C-Class 2014 Mercedes C-Class Van
- Thread starter KiwiRob
- Start date
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a series of compact executive cars produced by Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 (W201) range, the C-Class was the smallest model in the marque's line-up until the W168 A-Class arrived in 1997.
Wolfgang
Kraftwagen König
^^^ This is about the R successor, and not so much about how to compete with BMW. 
Georg Kacher summarised it a while back thusly: Mercedes: Der Nachfolger der R-Klasse wird ein E-Klasse Van. - autobild.de
Options:
2015 C-Van (S205) based on new 2014 C-Class W205
2015 R-Class (W252) based on ML/GL (not likely)
2015 E-Van (V213) "GST" Grand Sports Tourer based on long wheel base 2016 E-Class (W213)
Georg Kacher summarised it a while back thusly: Mercedes: Der Nachfolger der R-Klasse wird ein E-Klasse Van. - autobild.de
Options:
2015 C-Van (S205) based on new 2014 C-Class W205
2015 R-Class (W252) based on ML/GL (not likely)
2015 E-Van (V213) "GST" Grand Sports Tourer based on long wheel base 2016 E-Class (W213)
KiwiRob
Autotechnik Ace
I don't see this as a niche car at all, just look at the number of MPV's on the roads in Europe, this is a mainstream model.
I don't get it, don't they have the A/B Class for this? If it's based on the C, it can't be that much bigger than the B. Also, they have the GLK which is a raised C-Class. How many of these dumb things do they need to drag the brands sex-appeal down?
The A/B class don't have enough room in them for a family with three kids, they are not wide enough, and they don't have a third row of seats. I see the C class van being wider and more similar in size to the Zafira Touring, S Max, Touran, all are bigger than the B class but smaller than an R class.
The R class was a mistake in Europe, way too big, the only ones I see are used as hearses.
Wolfgang
Kraftwagen König
MB also offers commercial vans, like the Vito and Sprinter, with another, smaller one joining in 2012.
Vito as London Taxi
http://www.londonblacktaxis.net/blog/first-class-mercedes-vito-taxi-service
http://www.emercedesbenz.com/autos/...neration-sets-new-benchmarks-in-vans-segment/
Vito as London Taxi
http://www.londonblacktaxis.net/blog/first-class-mercedes-vito-taxi-service
http://www.emercedesbenz.com/autos/...neration-sets-new-benchmarks-in-vans-segment/
KiwiRob
Autotechnik Ace
I'm pretty positive you'll be proven wrong, this will sell like hotcakes in Europe, there currently isn't a premium MPV on sale in Europe today, the B class isn't an MPV, it's a Golf Plus competitor.
Then what's the A-Class? Isn't that a Golf competitor?
How many Vans do these guys need?
Just please don't bring it to the States. Europe's already used to the "Non Benz, Benzes" (as most of my friends/family in Europe stated they see the A/B Classes as).
If Sales are all that matter, and product vision/sacredness isn't, then why doesn't M-B just release a Pickup Truck in the States, and go straight after Americas #1 selling vehicle for multiple decades: Ford F150. It'd sell like hotcakes.
How many Vans do these guys need?
Just please don't bring it to the States. Europe's already used to the "Non Benz, Benzes" (as most of my friends/family in Europe stated they see the A/B Classes as).
If Sales are all that matter, and product vision/sacredness isn't, then why doesn't M-B just release a Pickup Truck in the States, and go straight after Americas #1 selling vehicle for multiple decades: Ford F150. It'd sell like hotcakes.
KiwiRob
Autotechnik Ace
I don't know anyone who would consider an A/B class as a non Benz. This C class van is a great idea a RWD premium MPV but not a whale like the R class, if they build it I will be interested. The GLK is too small as is the C class Touring, I don't like the E, I I think of when I see one is taxi, BMW's entrant into this market will be FWD so Merc is on to a winner IMO. There are dad's like me who would like a sporty MPV, no one makes one.
MikeJ
M-Power Meister
If Sales are all that matter, and product vision/sacredness isn't, then why doesn't M-B just release a Pickup Truck in the States, and go straight after Americas #1 selling vehicle for multiple decades: Ford F150. It'd sell like hotcakes.
What does it matter if MB makes minivans, trucks or any other type of vehicle, as long as the products themselves are up to the standards of the brand?
Nicks
Quattro Commander
Completely agree. I'm sick of hearing how trucks or buses hurt some imaginary "prestige" of MB, as in reality they've made contribution to that as well
But what are the standards of the brand? Low-end interiors (current and namely pre-FL C-Class), FWD, mini-buses? The Mercedes-Benz that allowed "Mercedes-Benz" to be the Mercedes-Benz that they are today, never had a fleet of Vans/MPV's, etc. If they did, Mercedes-Benz wouldn't be the premier automotive brand that it is today (and, yes, of course it is).
The A/B are big sellers, but they're hardly representing the cultural and perception strengths of the brand. And they're hardly enthusiast oriented cars (they're M-B's for those that simply need transportation and care about nothing else). I have no prob with the A/B existing, although I feel that bringing them to the status-seeking and materialistic U.S will be a big mistake to the everlasting and powerful cache the brand has, and no, those inane and nonsensical lines that are probably supposed to attract the 8 year old in all of us, won't help.
What I don't get, is how this C Van is different from an A/B, or the fleet of SUV's they have (okay, I get the SUV's, but my point is they are chalk-full of utility/practicality vehicles already). Do they really need to become such a Van/MPV heavy company? In their chase for market share, they might just lose the plot. Let's just hope that they differentiate their higher end products (E/S/SL/CLS/Etc/) vastly from the low end ones.... Problem is, they can't, as it's not economical to, so we'll see parts/units/trim-pieces/drivetrains/design elements shared from the cheapest to the most expensive.
Wolfgang
Kraftwagen König
Here's a list appended below, in case you dont want to wait for the rumored 2015 C-Van.
If C-Class Touring and GLK are too small, one doesn't like the E and the R-Class is too large, there's the ML?
PS. My friends in Scandinavia drive GLK (2), ML (1) and GL (1).
MikeJ
M-Power Meister
From a European perspective, the standards of the brand are things like build quality and durability. Mainstream Mercs like the W123 or W124 and their predecessors weren't fast or particularly luxurious, but they would go on forever. The biggest dent in this image in recent history was the W210 E-Class.
Mercedes is not exactly considered a driving enthusiast's brand on this side of the pond, with the exception of certain models. There's much more to 'premium' than just performance. A stylish and well-built MPV-type vehicle will appeal to quite a few buyers, especially those with families. I do agree that they might not be to American tastes.
You might as well whether they need as many coupes or convertibles or AMGs as they have. If there's a niche, I don't see a problem in developing a product for it. Of course, my original point still stands - if the lower-end models are built to a lower standard, they will bring the brand's appeal down.
Merc1
Premium
I'm pretty sure I don't care, it won't be sold in the U.S. Its ugly as all getout and all of this is pure speculation at this point, really matterless.
M
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Established in 1926, Mercedes-Benz Group produces consumer luxury
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Its origin lies in Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft's 1901 Mercedes
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