Illustrated: 2012 Mercedes-Benz BLK-Class

Generally speaking, Germany's three largest automakers do their best to match each other segment-for-segment. When it comes to compact crossovers, it appears Mercedes, Audi, and BMW will carry on that tradition. With the BMW X1 finally revealed, and Audi Q3 on the way, rumors are circulating about a competitor from Mercedes-Benz - tentatively named BLK.



In 2008 Leftlane offered an illustration of what might be the exterior design of the upcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz BLK. At the time, the existing GLK was believed to be the source for the BLK's style, but recent stylization changes by the German automaker, along with tips from inside sources, have sent our illustrator back to the drawing board. This time, the BLK looks to borrow a much more rounded style from the recently revealed F800 Concept.

So far, the BMW X1 is the only such model actually unveiled to the public, but our recent illustrations of the Audi Q3 shouldn't be far off the mark. Audi looks to launch the Q3 in Europe as early as summer 2011, and the Q3 should make its way to U.S. soil by late 2011.

The next-generation B-Class will form the basis for the BLK, providing an all-wheel-drive chassis and engines ranging in size from 1.6 to 2.2-liters. To help keep development costs down, there is a possibility that BMW and Mercedes will be sharing the 1.6-liter and 2.2-liter engines for the X1 and BLK - leaving styling as the only major distinction between the two automaker's small SUVs.

Larger than its predecessor, the new B-Class will be offered with a choice of all or front-wheel-drive. It's not known if BLK buyers will have the same choice, or if they'll have to settle for AWD.

Our illustrations, seen below, offer a speculative estimation of the BLK's exterior.