The Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive just made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show. It’s an ohm-inous reveal, especially for died-in-the-mohair enthusiasts who will no doubt find the car re-volt-ing and have amp-le things to complain about.
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Drawing closer to being production-ready, Mercedes was spied testing its b-segment luxury EV.
Recently, engineers at Mercedes-Benz were shocked when a new refrigerant being tested ignited into a ball of fire before their very eyes.
Despite being sold in Canada, Mercedes-Benz has yet to offer its B-Class to an American audience, though reports of that changing have been floating for years.
The third cooperative effort between American EV manufacturer Tesla and Daimler, one of its major shareholders, will most likely come in the form of a plug-in Mercedes-Benz B-Class.
Mercedes-Benz is going guerilla with its marketing tactics for the new A-Class by placing camouflaged cars around Germany stamped with QR (Quick Response) codes to give those lucky enough to scan them a chance at some prizes.
While that’s good news for a bunch of lucky Germans, the rest of us will have to settle for a new video showing the body shape, headlights and bits of bumper. The video is just a small teaser for the full reveal which will happen in Geneva this March.
If you’re in Germany and see one of the “specially marked” vehicles, whip out your smart phone and scan the code. It could lead to a visit to witness the A-Class debut in person.
Last month our spy photographers spotted a camo-wrapped A-Class being tested but we weren’t sure about the mechanical details. Since then we’ve learned that it will likely feature a 1.8-liter turbocharged four cylinder mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Most models will feature front-wheel drive, though the AMG variant will get 4Matic treatment.
Expect to hear about the A-Class hitting the road in Europe by the end of the year, but not in the U.S. until mid 2013. There will, however, be a four-door coupe hitting the American market based on the same drivetrain later this year.
We’ll be covering the A-Class reveal as well as other breaking news from Geneva starting on March 6.
Watch the promo video after the jump.
[Source: Motor Authority]
The past 20 years were pretty stable in the automotive industry. Mostly predictable releases with a steady rate for manufacturers to introduce new models that seemed like a consistant recipe for success.
Then, suddenly with the start of the current model year, things changed. In fact, it looks like this is just the start of a serious upswing in new releases. According to a story published on CNN Money, the auto industry replaced 16 percent of its fleet annually between 1991 and 2011.
That figure jumped to 23 percent with the 2012 model year, which started in October. Apparently keeping this fresh is the snake oil for successful car companies, because next year that number will grow to 32 percent, effectively doubling the rate new models hit the market. Given this manufacturer mayhem, we decided to round up the new cars you should expect to see soon.
Honda is an interesting case as they’ve recognized that their luxury brand, Acura, is simply being outdone by the competition at every turn. They decided to completely redesign their line to quell complaints that their cars are little more than rebadged Hondas. The first to look for: their new ILX compact sedan. As for Honda, they are already planning to release a new generation Civic after the media chastised them for an uninspired release.
Next up, Nissan. While they don’t hold a big market share in the U.S., Carlos Ghosn, their CEO is making plans to expand the 8.2 percent they have now to ten by 2015. In order to do that, they are revamping half of their entire line. Nissan is targeting the burgeoning EV market with their Leaf, which first became available last year. Look for updated Altimas, Sentras and Pathfinders in the near future.
Toyota suffered after the tsunami, but is coming back with a fury. The automaker is releasing a brand-new sports car, the FR-S, developed in partnership with Subaru and set to sell with a Scion badge. The RAV-4 and Lexus ES sedan will also get updates.
Chrysler will move toward smaller cars, something the brand has historically struggled with. The shrinkage can be attributed to Fiat, their new owners, and how their new 40 mpg Dodge Dart borrows heavily from the Italian engineers.
Ford and GM are trying to hang on to their chunky market shares, 17 and 19.7 percent respectively. Both companies are following the industry strategy: refreshing their popular sellers and releasing redesigned cars in their luxury brands. Look for a re-engineered Lincoln MKZ from Ford and Cadillac‘s new compact ATS and larger XTS sedans from GM.
Finally, there are some changes in the pipeline for German luxury cars. Audi just confirmed that their compact Q3 SUV will be sold in the U.S., along with the re-release of the compact A2 sedan. Mercedes-Benz is opting to offer their smaller B-Series and A-Series cars to remain competitive in the Yankee market.
[Source: CNN Money]
Mercedes-Benz unveiled its second-generation B-Class at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show along with a concept for an E-Cell version of the front-wheel drive compact sport tourer.
The new B-Class is almost two inches shorter than the previous version yet has more leg room thanks to a lowered floor. The seats are also more upright but still offer a lot of head room.
