Filed under: Hatchbacks, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, SMART
Mercedes to pump some extra octane into next A- and B-Class
According to the latest reports, Mercedes has finally realized why its A-Class and B-Class compacts haven't been doing so well: they're boring, overpriced and underpowered... and that's a losing combination. So for the next generation of the two model lines that's expected around 2011, Mercedes is reportedly preparing to turn up the volume.
Although the next-gen baby Benzes will reportedly stick with front-wheel-drive, they'll sit lower to the ground – and save production costs – by ditching the expensive current models' sandwich platform. Whereas the 193-hp 2-liter turbo is currently the most powerful engine offered between the two related models, sources indicate that the top engine could offer as much as 230 hp, possibly sourced from BMW off all companies whose 1-Series Mercedes hopes to target with the sportier new A and B-Classes. Meanwhile, reports also suggest that competition from the up!coming Volkswagen models could compel parent company Daimler to bring back the previously slow-selling and subsequently discontinued Smart ForFour.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Franz 11:11AM (2/19/2008)
A bit more power would be a good thing for these cars. And yes, they are overpriced IMO.
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Soccer Mom 11:40AM (2/19/2008)
They are not boring or underpowered. They are just grossly overpriced.
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Chris 11:46AM (2/19/2008)
Overpriced for the competition with poor performance numbers and poor mileage to be replaced with overpriced and better peformance and poorer gas mileage.
Is that what they are doing then?
Jon 11:57AM (2/19/2008)
Well, if a Soccer Mom says a car isn't boring or underpowered, who am I to disbelieve? :-)
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nagmashot 12:14PM (2/19/2008)
Funny the overpriced Mercedes is the second best selling brand in Germany.
In 01/2008 they sold 12% (24,980)
more as 01/2007(22,980).
The second most sold car in Germany is the Mercedes C-Class which increased by 107% in selling compared to last year.
Mercedes A-Class improved 1.3% compared 01/2007 to 01/2008.
Mercedes B-Class improved 21.8% compared 01/2007 to 01/2008.
Numbers are from Kraftfahrtbundesamt (same as DOT)
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nagmashot 12:22PM (2/19/2008)
Funny the German article only tells that Mercedes wants to get a more sportive image in the lower car classes.
BTW there is not a single claim that they use a BMW sourced engine..they use a engine of the C-Class in the A230 not a 230hp BMW engine..
Sorry the whole translation of the auto motor und sport article sucks completely.
The auto motor und sport article only tells the future strategy of Mercedes in the lower car classes.. no word about poor selling or similar!
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Malhaar 12:27PM (2/19/2008)
Boring is an overstatement! More like Revolting!
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ChaoZ 9:43AM (2/20/2008)
Quite right. Redesign it from the ground up.