Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz B-Class revealed ahead of Frankfurt... but is it coming here?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/25/mercedes-benz-b-class-revealed-ahead-of-frankfurt-but-is-it-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/25/mercedes-benz-b-class-revealed-ahead-of-frankfurt-but-is-it-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/25/mercedes-benz-b-class-revealed-ahead-of-frankfurt-but-is-it-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

If you had to pick which model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup packed in the most new features, which would you choose? The S-Class? The SLS AMG? You might want to try the new B-Class on for size, because according to Daimler, its newest model encompasses the most new developments ever launched on a single vehicle.

For starters, the premium compact minivan/hatchback debuts a new front-drive platform for Mercedes, which will also go on to underpin a new A-Class and a whole raft of derivatives as well. It also features a new family of four-cylinder engines (both direct-injection gasoline versions and common-rail diesels) and new six speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions with integrated stop/start and regenerative braking systems. The new B-Class also includes a staggering array of available safety systems, including Adaptive Headlamp Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist, Speed Limit Assist and Active Parking Assist, Brake and Hill Hold functions, Linguatronic and Distronic Plus.

The new B also offers more space for both passenger and cargo over the model it replaces, while returning improved aerodynamics which, together with the new powertrain family, delivers better fuel economy and emissions figures. The one-box design takes its cues from recent Benz concept cars and looks significantly more sculpted and dynamic than the outgoing model, which was rather conservative in its styling in the first place and has since grown long in the tooth.

Mercedes will officially pull the veil of the new B-Class at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month before European buyers can begin taking delivery in November. The question is whether this second-generation model will make it to American showrooms, where its predecessor did not. Canadian buyers have had the outgoing model at their disposal, but whether this heralds the arrival of front-drive Mercedes in the U.S. market (as studied) is a matter we'll be monitoring closely. In the meantime, you can dive into the full details in the extensive press release after the jump and the high-res images in our mega gallery for more.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz B-Class revealed ahead of Frankfurt... but is it coming here?

Mercedes-Benz B-Class revealed ahead of Frankfurt... but is it coming here? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurt2012 mercede-benz b-classb classb-classb-klassefrankfurtfrankfurt motor showmercede-benzmercede-benz b-classThu, 25 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20026591/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/25/mercedes-benz-b-class-revealed-ahead-of-frankfurt-but-is-it-c/20026591/article-detail.xml 20026591 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web2012-bclass_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web2012-bclass.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup set to expand in U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/report-mercedes-benz-c-class-lineup-set-to-expand-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/report-mercedes-benz-c-class-lineup-set-to-expand-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/report-mercedes-benz-c-class-lineup-set-to-expand-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan - click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz has a pretty ambitious goal to grow its U.S. sales by 30 percent over the next five years, and execs apparently think they will need to expand downmarket to do it. According to Automotive News, Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, feels that the bringing in the B-Class hatchback and introducing additional C-Class derivatives will provide the best possibility of attracting more customer since growth opportunities for the E-Class and S-Class are likely limited.

Arch rival BMW already offers coupe, convertible and station wagon variants of the 3 Series in the States, along with the less costly 1 Series range, not to mention its ever-expending array of Mini products. In North America, surging Audi offers its A4 in sedan and wagon formats, along with the closely related A5/S5 Coupe and Cabriolet, and it also offers the less costly A3 hatchback.

For its part, Mercedes currently only offers the C-Class in a four-door sedan bodystyle in the States. A C-Class coupe is reportedly due to arrive here in 2011 with a convertible coming in 2013 off of the revised C-Class that's due in 2012. And while the C-Class expansion makes sense, critics have feared for years that introducing the B-Class in America could lead to brand dilution (which is part of the reason that parent Daimler's teetering Smart franchise has remained so distinct).

By comparison, in spite of its relatively slow sales here, the 1 Series arguably makes more sense in the context of the BMW lineup of performance luxury cars. So why isn't brand dilution an issue for Mercedes overseas? In Europe, where the A and B Class have been available for a decade, Benz has a different, more mainstream image, with a much more comprehensive model range.

Despite a comparative dearth of entry-level products, Mercedes' sales remain on a pronounced uptick in America, with sales through April increasing by 26 percent to 68,826 units. In 2009, Benz dealers sold through 190,538 units.


Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Report: Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup set to expand in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b classb-classb-klasseBClassBMW 1 Seriesbmw 1-seriesBmw1-seriesBmw1Seriesc classc-classc-klasseCClassErnst LiebErnstLiebmercedesMercedes Benzmercedes benz b classmercedes benz c classmercedes benz expansionmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMercedesBenzBClassMercedesBenzCClassMercedesBenzExpansionMon, 24 May 2010 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19488695/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/24/report-mercedes-benz-c-class-lineup-set-to-expand-in-u-s/19488695/article-detail.xml 19488695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/00-mb-c350-4matic-stock-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/00-mb-c350-4matic-stock-630.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz A and B class considered for 2011 launch in U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/mercedes-benz-a-and-b-class-considered-for-2011-launch-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/mercedes-benz-a-and-b-class-considered-for-2011-launch-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/mercedes-benz-a-and-b-class-considered-for-2011-launch-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 A class.

Like almost every automaker, Mercedes-Benz is feeling the pinch of high gas prices and an economic slow-down in the States. Daimler AG expects M-B's sales in the U.S. to fall in the second half of the year and in order to keep things in the black, vehicle prices in the U.S. are going to rise.

To counter the shift in demand from larger, thirstier vehicles to smaller, thriftier rides, Mercedes is reconsidering its previous decision not to offer its next generation compact and sub-compact vehicles in the U.S. Mercedes originally planned to bring the B class over, but the weak dollar caused the automaker to hold off. With the entrance of the 1-series, the forthcoming X1 and small crossovers from Audi on the way, Mercedes is looking to bring it front-wheel-drive A and B class vehicles to U.S. consumers that might be open to a compact vehicle from a luxury automaker.

The A class hatch was recently revealed and the B class got a facelift earlier this year, however, both models will have to undergo some revisions to be ready for sales in the U.S. With more derivatives on the way, including 230 hp, turbo'd two-liters and a B class possibly sharing the C's underpinnings (similar to the 1 series using the 3 series' platform), don't expect either model to hit U.S. shores before 2011.

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz A-Class


Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz B-Class


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mercedes-Benz A and B class considered for 2011 launch in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a classAClassb classBClassmercedesmercedes-benzMon, 28 Jul 2008 08:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1268252/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/07/28/mercedes-benz-a-and-b-class-considered-for-2011-launch-in-u-s/1268252/article-detail.xml 1268252 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/634897_1136350_3888_2592_08c182_16_450op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/634897_1136350_3888_2592_08c182_16_450op.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes planning 1-series rival in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/mercedes-planning-1-series-rival-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/mercedes-planning-1-series-rival-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/mercedes-planning-1-series-rival-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's no secret that the Mercedes-Benz A-class hasn't been a resounding success and that the automaker is looking to revamp its entry-level line-up to better compete with rivals. According to Autocar, M-B boss Dieter "Dr. Z" Zetsche has green-lighted a new model that's taking aim at the BMW 1-series and Audi A3, and will accompany the rest of the revised A-class models when it debuts in 2011.

The new model will replace the aging, if just recently facelifted, CLC and will initially come to market sporting a coupe body style instead of a three-door hatch. Mercedes plans to expand the rest of the A-classes to include at least three different body styles of each model, coinciding with the launch of the new B-class, which will be designed to compete with the upcoming BMW X1.

Power will supposedly come from a combination of direct-injection gasoline and diesel powerplants, with output ranging from 120 to 200 hp. Pricing should be competitive with BMW's 1-series models, with the new A-class falling right around the £19,000 mark.

[Source: Autocar]

Mercedes planning 1-series rival in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not actual CR car. Their tag says "CR4SHZL."

If you see a white base-model Mercedes B200 tooling around Connecticut, don't get too excited. Yet. You see, that one was bought in Canada (for almost $29k U.S.!) and driven across the border by Consumer Reports for their upcoming small car issue. The CR folks mostly like the little Mercedes and called it a "baby minivan." The big news is that, without citing sources, the magazine's website says the German B-class could be imported into the States.

Which we think would be great. More choice is always better. But Automobile.com drove a 2005 version of the car and said, "The B200, fortunately, is not offered in the U.S." Ouch.

[Sources: Consumer Reports, Automobile.com]

CR says Mercedes B200 could be U.S. bound originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2007 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Back in January at the L.A. Auto Show Mark Fields promised the audience at his keynote speech that Ford would soon be unveiling a new product to compete in the fast-growing subcompact (or B-segment) market in the U.S. Well, here we are in August and Ford is still without the promised small car to compete with the Chevy Aveo, Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit. What happened?

Well, it turns out that Ford was rushing to market a version of the Fiesta-based EcoSport small SUV (pictured) that its subsidiaries sell in Mexico and Brazil. According to The Detroit News, the already fairly basic EcoSport would have been stripped down even further as Ford tried to come up with a price leader for the market. Fields (wisely, in our opinion) canned the project, saying this week that he'd rather wait for Ford to "come in with a product that's distinctly Ford" and not "just another econo-box."

[Source: Detroit News]

The U.S. B-segment car Mark Fields axed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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