European customers will have the choice of two new gasoline and two diesel options, all with ECO start/stop. The turbocharged 1.6 liter B 180 offers 122 hp while the B 200 version offers 156 hp. The 1.8 liter diesel options include the B 180 CDI with 109 hp and the B 200 CDI with 136 hp. B-class models will come with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a new 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
Mercedes-Benz has just released detailed photos of its new second-generation B-Class, which is set to debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Last month we were teased as to what the new B-Class would look like, and now that we’ve got the full picture, well, it’s not so clear that it’s any less of a stain on Merc’s impressive design history as of late.
Several models of the B-Class will be available to European buyers, with the B180 sporting a 1.6L turbocharged engine with 120-hp and 147 lb-ft of torque, while the B200 will have 154-hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Europe will also receive a 1.8L diesel, delivering 107-hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in the B180 CDI, while the B200 CDI will feature 134-hp and 221 lb-ft of torque.
Mercedes has also announced that it is looking at producing a limited production F-Cell variant that will hopefully be released in 2015.
GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz B-Class
The all-new Mercedes-Benz B-Class is to debut at the Frankfurt auto show this September, and the German automaker has just released interior photos of what the luxury hatchback will look like.
The interior appears to be very simple and well laid out. The B-Class interior can be outfitted with high end materials including the ARTICO man made leather featured on the dashboard. The all-new B-Class crossover will also use a front-wheel drive design and will remain a multi-purpose vehicle, meaning a higher roof and more cargo space.
A full range of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines will be available for the new model, including start-stop technology for improved fuel economy. Mercedes has also worked hard to preserve the interior space of the current car while retaining traditional characteristics of the German automaker. After its debut, the car will go on sale at the end of 2011, hitting European dealerships in November 2011. No official statements have been made regarding B-Class sales in North America.
Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Interior
Mercedes-Benz has officially released details regarding the new B-Class and the brands plans to release a dedicated ‘eco’ version as well as offer four-wheel drive and a range of alternatively powered models after the initial launch.
The vehicle has been lowered by 30mm to improve sportier handling and beneath the passenger cell, an ‘energy space’ has been engineered between the floor and the under-tray to store batteries, Compressed Natural Gas tanks and fuel cells in the planned electric, hydrogen and hybrid variants due out in 2013/13.
An entirely new gas and heavily revised diesel engine will be available as well. A gas powered direct injection 1.6-liter turbo engine will be available with either 123-hp or 154-hp with a larger turbo joining the range later next year.
The diesel engine will be a smaller lighter version of the 2.1-liter powerplant from the current C-Class range, displacing 1.8-liters and producing 108 or 134-hp. A “Sport” package will also be available offering a quicker steering rack, 20mm lower suspension and passive adjustable dampers. The B-Class will be unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show with sales beginning in Europe this fall and the UK receiving the car in the spring of 2012.
[Source: Auto Express]
The next generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class will make its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show in September, however photos have been leaked, and we have them.
The all-new B-Class crossover will use a front-wheel drive design and will remain a multi-purpose vehicle, meaning a higher roof and more cargo space.
A full range of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines will be available for the new model, including start-stop technology for improved fuel economy. Mercedes has also worked hard to preserve the interior space of the current car while retaining traditional characteristics of the German automaker. After its debut, the car will go on sale at the end of 2011, however no official statements have been made regarding B-Class sales in North America.
[Source: Car and Driver]
The Mercedes-Benz B-class is easily one of the most boring cars in the current MB line-up, but that can all change very quickly if the German luxury automaker decides to put its latest concept version on sale.
It’s called the B55 and it comes packed with the firms old 5.5-liter V8 motor, which produces 383-hp and 391 ft-lbs of torque. That is considerably more power than what the normal B-class has to offer.
To deal with the extra grunt, out goes the CVT automatic and in comes the new seven-speed automatic. Oh, and they also converted it from a front-wheel drive vehicle to a rear-wheel drive vehicle, using the axle from an old E430 wagon.
The performance numbers reflect the new grunt. 0-62 mph takes just 5.2 seconds and its top speed is limited to 155 mph. To bring this lunacy to a halt, you get brakes taken from the old C32 AMG.
Looking at the specs, you could be forgiven for thinking that this mad creation must be an AMG job, but it’s not. This is the work of some very passionate people within Mercedes-Benz who wanted to give the B-class a proper send off before an all new model arrives.
If you want one, you are out of luck, because sadly this is just a concept, but it’s great to see such enthusiasm exists in what is normally a very serious automaker.
