There has been good and successful selling of the Mercedes Benz B Class in every market that it has been launched in with having sold over 120,000 units in its first year alone. There is expectation that the next model due in 2011 would sell even more in volumes and for the first time the luxury hatchback will also be introduced in the US.
In order to increase sales further, Mercedes plans to add new variants to the regular hatch thereby increasing the range of choice that is available to the people at large. Currently Mercedes has the coupe Cabiro which is a hatchback sporty model and gives stiff competition to the BMW 1-series. They are also in all probability going to add a four door sedan with coupe styling.
The video depicts a hatchback which is in testing phase and is in prototype form. The boxy look seems to be retained even though the side profile has a close resemblance with the 2011 Mercedes Benz R Class. The ultimate look should be bearing close resemblance with the BlueZERO concept family which had been revealed last year.
The shots of the interior which have been made public for the first time reveal a steering column lever set up for selecting gears and have also relocated the stereo and navigation screen further up than what it was in the previous models.
The engine is expected to be turbo engines of small displacement. There would also be the hybrid version coming up along with a hydrogen fuel cell variant as well. The tuning boss Volker Mornhinweg has confirmed that the new Mercedes 2011 would be a sportier model and will be capable of some spirited performance. The car now has the V8 engine installed on it but for the B Class a four cylinder engine which would be specially tuned is being developed. This car is expected to compete with the Volkswagen Golf R32 and Audi S3 which are also hot cars in this segment. The brakes and body kit are also expected to be of sportier style and design.
There had been a decision which was reworked later on regarding bringing out the B Class in the United States based on apprehensions that this could lead to a damaging affect on their luxury car exclusivity in that country. Then there was also reservations about launching the car in the US due the dollar exchange rate making the car too expensive.
The high sales of the Smart Fortwo minicar has given food for thought to the Mercedes people and they are contemplating of bringing back their B Class and the even the A Class in North America.
Source: motorauthority
