Autoblog

Mercedes A-Class enters production, utility variant confirmed

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz

Remember the dowdy original Mercedes-Benz A-Class? It's hard to believe that this sporty new five-door hatch evolved from that frumpy thing. But it has, and the new A-Class is officially rolling off the Daimler assembly line in Rastatt, Germany, as of now.

The A-Class will join its platform-mate B-Class and a forthcoming crossover model at Rastatt. While we've heard plenty of rumors about this crossover, we hope that Daimler's announcement today that it will be the next product sharing the Rastatt line should lead to some more official information about the new model allegedly dubbed "GLA." Daimler sunk some €1.2 billion (nearly $1.5 billion) into the plant to produce the trio of compact vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz says its already had 40,000 orders for the new A-Class since it went on sale in mid-June, with some 70,000 B-Class people movers sold since that model hit showrooms late last year.

Scroll down to read the full press release.

Continue reading Mercedes A-Class enters production, utility variant confirmed

Mercedes A-Class enters production, utility variant confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes to market Tesla-powered 2014 B-Class EV in U.S.

Chris Tutor — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Toyota, Tesla, Electric

Looks like another Tesla Motors investor will be looking to cash in on their connection. Autoweek reports Mercedes-Benz will offer their B-Class in the U.S. with Tesla propulsion.

The magazine says their source at the German automaker confirms plans for a B-Class electric-only vehicle. While Tesla already provides battery packs for the battery-powered Smart ForTwo, the B-Class EV will reportedly have Tesla batteries, motor and other components. U.S. residents should be able to procure one sometime in 2014.

The same Mercedes source says plans for a hybrid B-Class have been postponed for now. Adding a range-extending, gasoline-powered engine to an electric vehicle would put the car into a different class for which rebates and incentives aren't as favorable in the States.

Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler owns a 4.7-percent share of Tesla. Toyota also owns part of the electric-car company with which it builds electric RAV4 crossovers.

Mercedes to market Tesla-powered 2014 B-Class EV in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Noah Joseph — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Minivan/Van, Europe, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz

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.

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Mercedes releases first B-Class interior images

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is set to reveal its all-new B-Class at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, and while we only have vague ideas of what the exterior design will look like, the automaker is now giving us our first glimpse inside the luxury hatchback. Not surprisingly, the cockpit is exactly what you'd expect in a compact Mercedes-Benz - nothing earth-shattering, but certainly packed with upscale amenities and looking decidedly rich for what should be Benz's least costly offering in North America.

Everything appears to be very simple and well laid out, with the radio, HVAC and COMAND controls nicely separated from one another. And if that steering wheel looks familiar, it's because it's the same one found in the new-for-2012 CLS. Mercedes says that the B-Class' cabin can be fitted with high-end materials, too, including ARTICO man-made leather on the dashboard. (What, no Designo interior package?). We also note the charismatic round air vents that mimic those fitted to the SLS AMG gullwing, suggesting that this form will spread throughout the entire Mercedes lineup going forward.

We'll have exterior images to go along with these interior shots closer to the car's Frankfurt debut. For now, get a feel for what it's like to be behind the wheel of a B-Class in our high-res image gallery and follow the jump for Merc's press release.

Continue reading Mercedes releases first B-Class interior images

Mercedes releases first B-Class interior images originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mercedes-Benz B55 does the burnout we've been waiting for

Zach Bowman — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz B55 - Click above to watch video after the jump

When Mercedes-Benz first dropped word that a team of enterprising individuals had wedged a kicking Silver Arrow V8 under the hood of the company's diminutive B-Class hatch, we immediately began searching around for a video of the machine in action. Now the German automaker has been so kind as to supply just such a clip. While we'd love to see the little five-door lift a leg around a proper road course (Nürburgring?), for now we'll have to settle for a shot of the steroid-riddled commuter lighting up its rear tires in grand fashion.

As you may recall, the B55 was created by trainees at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt. With 385 horsepower borrowed from an E-Class and about as much weight as a box of tissues, this creation ought to go like stink. Hit the jump to check out the action for yourself. Now we just have to wait and see whose palms we have to grease to be able to plop ourselves behind the wheel for a spell.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz B55

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Mercedes-Benz B55 does the burnout we've been waiting for

Video: Mercedes-Benz B55 does the burnout we've been waiting for originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup set to expand in U.S.

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 24 May 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

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.

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Rumormill: Infiniti to offer entry-level CUV based on Benz A/B Class

Zach Bowman — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Rumormill, Luxury

If you believe the rumors dusting up from L'Automobile Magazine, Nissan may be borrowing more than a small engine from Daimler. The French site is reporting that the two companies could be looking into sharing an entire platform in order to create a new Infiniti-badged CUV. If our Google translator is to be believed, the French site claims that Infiniti will be getting its paws on the next Mercedes-Benz A/B Class in order to build a new DX model destined to slot below the current EX.

The move would put Infiniti into the CUV fray with fighters like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 if it came to fruition. Right now, that's a big if. As far as we know, Infiniti hasn't said word one about building a smaller crossover, even if it would help the brand gain traction in the notoriously truck-averse European market, and it already sells the EX, itself a rather smallish entrant (that looks suspiciously like the rendering excerpted at right). L'Automobile Magazine says the move is currently under consideration by both Renault-Nissan and Daimler, but we wouldn't exactly hold our breath for a new pint-sized Infiniti.

[Source: L'Automobile Magazine]

Rumormill: Infiniti to offer entry-level CUV based on Benz A/B Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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