Hit the link below for pics of this wild machine:
[Source: Autocar]
In the past, if you wanted a high-performance Mercedes B-Class, you’d have to look to the aftermarket and even then, the best tuners like Brabus could offer was a 190-hp diesel version that hit 62-mph in 8.4 seconds. Not exactly high-performance.
With the next-generation B-Class, however, AMG is going to get involved. Set to launch in the U.S. in 2012, the next B-Class is being created to take on cars like the Audi S3 and Golf R in Europe. Yet while those models aren’t offered in North America, the B-Class AMG likely will – in a bid to attract younger buyers to the Mercedes brand.
Power will likely come from a turbocharged 4-cylinder and like all AMG models, expect a sporty suspension, larger brakes, new bodywork and an upgraded interior.
[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog]
Mercedes-Benz will introduce a new B-Class platform in Europe in 2011, with many different variants – several of which are destined for the U.S. According to a recent report by Automotive News, Mercedes will bring up to three B-Class models to the U.S., including a hatchback, sedan and a small crossover. The move comes as little surprise if Mercedes it to compete with premium level hatchbacks like the Audi A3 and Lexus CT200h, as well as crossovers like the upcoming BMW X1. (Mercedes BLK anyone?)
There’s no word on engines yet, but the report suggests an alternative energy (electric, hybrid or fuel cell) model is in the plans. In addition, AMG is reportedly planning to deliver a rear-drive high-performance model based on the new B-Class.
As excited as we are about these new Benzes, don’t expect to see any of them in the U.S. until at least 2012 – although we’ll be sure to keep a close eye on the European models coming next year.
[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog]
AMG has made its mark in the auto industry by building immensely powerful engines to propel large and luxurious Mercedes-Benz models to unimaginable speeds. But with Merc now looking at the lower end of the market, AMG is being forced to do so as well. AMG, however, has its own plans.
A report by Motor Trend suggests that AMG will completely re-engineer the new Mercedes small car platform, transforming it into a rear-drive platform in order to build a proper performance machine. That sounds expensive to us, but with the premium those AMG folks are likely to ask and the huge increase in sales this is likely to bring, it may just be a viable business plan.
Mercedes is currently working on its new front-drive small car platform that will underpin a total of five new vehicles. The first models we are expected to see are all-new versions of the A-Class and B-Class. It is expected that the new B-Class will be sold in the U.S. and according to MT’s inside source, the AMG version is likely to be powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder.
[Source: MotorTrend via Autoblog]
While 2009 was a tumultuous year for automakers, the worldwide economic crisis pushed the auto industry into the mainstream automotive media’s spotlight, making big automotive news stories even bigger. And while new products continued to be introduced, they garnered possibly even more attention that ever before. With that in mind, we thought we’d take a look back at some of the Top 10 biggest stories of 2009 for an automaker that didn’t recoil, but continued on, unveiling an all-new version of one of its most important models, delivering a new exotic car to market, promising an electric car in the future… and making some big changes in its motorsports program. That automaker is Mercedes-Benz.
#10 Mercedes Goes Green With New Hybrids
Slow to adapt hybrid technology, German automakers began to take on the Japanese luxury hybrids in 2009. Mercedes launched two important hybrid models, the S400 Hybrid and the ML450 Hybrid. The S400 Hybrid was the first Mercedes hybrid to go on sale and is also the first mass production automobile to use a lithium-ion battery. Priced at $87,950 it uses an electric motor and 3.5-liter gasoline V6 to produce 295-hp, while getting mileage of 19/26 mpg – an improvement of 26 percent over the S550 in the city. Despite its high-tech battery pack, the S400 Hybrid is a mild-hybrid, which limits its fuel economy.
The second hybrid model from Mercedes is the ML450 Hybrid 4MATIC. A lease-only model, for either 36 or 60 months, at either $659 or $549 per month, the ML450 is the first two-mode hybrid (like the Toyota Prius) from Mercedes. The ML450 uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine and two electric motors to make 335-hp and 381 ft-lbs of torque. Unlike the S400 Hybrid, it will be able to operate exclusively on electric power for short periods of time. Its fuel economy is rated at 21/24 mpg (city/highway), which is roughly the same as the ML350 Bluetec diesel at 18/25 mpg. This is also a 46 percent improvement over the fuel economy rating of the similarly-powerful ML550.
