Mercedes-Benz is readying an all-new B-Class, and we have the first spy pictures to prove it. Our spy photographers spotted the next-generation B-Class undergoing shakedown testing earlier this morning on the streets of Germany.
In a move that might disappoint fans of the current B-Class, it appears that this new car will discontinue today’s B-Class’ overall layout of a super-mini MPV in favor of a more hatchback-like design. With its lower profile and sportier appearance, Mercedes is probably hoping the new B-Class will attract younger buyers rather than its current middle-aged audience.
Little is known yet about the range of petrol and diesel engines to expect, be we are pretty sure a hybrid will be on offer right from the start.
While Mercedes has never sold the B-Class in the United States, there is a strong chance this new B-Class will land on the lots of America dealers. Watch for an on-sale date in the first half of 2011.
10/08, 4:32 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
How is it that whenever they say they “try to attract younger buyers with a hatchback” it always ends up that they attract older people instead? Case and point: Original Scion xB, Honda Element, Kia Soul…
I’d like to see a 2-door GTI fighter from this, in the 20s and I’d might bite on one.
10/08, 4:54 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Oh god… my eyes… take it away! I’ll tell you where I hid the bomb!
10/08, 5:00 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
ha ha ha funny johnny! I say the same thing when I see an Acura TL
10/08, 5:25 PM
posted by:
aesir
Those B classes are really nice on the inside, but holy **** they are ugly as sin on the outside. Not too mention totally underpowered.
Jake I think you’re dreaming about an A-class coming to the states; however, those are almost as ugly as the B class.
The new C class coupes (that they don’t sell here in the US) are actually really good looking: http://benzinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/mb_c_coupe_v.jpg
10/08, 5:37 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
^ Yeah, I’d just assume by a sedan for the money they will want for the coupe. They still sell a C-Class hatchback in Europe… Problem is it’s really just the hatchback we had 5 years ago with a new front end. The A-Class is too small, the B-Class is closer to the GTI.
I’ll wait and see what it looks liek with no camo
10/08, 6:04 PM
posted by:
Borat
Johnny may have pleasure to see those in action: Canadia is full of B-class (at least Montreal and Toronto were). For whatever reason they don’t cross border, perhaps ties to terrorists or something…
10/08, 6:32 PM
posted by:
carbonsigma
@aesir, that so called C-Class Coupé you have linked does not exist. I think the car you’re talking about is the CLC, which JakeK66 described.
10/08, 6:42 PM
posted by:
AutoCritical
@JakeK66
They say younger buyers FOR the older people! Probably just a marketing thing where the older ones want to feel and look young. I guess this helps them do that.
That CANT and DLO, the only real bits showing, already give off this ’stiffness’ feeling in the cars appearance… hopefully it will make more sense as time goes by and this strip tease is over.
10/08, 6:47 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
^ Yeah, actually you’re right. I figured that out – it’s a ploy that makes sense. You CANT market to an older crowd and sell to a younger crowd BUT you CAN always market to a younger crowd and sell to an older one and maybe pick up some yuounger buyers too…
I liked the last gen C-Class and actually wouldn’t mind seeing the CLC come back here… I’d be one of the 5 buyers for it! It still looks kick a$$ and has a nice interior.
10/08, 6:52 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Actually – gender marketing works like that too. You can always market to a man and get women interested too without feeling left out. Women buy trucks, but they NEVER market them to women. You can’t market to women, though, and ever get a man interested. It just doesn’t work. So what do automakers do? Market to men for most everything, because women won’t be as set off by a product they think is manly.
10/08, 7:30 PM
posted by:
nickkop
hrmmmmmmm… lets see it in production skin…
10/08, 9:33 PM
posted by:
spg900
Borat – SMALL LUXURY vehicles sell really well in Canada ( especially Montreal region ) but they don’t in the US. That’s why it doesn’t cross the border.
10/09, 7:03 AM
posted by:
mitzo
These are all over Canada despite their 30,000 starting price. Looking forward to the new version.