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Author Topic: Mercedes B-Class!  (Read 2611 times)

Offline Shnak

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Mercedes B-Class!
« on: May 17, 2005, 10:19:01 am »
Wow I gotta say that it is a great looking vehicle!  

But why no diesel engine available? Wouldn't it be the perfect candidate for a small diesel engine in it?

And also, why make it FWD instead of RWD like all the other Mercedes vehicles? Is it because they wanted to lower the B-Class selling price?

If well priced, this vehicle could be a big success. Seems to me that it is in a class of its own, offering something that nobody else does. A solid, luxury tall-wagon. I can't wait to see/try one!!!
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Offline Shnak

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Mercedes B-Class!
« Reply #1 on: May 17, 2005, 10:25:21 am »
Well looks like Siraqua just started his own B-Class thread in the General Automotive Discussion section.  

Ignore this thread please.
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Offline perfecto

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« Reply #2 on: May 17, 2005, 10:26:18 am »
Looks a lot like the Toyota Matrix or a shorter version of the Mazda 5... very nice!
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Offline sirAQUAMAN64

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Mercedes B-Class!
« Reply #3 on: May 17, 2005, 10:50:47 am »



Sorry. It probably should have gone into 'New Models'

I just beat you to the post tho!
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S60

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« Reply #4 on: May 17, 2005, 11:52:07 am »
Shnak MB made it a FWD, as more interior space is possible with this set up.
Nice to see we are finally getting some the small euro vehicles offered in NA.
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Offline Shnak

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Mercedes B-Class!
« Reply #5 on: May 17, 2005, 11:55:36 am »
ahhh that makes sense S60. I don't think a vehicle like the B-Class will lose much by being FWD instead of RWD like the other Mercedes... with its high roof and tall sides, it certainly won't be a rocket and I wouldn't expect race car handling out of it either... so FWD is just fine for this type of vehicle IMO. They need to offer a diesel engine though.
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Offline Bullet Blue

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Mercedes B-Class!
« Reply #6 on: May 17, 2005, 02:00:39 pm »
As I mentioned in SAM's thread MB needs to be careful with the way they price this one, as it could easily hit into the $50K range if loaded up with options.  

I can't wait to see how the BMW and Volvo equivilant stack up to MB and Audi's  small euro cars.
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Offline asdf

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« Reply #7 on: May 17, 2005, 02:11:18 pm »
Since MB doesn't have any FWD vehicles in their lineup, anyone know if MB is dipping into the Chrysler parts bin to create the FWD drivetrain.  (Kind of like how the 300C uses the MB drivetrain for its RWD/AWD)
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A4_tom

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Mercedes B-Class!
« Reply #8 on: May 17, 2005, 02:23:48 pm »
All the A/B-Class's chassis and powertrains are all pure-Mercedes DNA, nothing shares with Chrysler parts bin.

There should be plenty of customers checking out B-Class after their C-Coupe off-leased.
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Offline Shnak

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Mercedes B-Class!
« Reply #9 on: May 17, 2005, 02:24:47 pm »
That is an interesting question Asdf... and a frightening one at the same time.

Bullit, maybe I'm missing something, but I can't figure out which vehicles BMW, Volvo and Audi have that compete directly against the B-Class...
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A4_tom

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Mercedes B-Class!
« Reply #10 on: May 17, 2005, 02:26:57 pm »
Audi A3 and BMW 1/2-Series are direct competitors to B-Class. As for Volvo, they are going to built V30. I just hope GM can come out with a proper 9-2 in future iteration.
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Offline Shnak

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« Reply #11 on: May 17, 2005, 02:31:35 pm »
hmm aren't the A3 and BMW 1/2 series just regular hatchbacks while the B-Class is a tall-wagon? I'm sure the B-Class will offer more interior space, and certainly a lot more headroom, than the A3 or BMW 1/2 Series.
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Offline Bullet Blue

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« Reply #12 on: May 17, 2005, 03:07:45 pm »
shnak, what A4 tom said. There's gonna be a lot of compitition in this class segment for the euros.
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Offline Shnak

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« Reply #13 on: May 17, 2005, 03:18:41 pm »
Hmm maybe... but I still don't see those offerings as being alternatives to the B-Class just because of the difference in interior passenger space. I'd compare the B-Class more to the Matrix than the Golf/A3 personally.
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Offline footlong58

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Mercedes B-Class!
« Reply #14 on: May 17, 2005, 03:44:04 pm »
I guess you can even add the RSX into the mix...  FWD hatchback, only 2 doors though...

The new EL is supposed to be a 5 door hatch, 160hp...
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Offline Bullet Blue

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« Reply #15 on: May 17, 2005, 03:50:43 pm »
I doubt MB would EVER build a product to take on the Matrix. They are far too snobby and are far too protective of their rep of being "the bench mark" or the envy, for that. I see it more of and entry luxury option. Those who wish to have the european design and engineering on a bit of a budget.

The C230 Kompressor Coupe would be direct competition for the RSX than the B-Class

(Message edited by Bullit_Blue on May 17, 2005)
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Offline Shnak

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Mercedes B-Class!
« Reply #16 on: May 17, 2005, 04:14:00 pm »
I know that Bullit... but I'm just talking in terms of the vehicle dimensions and interior space, the Matrix is a much better match than the A3 or 1-series.

I don't think someone looking for a sportly little hatchback will cross-shop the B-Class with the A3 or 1-series... the B-Class won't handle as good and most likely won't be as fast as those 2.
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Offline safristi

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« Reply #17 on: May 17, 2005, 04:20:49 pm »
There is something NOT quite right in calling something "B"  CLASS and charging Over $30-40K for it.....C- maybe?????
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Offline sirAQUAMAN64

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« Reply #18 on: May 17, 2005, 04:52:03 pm »
I think the B will handle okay (it is taller) but will go very well. I know the head of M-B Canada has spoken to that effect before, and 197hp in something this small will definitely motor it.

I can see people comparing the B with the A3, just because they're both entry lux branded cars with similar power. But the B clearly has the room advantage whereas the A3 may have the sporty/handling advantage. I think a lot of people will consider the B, as small as it looks. I can't see them pricing it much over $42K at the top end. Probably start at $30 flat - $32. Keep in mind the A3 starts at $32,8 with 200hp, and they need to slot it under the C-Class.  

The Golf Plus would be a direct competitor, if it comes to Canada as rumoured of late. Doesn't have the luxo label, but overall is closest and probably wouldn't be priced much less. In Europe they're pretty much on par.
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A4_tom

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« Reply #19 on: May 17, 2005, 05:30:30 pm »
Strictly price wise, here are what I considered as B-Class competitions:
Audi A3 2.0T Sportback
Volvo V50
Saab 9-2X
Acura RSX
Acura EL Type-S

Don't tell me Legacy GT is a competitor even though its in similar price range and got turbo engine.
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