Mistake.

With ever skyrocketing gas prices, the concern for drivers will move away from RWD performance and towards FWD efficiency. Mercedes seems to be making a decision based on what was the trend, as opposed to looking forward.

Also, you can not get the kind of efficient space in a smaller C. The A and B have unreal leg room because of the absense of a drive tunnel. More than a C-class.

Perhaps the biggest problem is marketing vehicles like the A and B under the Mercedes Star. They don't blend with the rest of the brand for sure. But, at least the A and B are distinct from the BMW and Audi and offer things those others can't. couldn't Mercedes simply sell the A and B under a new brand name, "available at Mercedes dealers"? Toyota did it with Scion. Create a new brand, but don't incur any start up costs.


These style of vehicles like the A/B do well in the US. The Toyota Matrix, Mazda 3, and many more, and more coming. We see a lot of growth with people moving away from huge SUVS, but still wanting decent room without the wagon image.

If you go with RWD architecture you will have to sacrifice many other components that could be huge advantages in this segment.

A diesel C and diesel B would be an instant success with ratings over 40 mpg. Yet they remain conspiciously absent in the US of A.