2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Preview:
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2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Preview:
Preview: 2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Posted on Wednesday 26 September 2007
The current B-Class has enjoyed reasonable success in most of the markets it has been launched in, selling over 120,000 units in its first year alone, but the next-gen model due in 2011 is expected to sell in even higher volumes and will be sold in the U.S. for the first time. To increase sales, there are rumors that developers are planning to expand the range by adding two new variants in addition to the regular MPV, a new coupe-cabrio and a sporty hatchback to rival BMW’s 1-series range.
The only model confirmed for production, however, is the MPV model pictured in this artist’s rendition. Compiled using information from a source close to the project, the rendering shows designers will be keeping the shape of the current version but add a similar grille and front fascia to the design used on the C-Class.
Previous claims that engineers might use the RWD C-Class platform for the new model were told to be false by Mercedes’ U.S. Chief Ernst Lieb, who said such a move would make it too expensive and would cost it interior space as well. Instead, Mercedes could form a three-way partnership with BMW and PSA/Peugeot-Citroen to develop a new platform and powertrain to help spread investment. Expect to see a range of small displacement turbo engines and new hybrid variants. There’s also a rumor going that the B-Class may eventually debut Mercedes’ fuel-cell technology.
Posted on Wednesday 26 September 2007
The current B-Class has enjoyed reasonable success in most of the markets it has been launched in, selling over 120,000 units in its first year alone, but the next-gen model due in 2011 is expected to sell in even higher volumes and will be sold in the U.S. for the first time. To increase sales, there are rumors that developers are planning to expand the range by adding two new variants in addition to the regular MPV, a new coupe-cabrio and a sporty hatchback to rival BMW’s 1-series range.
The only model confirmed for production, however, is the MPV model pictured in this artist’s rendition. Compiled using information from a source close to the project, the rendering shows designers will be keeping the shape of the current version but add a similar grille and front fascia to the design used on the C-Class.
Previous claims that engineers might use the RWD C-Class platform for the new model were told to be false by Mercedes’ U.S. Chief Ernst Lieb, who said such a move would make it too expensive and would cost it interior space as well. Instead, Mercedes could form a three-way partnership with BMW and PSA/Peugeot-Citroen to develop a new platform and powertrain to help spread investment. Expect to see a range of small displacement turbo engines and new hybrid variants. There’s also a rumor going that the B-Class may eventually debut Mercedes’ fuel-cell technology.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
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ok seriously guys, we've had the B-Class up in Canada for 2 years now and trust me, it's a pretty good contender and nothing like the A-Class.
Yes, it's FWD and yes it understeers when pushed (at least I didn't hit any cones!! haha) but it comes in two flavours in Canada - B200 and B200 Turbo. You want the Turbo since the base model has less hp than a Civic (134hp). The Turbo is more acceptable at 190ish hp.
Also, you sit fairly high up because of that "sandwich" concept of stuff everything in a layer between the bottom of the car and the cabin floor. It's also very spacious (more so than the C-Class) and the almost fold-flat seats are great.
The price is also very good. At Cdn$30,000 to start, it's $50 more than a base Prius, and about smack in the middle of a Camry/Accord/Altima range. Load it with options and it can rack $40k but that's still fairly reasonable imo. (compared to a 3 series or A3 or C-Class than can easily crack $50k on base/midrange models.. let's not talk about the top range ones).
Anyway, come up to Canada and try one for yourself.
Yes, it's FWD and yes it understeers when pushed (at least I didn't hit any cones!! haha) but it comes in two flavours in Canada - B200 and B200 Turbo. You want the Turbo since the base model has less hp than a Civic (134hp). The Turbo is more acceptable at 190ish hp.
Also, you sit fairly high up because of that "sandwich" concept of stuff everything in a layer between the bottom of the car and the cabin floor. It's also very spacious (more so than the C-Class) and the almost fold-flat seats are great.
The price is also very good. At Cdn$30,000 to start, it's $50 more than a base Prius, and about smack in the middle of a Camry/Accord/Altima range. Load it with options and it can rack $40k but that's still fairly reasonable imo. (compared to a 3 series or A3 or C-Class than can easily crack $50k on base/midrange models.. let's not talk about the top range ones).
Anyway, come up to Canada and try one for yourself.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 3
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