. Sum Up: The least expensive way into a Benz SUV or wagon. Look For: A GLC63 to arrive with about 500 hp before long, for when you need more space than the C63 sedan can provide.

Sum Up: A solid luxury crossover gets a more powerful option. All-New: The GLC now has a coupelike four-door variant, for when impressing on the boulevard is more important than interior space. The GLC Coupe lineup starts with the 241-horsepower, 273 lb-ft turbo-four found in other Mercedes cars. The AMG GLC43 model makes 362 hp and 384 lb-ft from a twin-turbo V-6, and we鈥檙e expecting a GLC63 model to appear later this year or in 2018 with about 500 horsepower. Driver鈥檚 Choice: Any GLE Coupe, as the crossover has suspension and steering tweaks to distinguish it from the non-Coupe GLE. Sum Up: Defying logic. Minor: The family-ready GLE was refreshed for 2016 and offers a staggering number of options. There鈥檚 a volume-oriented naturally aspirated V-6, a turbodiesel-four, a turbo-six, a six-cylinder plug-in hybrid, and two ridiculous AMG models with six-figure price tags. This year, the GLE400 model might become the GLE43, with 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque (up from 329 hp and 354 lb-ft).