German Car Zone

Mercedes-Benz is planning a new small soft-roader, provisionally called BLK, for launch in late 2011 as part of the new A and B-Class ranges.

The BLK will slot into the line-up below the bigger GLK and compete with the likes of the forthcoming BMW X1 and Land Rover LRX in a new market segment for small, premium SUVs.

The BLK will get four-wheel drive and there is also the possibility of a front-wheel-drive ‘eco’ version of the car. A range of four-cylinder direct-injection petrol and diesel engines are being lined up, sized between 1.6 litres and 2.2 litres.

While the next A-class hatchback will spawn a compact coupe, the bigger next-generation B-class MPV (it gains nearly 10cm in length, making it nearly as big as Ford’s C-Max) will form the basis of the BLK.

After talks with Fiat and BMW, Mercedes has taken the expensive decision to go it alone on the development of its new front-wheel drive platform, which will come in two wheelbases. But there is still a chance that Mercedes could co-develop engines with BMW – talks between the two are scheduled to conclude in November.

The current A and B-class are based on Mercedes’ highly innovative ‘sandwich’ chassis, which was developed for the original A-class back in 1998.

However, the substantial cost of manufacturing the unique powertrain this platform requires has convinced Mercedes to shift to a conventional front-drive layout for the next generation of models.

The move also opens the way for Mercedes to plan a much wider range of models than is possible with the current A-class chassis.

Up to three spin-off models could be launched on the A-class and B-class platforms. So far, a three-door coupe based on the shorter A-class hatch has already been given the go-ahead and recent reports from Germany suggest that an electrically powered model is also likely to be part of the line-up.

Hilton Holloway

Autocar - Scoop: Mercedes BLK

It looks good, but MB should just stick to its current model lineup. MB are becoming a far too common sight here in Australia.

Well that's a good thing, it means Australia is prospering

BLK or GLA, same thing, threads should be merged or something.

BLK sounds like sandwich.

M

That chop looks good though

Bacon, lettuce, kraut.

The lifespan of the Mercedes A and B class will soon be coming to an end, the poor effort by the automaker in their mid-cycle facelifts was enough evidence to realise that Mercedes had bigger plans for the bottom of their product portfolio.

These plans include a small soft roader which is expected to carry the label BLK, it is due for launch at the end of 2011 and will slot into Mercedes' product line up below the GLK. It will battle against the likes of the BMW X1 and Land Rover LRX in the brand new premium mini-SUV segment. It is also expected Audi will join the party with their rumoured Q3.

Mercedes are currently in discussions with BMW about co-developing the engines which would be used in both the BLK and BMW X1. A range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines are set to be offered, starting from a displacement of 1.6 liters rising to 2.2 liters. Optional four-wheel-drive will be available but the standard model is likely to offer just a front-wheel-drive system.

There is then the decision of what to do with the platforms of the current generation A-class and B-class. Rumours state up to three new models could be launched, one of these is expected to be a three door coupe based on the A class platform and there could even be an electrically powered model in the pipeline.

Source : WCF + autocar

Fish Sandwich anyone ?

more like TUNA...

Mercedes BLK (2011): the scoop

By Georg Kacher (artist's impression by Radovan Varicak)

14 November 2008 10:50
Mercedes is readying a baby crossover dubbed BLK for launch in 2011. It's a small SUV destined to join the swelling ranks of junior premium 4x4s; the BLK will be aimed fair and square at the likes of the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.

And the new BLK – as its name suggests – will be spun from the next-generation A- and B-class family. Think of today's B donning its wellies and a Barbour, and you're not far from the mark depicted by our computer artists. Insiders talk of a smaller version of the chunky GLK.

The new B-class: hatchbacks, mini-MPVs and a baby SUV

Merc wants to expand its range of small cars, so the replacements will be available in at least three bodystyles: a three-door and five-door hatch, and this BLK baby SUV have all been confirmed to CAR. Beyond that, there could even be a B-class coupe (think a shrunken CLS).

It's not clear yet what will underpin the new family. Mercedes has been evaluating three different options that include a reworked version of the package beneath today's models and a new alliance with a third party.

The BLK is likely to be available in two different trims, dubbed internally Street (for the majority of urbanites) and Nature (a toughed-up mud-plugging spec).

So Mercedes' new BLK off-roader will be 4wd, right?

You'd expect so, wouldn't you? But even that's not certain in these carbon-obsessed times. Mercedes sources claim that four-wheel drive will add 100kg to the kerbweight – and the engineers are struggling to contain the bulk of the range-topping 2.2-litre diesel which comes in at 1600kg in five-door form. Blame climate control, 18in wheels, dual-clutch transmission and AWD – ballooning the weight into VW Tiguan territory.

However, the lightest B will be the front-wheel drive three-door on skinny 15-inchers and without air-con, which weighs in at a somewhat slimmer 1340kg. Hence Mercedes' concerns over equipping the BLK with 4wd...

What about the engines for the BLK?

At this stage, Mercedes is planning a wide range of familiar, C-class derived direct-injection powerplants for the BLK:

• BLK 180 1.8-litre, 136bhp, 140lb ft
• BLK 200 2.0-litre, 177bhp, 214lb ft
• BLK 220 2.0-litre, 224bhp, 258lb ft
• BLK 180 CDI, 136bhp, 200lb ft
• BLK 200 CDI, 170bhp, 295lb ft
• BLK 220 CDI, 204bhp, 355lb ft

There will also be a mild hybrid and Mercedes is talking of a new eight- and nine-speed dual-clutch automated manuals. The ratio race continues!

Source: Mercedes BLK (2011): the scoop | Secret New Cars | Car Magazine Online