Next gen A+B class going RWD and to the states

Deutsch · **Next gen A+B class going RWD and to the states -** 06-07-2008, 12:41 AM

Quote:

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz A- and B-Class will be radically different to the current models, according to officials. Board members have told a German newspaper this week that the company is "working on a complete new concept" for its supermini- and small family-sized ranges, with small coupes and cabriolets under consideration as well as hatchbacks, an MPV and even a mini-SUV.

As previously reported, the next A- and B- will be based on a shortened version of the rear-wheel-drive C-Class platform, rather than the unique sandwich-floor front-wheel-drive structure of the current models. This will enable Mercedes to make a more sporting B-Class, a car more able to rival the likes of the BMW 1-Series, Audi A3 and upcoming Saab 9-2, and to produce a performance-oriented A-Class to take on the Alfa MiTo, Audi A1 and suchlike. The interim-solution C-Class Sport Coupe will be discontinued.

The next-generation A- and B-Class are scheduled for introduction in 2011, say sources. They will be developed with attention to the US market as well as Europe, with clean Bluetec diesel engines as well as a line-up of efficient petrol units.

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MBZ Fan · **Re: Next gen A+B class going RWD and to the states -** 06-07-2008, 02:58 AM

Sounds promising!Really promising!If that is true, then we might have got rid of the ridiculous MFA(Mercedes Frontwheel Architecture), which was quite nasty to hear!

cawimmer430 · **Re: Next gen A+B class going RWD and to the states -** 06-07-2008, 04:06 AM

I'm gonna miss the little FWD A-Classes! I thought they were fun to drive.

Giannis · **Re: Next gen A+B class going RWD and to the states -** 06-07-2008, 08:21 AM

Everyone is copying BMW

Tarek · **Re: Next gen A+B class going RWD and to the states -** 06-07-2008, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giannis

Everyone is copying BMW

Dude don't start it

Honestly the A-Class is very nimble and agile it's FWD is perfect,u really have to drive one to know what i mean

tennmb · **Re: Next gen A+B class going RWD and to the states -** 06-07-2008, 09:52 AM

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.

Centurion · **Re: Next gen A+B class going RWD and to the states -** 06-07-2008, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tennmb

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.

In 2011 the entire "sub-premium" MB range aka A-class, B-class and CLC will completely revamp reincarnating into a new range of cars similar to the 1-series. So the range you see now is not what's going to be sold in 2 years.

Merc1 · **Re: Next gen A+B class going RWD and to the states -** 06-07-2008, 07:44 PM

Am I dreaming? This is exactly what they should do. The hell with FWD in a Mercedes. If you want "FWD efficiency" then buy something else. A Mercedes should be a Mercedes and RWD doesn't mean it can't be efficient, thats a piss-poor excuse that GM and other American car companies have decided to use in order to get out doing the proper engineering to make a RWD efficient. I say a whole range of smaller, RWD, beautifully built Mercedes-Benzes will do wonders for their bottom line and bring more first time buyers into the brand. A small coupe, cabrio, sedan, and SUV for the U.S. market and the rest for Europe.

If anything the Smart should have been FWD, not RWD. Flush out the Smart range with FWD vehicles, not lower end Mercedes-Benzes.

M

cawimmer430 · **Re: Next gen A+B class going RWD and to the states -** 06-08-2008, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tennmb

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.

Thing is that small premium cars or even "premium hatches" are becoming the in-thing in Europe.

I many congested European cities where parking spaces are hard to find these cars do extremely well with wealthy consumers who want a premium cars / badge that is not only fuel efficient but highly versatile and practical. I know many wealthy people in Munich for example who drive A-/B-Classes, BMW 1-Series or Audi A3's and they could easily afford say an S-Class etc. In a lot of cases, some people might already own a fullsize premium sedan from Audi, BMW or Mercedes but require an efficient city car for their use and that's where the small premium cars from these three make their impact.

Also, Mercedes' needed to go RWD in order to compete with the Audi A4 (Quattro) and especially the BMW 118i as the current A-Class with its FWD setup isn't much of a challenger against both cars (the B-Class is a landyacht in terms of handling).

I order to achieve better fuel economy, I don't think the extra weight of the RWD setup will play a negative role. Newer and more efficient engines are going to be designed and hopefully Mercedes can make the A- and B-Classes loose some weight as they're incredibly "heavy" for a car of its size and class.

Mr. Mercedes · **Re: Next gen A+B class going RWD and to the states -** 06-08-2008, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cawimmer430

I order to achieve better fuel economy, I don't think the extra weight of the RWD setup will play a negative role. Newer and more efficient engines are going to be designed and hopefully Mercedes can make the A- and B-Classes loose some weight as they're incredibly "heavy" for a car of its size and class.

Yeah. I believe the sandwich platform is mostly to blame for the weight. And this is being ditched.