The Next Small Mercs

Here’s exciting news for the upcoming B-Class. None other than Mercedes-Benz marketing chief Joachim Schmidt announced that the new B-Class will have no less than four variants, and that includes one SUV and a hatchback version. The company is also working on a sedan variant that should be able to place itself well below the C-Class sedan. The entry-level B-Class sedan will hopefully attract younger buyers who are still not able to purchase, and maintain, a full-sized C-Class. Apart from the price tag, the B-Class sedan will surely be more fuel-efficient thanks to a smaller engine.

Germany’s Autobild magazine reported earlier the previous year that the next-generation B-Class would feature more headroom and legroom plus a more comfortable entrance. To make things a little bit more comfy, independent suspension will be featured at the rear. Power would stem through a 7-speed DCT double clutch transmission on either two or all-wheel drive modes. It’ll have a wide sunroof up top, while down below, cushiony seats plus a Command System will make sure you’re all warm and cozy. The report further suggested a 600-km range using BlueZero and an 80-km range on full electric power.

Finally, according to the 2009 report, the new B-Class will be carrying engines from the current C-Class, namely 3 CDI engines and 3 direct-injection engines with direct injection, turbocharger and intercooler. As anticipated, the next B-Class will have an AMG version built, as well as a coupe and cabriolet variants in the works.

The 320PS Hot Hatch

The German carmaker’s AMG department will release the 320 hp A-Klasse in 2012, as Autocar reports. Of course, a vehicle will additionally be the aspirant for BMW’s not long ago introduced 340 hp & 450 Nm (yes, the same energy rating as a RS3) M version of a 1 Series coupe.

The vehicle will be built upon the third generation of a A-Klasse, powered by a turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine.

The aluminum engine and the twin-scroll turbocharger will work with the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox and the Haldex-style all-wheel-drive system. The new A-Klasse will be underpinned by Mercedes’s MFA (Modularen Frontantriebs-Architektur) 

sources: benzinsider, allaboutauto.us, caranddriver, autobild, emercedes