Mercedes Supermini

[Wolfgang]

^ MB is concentrating on smart, as a smaller A-Class is not approved yet. Confirms what he said about 2 years ago.

 

[Wolfgang]

Autobild writes in their latest issue the Mercedes-Benz X-Class starts in 2018 with two models, an X-Class Cross below the GLA, and an X-Class Van, about 4 meters long. As per previous posts, this is speculation and not yet approved.

PS. Autobild / Larson render updated.

 

[Merc1]

NO!

M

 

[Wunderkind]

NO!

M

Ditto

Looks like any non-descript Offering from the VW-Audi Group. It actually screams Skoda!

 

[Gianclaudio]

Ditto

Looks like any non-descript Offering from the VW-Audi Group. It actually screams Skoda!

Looks like the VW CrossFox to me....


I've no problem with a small Mercedes, but make it SUPER premium and not just A1/DS3 level.....

 

[Wolfgang]

RUMOR: Mercedes-Benz X-Class anyone?

A new speculation now travels across the automotive industry: Mercedes-Benz will likely further consolidate its position in the premium compact market segment with the advent of an all new class beginning with 2018 - the X-Class.

According to Autobild, the X-Class lineup will be developed in cooperation with Renault and will consist of two different models: the Cross and the Van. The first is a hatchback with higher ground clearance that features "baby SUV" styling meaning plastic covers for the bumpers and wheel arches, a redesigned metal shield visible from underneath the car and bespoke alloy wheels. The second choice is a small van with chic factor placed just beneath the B-Class Sports Tourer.

It is very important to mention both X-Class models reach a total length of just 4 meters and sit on a modified MFA platform. While the X-Class Van, at least according to the rendition, boasts a unique design, the X-Class Cross is in fact a redesigned A-Class targeting the Volkswagen CrossPolo. No wonder it could be released around 2018, when the facelift of the W176 series will already be on the market.

Engines and equipment will come from the bigger siblings. In addition, the partnership with Renault will also spawn some extra frugal, small displacement powerplants to be used specifically on the X-Class, so expect some impressive performance when it comes to fuel economy and CO2 emission level.

Analyzing the latest reports and inside information, it may well surprise everybody that Daimler's boss Dr. Dieter Zetsche initially denied Mercedes-Benz interest in mastering any sub A-Class models. By contrast, these speculations about the future X-Class portfolio and the 4-meter GLG clearly highlight the intention of the Germans to become a striking presence in the over-crowded cities of the future with these attractive, lifestyle vehicles that should look and perform very well.

Mercedes-Benz-Blog: RUMOR: Mercedes-Benz X-Class anyone?

 

[SCOTT27]

Ambitious. But I wonder if they will head into another M like scenario over X with BMW?

 

[Wolfgang]

No decision yet?


Q: Mercedes was once considering a small car with a star in the so-called Polo class?
A: With our model initiative we are taking a major step forward with the portfolio expansion. When the smart forfour has been added to the smart fortwo, the gap to the compact segment will be very small. Nevertheless, I can confirm that from time to time we are considering to close this gap. However, there is no decision.

http://www.stuttgarter-zeitung.de

 

[Levi68]

OMG!!!


I have to study so much and work my way up the ladder as fast as possible to become CEO of some brand. At least for one to be saved and stay holy.

 

[Wolfgang]

Car Magazine reports of a third crossover under development from Mercedes known internally as the ‘X Class.’ The publication reports that this mystery SUV would be microscopic in size. It will be four meters long making it even smaller than the smallest Benz – the A Class. In fact, the new X Class will sit between the Smart car and the Mercedes A Class.

Mercedes has called on small car experts Renault-Nissan to help them develop the new small crossover. Mercedes and Renault-Nissan will work on a new JC1 platform, an advanced version of the MFA (Mercedes FWD architecture), that will underpin all the future small cars from Daimler and most superminis from Renault-Nissan.

Mercedes estimates a demand of 100,000 to 150,000 units of the ‘X Class’ later this decade. The Stuttgart based giant is already scouting for low-cost production bases to build the new X Class. Can India be an option?

Rumors stir up of a mystery X Class SUV from Mercedes

 

[Wolfgang]

Georg Kacher
Conclusion

After the 190 (1982) and the A-Class (1997) Mercedes lights with the X-class (2018) another shooting star. It also has the makings of a hit. But only if the prices are right - and the core values ​​of the brand remain intact.

 

[Merc1]

Mercedes has lost it. I really hope this doesn't happen. This should be a SMART, not a Mercedes.

M

 

[bmwownage]

i think the final conclusion will be, something that resembles the original A class, something narrower, shorter, taller but offer more space than the current A class hatch.

 

[Giannis]

Mercedes has lost it. I really hope this doesn't happen. This should be a SMART, not a Mercedes.

M

I agree. They just can't get any more compact than A-Class or 1er for BMW.

On the other hand, MB, just like BMW and Audi, are european brands and small and medium hatches sell a lot here, unlike the US. So, it kind of makes sense to offer something in both these segments, on the upper end though. Yet, each new smaller model takes a bit from the lustre of the Star. I'd, too, agree that they can't go any more compact than the A. They need to use Smart.

 

[fortuner]

I think it actually looks decent not my type car but I can see it being a hit in Europe and even India.

 

[Wolfgang]

The X-Klasse made it onto the cover of the latest Autobild.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Are there any plans to expand SMART or will everything just go under Mercedes? @Wolfgang

 

[Wolfgang]

Agreed, HOH, SMART plans to expand.

Yet despite the concepts displaying a variety of body styles (from coupes to pickups) , Winkler says a two-seater and four-seater are the only new Smarts on the way. “I speak to customers. They are not asking for new models, like a roadster. They want the car like it is.”

http://www.straight-six.com/interview-head-of-smart-annette-winkler/

 

[Wolfgang]

The latest rumor, no MINI from Mercedes.

Dr. Z Says That There is no MINI Competitor From Mercedes-Benz Planned

Speaking at the Frankfurt Motor Show with the peeps from Autocar, Daimler AG chairman Dieter Zetsche ruled out the possibility of Mercedes-Benz to develop a rival for BMW's MINI or Audi's A1 in the following years.

There have been numerous reports in the recent year which suggested that Daimler's friendliness towards the Renault-Nissan alliance might also bring a sub-A-Class model based on either the current generation of the Renault Clio or Mercedes' own shortened MFA (Modular Front Architecture) platform.

“It’s clear that there’s an opportunity for a supermini. Such a car would offer plenty of volume for us, but it would also be tough to make profit from. For now, I don’t see a need for us to go that way,” Zetsche said, quoted by Autocar.

Not wanting to sound like the boy who cried wolf, the magic mustache man also mentioned that “further down the line, it’s a possibility.” In other words, depending on market conditions, a model situated between the upcoming smart forfour and the successful A-Class W176 may or may not appear. We incline more towards "may", than "may not", but maybe that's just us.

Dr. Z Says That There is no MINI Competitor From Mercedes-Benz Planned

 

[LaArtist]

^thank god