The next step for Mercedes in the field of hybrids comes with the Vision S500 Plug-In Hybrid, which debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show and foreshadows a plug-in hybrid version of the next generation S-Class. Thanks to a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 60-hp/184 ft-lb electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, the car is capable of getting an amazing 73.5 mpg! Possibly more shocking is that the car doesn’t sacrifice performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. Additionally, the electric motor will be able to power the car emissions-free for 18 miles.
Mercedes will introduce at least one small car to the U.S. in 2012, doing a 180 on a past decision to stick to larger vehicles in order to enforce the brand’s high-end image. The news comes directly from CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche, in an interview in the Wall Street Journal. The car would compete with vehicles like the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, Volvo C30 and MINI Cooper – as well as a possible compact luxury vehicle from Lexus based on the LF-Ch concept.
Analysts have suggested the move is the result of lessons learned from the recent economic downturn, with sales of larger luxury vehicles and SUVs taking a significant hit, while the share of the market made up by compact and subcompact vehicles has grown. The introduction of a smaller and more fuel efficient model in the Mercedes lineup in the U.S. would also help the manufacturer meet increasingly strict CAFE regulations.
In the past Mercedes had decided to introduce the B-Class to the U.S. market but canceled plans when an unfavorable Euro-to-dollar exchange rate made the car’s business plan unsound. (The B-Class was, however, introduced in Canada, where vehicles are sold for significantly more).
The new Mercedes small car will be based on an all new platform that Mercedes says is much cheaper to manufacture, making the Euro-to-dollar exchange rate less of a factor. It is not yet known if the car will follow in the B-Class’s layout of being a premium-people mover or if Mercedes will opt to build a more sporty offering to better compete with cars like the 1 Series or MINI Cooper.
Over the past two years, Mercedes has introduced three concepts based on the B-Class architecture, including a hydrogen fuel-cell concept, a hybrid concept and an electric car concept. It’s likely that the future Mercedes small car platform will bring one of more of these concept car technologies into production.
[Source: The Wall Street Journal]
Unlike traditional compacts these cars can be costly; the Mini goes for as much as $34,000 depending on optionsDaimler’s tentative move comes as buyers in Europe and the U.S. are increasingly redef
Mercedes-Benz introduced its BlueZero E-Cell Plus concept car at the Frankfurt Auto show.
The plug-in electric Hybrid can travel up to 100km (62 miles) on electric power before the gasoline engine kicks in to recharge the lithium-ion batteries, enabling an extended range of 600km (373 miles). The engine is a turbocharged 1.0-liter 3-cylinder powerplant producing 67hp.
The electric motor which actually powers the car makes 134hp and 236 ft-lbs of torque, enabling the plug-in hybrid to hit 62 mph in 11 seconds.
Impressively, the BlueZERO E-Cell Plus can be recharged for 50km trips in just 30 minutes using a special rapid charger. A full charge will take an hour or up to six hours with a conventional wall outlet.
The E-Cell Plus’ door handles are flush with the door, popping open with a touch. I had a hard time figuring it out myself; I tried touching it, tapping it, even swiping a finger across the handle but I couldn’t get it to work. A Mercedes-Benz rep came by to help me out, giving the handle a simple tap on its wider back end. The door handle then slowly slid out, opening the door at the same time.
The E-Cell Plus is one of three models in Mercedes-Benz’s BlueZero family. The E-Cell, introduced in Detroit earlier this year, is completely battery-powered with a range of 200 km (124 miles). The F-Cell is powered by fuel cell with a hydrogen gas tank. It has a range of 400 km (248 miles) and produces water vapor as a by-product.
Gallery: Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus
We’ve already seen a pre-production electric B-Class concept and a hydrogen fuel-cell B-Class concept. Now Mercedes is readying a plug-in electric hybrid based on the B-Class chassis, which will debut in a more complete form at the Frankfurt Auto Show in just a few weeks time.
Called the BlueZERO E-Cell Plus Concept this model can travel up to 100km (62 miles) on electric power before the gasoline engine kicks in to recharge the lithium-ion batteries, enabling an extended range of 500km (300 miles). The engine is a turbocharged 1.0-liter 3-cylinder powerplant producing 67hp.
The electric motor which actually powers the car makes 134hp and 236 ft-lbs of torque, enabling the plug-in hybrid to hit 62 mph in 11 seconds.
Impressively, the BlueZERO E-Cell Plus can be recharged for 50km trips in just 30 minutes using a special rapid charger. A full charge will take an hour or up to six hours with a conventional wall outlet.
First unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year, the BlueZERO E-Cell Plus Concept is expected to make its way to production in the near future.
GALLERY: BlueZERO E-Cell Plus Concept
Official release: