2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class caught testing

Mercedes Benz has been experiencing a steady rise in sales in the case of its current B-Class model and the sales figure is expected to go further up with the next model that they intend to come out with in 2011. The present sales figure reads an impressive 120,000 units in the first year of its sales itself.

The regular models that Mercedes is offering are the new coupe-cabrio, and a sporty hatchback. This latter one to compete with the BMW 1 series. They are also planning for a four door sedan with the coupe styling to it. There is talks that Mercedes Benz are planning to add some more models to these existing models so as to keep the excitement going in the sales department while also ensuring sales figures maintain its upward momentum.

One model that has been confirmed is destined for production lines is the hatchback model. It was at the Nurburgring track in Germany that the hatchback model was seen in its prototype form while undergoing testing. From the photo it appears to have its old boxy looks with the side profile has a resemblance with the 2011 Mercedes Benz R Class which had been revealed recently.

The engines are expected to be the small displacement turbo ones and there should also be the hybrid variant coming up as well as also the model running on hydrogen fuel cell. The company’s tuning department boss Volker Mornhinweg had confirmed the 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class to be the sportiest in looks as well as with the highest performance features of all the range of cars. At the moment AMG offers the V8 engine, but for the B class a new engine would be developed which would be a tuned four cylinder one. This model would give competition to the Volkswagen Golf R32 as also the Audi S3. There is sure going to be upgrades in the body kit as well as the brakes and interior.

For reasons like cost factor increase due to the exchange rate of the dollar as well as lowering the exclusivity of the luxury brand, Mercedes-Benz had reversed its decision to bring the present B-Class stateside. With the increased sales of the Smart ForTwo MINICAR they are now contemplating on sales of the B-Class and also the A-Class in the North America market.

Source: motorauthority