Over the past few years, Mercedes-Benz has struggled to market its two smallest cars — the A and B class. Both cars have been criticized for a high price tag, a less-than-inspiring engine lineup and a general lack of any character. But a new report indicates that Mercedes plans to remedy these problems with the all-new 2011 models.
According to Auto Motor und Sport, Mercedes-Benz is planning to give the next-generation of both models a healthy dose of sport to compete with cars like BMW’s 1-series and Audi’s A3.
The current range-topping engine in Mercedes’ small car lineup is a 193 horsepower 2.0L unit, but the 2011 models could offer a 230 horsepower unit. Motor Authority also reports that Mercedes’ could even source engines from cross-country rival BMW.
The new models will also switch from a sandwich-style structure to a more conventional front-wheel drive platform in order to lower the cars and give them better handling dynamics.
Look for the new cars to be offered in a wide variety of body styles, including hatchback, coupe, convertible and possibly even a mini SUV.
02/19, 12:14 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
Mercedes is becoming a joke, and I say that as someone who really likes German cars. Too much product, far too little value for the price. The 3 pointed star is quickly becoming the mark of a sucker.
02/19, 1:00 PM
posted by:
RagazzaCompetizione
A Class is unique, where is the A2 nowadays?, dead a long time ago…
02/19, 2:26 PM
posted by:
RicardoHead
“Liven up?”
I was hoping it said “given up.”
02/19, 3:34 PM
posted by:
maximus
what’s the point of buying a mercedes with a BMW engine?
02/19, 3:45 PM
posted by:
C6Racer
At least there’s the possibility of 230bhp. Anything less than 200 just makes a car like that look anemic. Less than 200bhp is only ok in cars like the Solstice, IMO.
02/19, 5:39 PM
posted by:
sharpie
Luxury marquee tries to move down market doesn’t usually work out.
02/19, 7:14 PM
posted by:
purdue
Not moving down (Duesy) doesn’t always work, either.
02/20, 10:54 AM
posted by:
CleanGTO
Since they’re bringing the Smart car to the U.S., they should bring this model as well and market it as the Dumb car.
02/20, 12:11 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
…pull the plug.
02/20, 9:17 PM
posted by:
autonut
I think they need small fries to do traditional marketing schtik of “graduating” customers from college grads to members of the board. Also, to comply with EU and US regulation regarding fleet mileage (Europeans can correct me if I am wrong on this one). But with their diesel lineup they should be able to kill those rodents.
02/22, 9:52 AM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
“what’s the point of buying a mercedes with a BMW engine?”
not sure there is one