- Mercedes-Benz tells Inside Line that coupe, crossover and sedan versions of the new B-Class are earmarked for the American market.
- The first of the next-generation B-Class models will arrive in the U.S. in 2012.
- The new B-Class hatchback goes on sale late this year in Europe.
STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the redesigned B-Class compact will be sold in the U.S., beginning in 2012, in several body styles, including coupe, sedan and crossover.
In response to an e-mail query Tuesday from Inside Line, a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz of North America said: "The coupe, crossover and sedan versions of the next-generation B-Class come to the United States in 2012-'13."
On Monday, Mercedes-Benz released the first technical specs on the new model, which makes its public debut in September at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show and goes on sale late this year in Europe, initially as a five-door hatchback.
Mercedes has designed a new range of turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder gas and diesel engines for the car, as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In addition, the new B-Class will feature some of the most advanced technology in the segment, including radar-based Collision Prevention Assist with Adaptive Brake Assist.
The automaker disclosed three years ago that the new-generation B-Class would come in several body styles, including three- and five-door hatchbacks.
At the time, Mercedes CEO Dieter Zetsche observed: "The successor (to the B-Class) will include characteristics that are already popular with customers today, such as generous interior space and an elevated seating position. In addition, new variants will win additional target groups for the Mercedes-Benz brand."
Inside Line says: Mercedes-Benz may finally have a winner in the compact segment in the U.S.
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mr42hh says:
02:23 AM, 07/14/2011
@dan237, the vehicle in the back is the 2005 Mercedes Bionic Car concept.
dan237 says:
07:56 PM, 07/13/2011
If the vehicle all the way in the back is the cross over, please don't bring that one here, you guys embarassed yourselves enough with Smarts, which would not have been a bad car if it was either alot more practical, alot more comfortable or got twice the fuel economy of a midsize sedan since it is half the size and less than half the capacity or practicality of a midsize sedan.