Mercedes B-Class Could Be Coming Stateside

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YSSMAN

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This is an older story, but an interesting one at that...

Leftlanenews.com
The next-generation Smart ForTwo isn't the only compact car DaimlerChrysler is testing in the United States. Photographer and Leftlane News reader Jordan McCullough caught the Mercedes B-Class in testing in Colorado this weekend. It was partially camoflauged in the front, and Mr. McCullough was only able to get a shot of the tail end of the car. Recent reports have suggested the B-Class will arrive some time in 2007 for the U.S. market, following a long delay from the original timeframe.
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1-aug3-b.jpg


And what it really looks like:

mercedes_benz_b_class_18_07_05.jpg


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While I do like the B-Class, I really cannot see why they want to bring it to the United States. Yes, a small MPV could fill an extremely small market for Mercedes, it is just that...

...An EXTREMELY small market...

But, it will be interesting to see what happens. Given that it has the rather good looks of the R-Class and a decent ammount of space, it may be enough to fight the Q3 before it even sees production.
 
Ah, why are they bringing this to America then? I mean, it looks great, it's got decent performance (for what it is), but like you said, the market for this is going to be very small. Isn't it uber expensive, too?
 
According to the current conversions between Canadian dollars and American dollars, the basic B200 (134 BHP 2.0L I4) starts at $27,863.60 which I don't think is really all that bad.

The version I would expect in America, the B200 Turbo (193 BHP 2.0L I4) would start at $31,413.10 which seems quasi-reasonable.
 
By the way I know where that photo was taken. Don't be surprised if I see the vehicle in the next couple of days. Dead serious.
 
Once again, Merc out-niches everyone else except Ssangyong (with 3 similarly sized ugly SUVs on the market at the same time)

I can imagine the brochure.

"The B-Class is for the discerning gentleman who want the good looks and refinement of the A-Class, but with an extra 3 inches of boot space in which to store a bar of chocolate"

I like it, though. The B200 Turbo is insane!
 
...It's in Canada already. I also saw a few at a mercedes dealership a few days ago when I was in Vegas...
 
Oh, just what we need another overpriced "luxury" compact!

Here in the states, this is for people too cheap to buy a loaded maxima, for just 2,000 dollars more!! :banghead:
 
Hahaha, it's great to be in Colorado ain't it? All the companies test their cars here, so if your lucky you can see a lot of interesting stuff out on the roads. I remember a few years ago I saw a camouflaged Aston Martin V8 Vantage in testing on I70. That was a very cool moment.

Also, Colorado was the inspiration for the Subaru Forester XT and the Baja Turbo. Subaru execs were driving over I70 and decided that the base cars simply did not have enough power to make it comfortably over the mountains, so they decided right then and there that they needed more powerful versions of both. So you can thank Colorado for two of the best sleeper cars of the past few years.:sly:
 
My biggest question is how Mercedes figures that there will be enough people here in the US to actually consider the B-Class over most other small crossovers and MPVs...
 
Anytime you can get anything German for less than $30k that is a very good thing. I like the B-class, it's got room and enough performance that the driver wouldn't get bored with the drive. 👍
 
No, this is not right, why pay more than 30k for a merc compact, when you could have a VW passat, highly equipped, better interior and better looks!

Also I wouldn't call 134 hp 'performance'
 
YSSMAN
My biggest question is how Mercedes figures that there will be enough people here in the US to actually consider the B-Class over most other small crossovers and MPVs...
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There is no market for them in the US or Canada. They've been in Canada for about 6 or 7 months now and so far and I've seen maybe 4 or 5 in that time frame. The cheapest model with a mere 134hp retails at $30,000 (canadian) without options. The extra 50hp offered by the horribly underpowered for the price turbocharged engine will cost an additional $4000 - again for the base model. To make the car even more unpleasant to think about, you have to realize that it's front wheel drive. That's not a characteristic any car fans would like to see in a german luxury brand. The only thing the car has going for it is the fact that it comes very well equipped in it's base model which puts it in the price range of a fully loaded, more powerful accord/camry/maxima.

The segment this is targeting isn't the mpv buyer or the station wagon buyer - subaru and mazda have better offerings for the price. This is instead being directed towards the crowd who want a Benz to say they have a Benz. The C230 (base) costs about 38k - the B class starts at 30k. This is more than likely supposed to become the next Mercedes 'econobox' directed at the middle class families who want a German luxury name rather than the same 'ol same 'ol
 
My point exactly Emad, you just made a lot of people feel better with that one, but will also make alot mad!
 
It isn't out of the question I suppose then that it could become the next status vehicle, but I really can't think of many people who would buy it in America. The Mazda CX7 is larger (I think), cheaper (I know), and faster (I'm positive) and thusly would make more sense to the common man... But of course it isn't a Mercedes, but even then, i's only major compeditor may eventually be the Lincoln MKX.
 
$30,000 canadian base price for the entry B-Class?

My dad paid like $32,000-$33,000 canadian for a brand new Ford Escape in 2004 with a 3.0L V6 with 200HP, 6-cd player, a/c, power windows, power seat and some other options. It's not a Mercedes, but it's bigger and more powerful.
 
YSSMAN
It isn't out of the question I suppose then that it could become the next status vehicle, but I really can't think of many people who would buy it in America.
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The only one who's concerned about that is you. Do you think Mercedes cares? They engineered the car for Europe where it's supposed to be a volume seller, meaning conversion to US standard takes about zero effort and even if it doesn't sell they're out almost no money. And in case you haven't noticed, Mercedes continues releasing vehicles in fringe market after fringe market and they keep doing fantastically. Their current lineup consists of four different sedan classes, four different coupes or convertibles, and three different SUVs. Many Mercedes models overlap other ones. And you know what? They're ALL selling well.
 
Yes, I am well versed in Mercedes' niche marketing, as I do think it is the way many companies are going to have to adjust to the market to continue sales on some models. But quite frankly, I just don't see the market for a luxury MPV here in the US. While I do love MPVs as a whole, in particular the Mazda5, I just can't see a Mercedes working out...

Could I be completely wrong? Yes, I probably am. Americans are stupid enough to buy into it, but even the Canadians aren't buying. I'll reserve complete judgement untill I can see one in person, and although from what I understand it is a great vehicle, I really don't see it as something that is going to work well in the US... Kinda in the C230 Hatchback sort of way...
 
We already got it up here in the North - and I don't like it one bit. $30,000 for a hatchback? Gosh, you must be insane to buy one of this.
 
Consider the size of the thing, also. I wasn't terribly impressed by it, when I saw it before. It's about the size of a conventional compact, it doesn't drive as well as the Japanese class leaders (Mazda3 or Civic), and it costs so much more... so what's the point?

Well, it does have more room than a BMW 1-series... but then, so do so many other cars... :indiff:
 
But the B is FWD...which isn't too suitable for enthusiasts.

But then, why would enthusiasts get a B class....:indiff:

Conclusion: Mazda3 is a lot better.
 
GT4_Rule
We already got it up here in the North - and I don't like it one bit. $30,000 for a hatchback? Gosh, you must be insane to buy one of this.
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Sort of like they said "$50,000 for a minivan?! Silly!"

And then this happened:

mercedes%20r350.jpg
 
GT4_Rule
Conclusion: Mazda3 is a lot better.
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Really? The benz has the better suspension, significantly nicer interior, an ergonomic interior (the Mazda 3's interior is as uncomfortable as the pt cruiser), and has the option for more power. This comes at a $5000-8000 (depending on engine choice) premium over a similarly equipped Mazda 3. If you consider it that way, It would be no wonder if small wagon buyers give the B class some serious consideration.
 
Mazda3 uncomfortable? Are you seven feet tall, by any chance? :lol:
 
M5Power
Many Mercedes models overlap other ones. And you know what? They're ALL selling well.
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This defies all logic to me. Audi/VW/etc. does the same thing, and they have no problems meeting sales estimates, or turning a hefty profit. Porsche is another great example of this: Ten+ versions of the 911, four Boxster-platformed cars (some of which encroach on the 911), and an SUV that's half VW. And it all sells -- big time.

Then there's the whole USDM market, where GM sells at least 3 of each model throughout its subsidiaries. And this isn't even a new thing. It's been going on forever (at least back to the 50's). I guess no one cares. They just pick their badge and budget, and go make a deal. :rolleyes:
 

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