B-Class [Report] 70,000 vehicles of the new B-Class were delivered to customers since its market launch

[far2000]

More than 70,000 vehicles of the new B-Class were delivered to customers since its market launch in November 2011, “Demand for our premium compact cars is so strong that we are going to to introduce a third assembly shift in October 2012″, said Peter Wesp, Head of the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant. “Our team in Rastatt is doing a fantastic job, and we are very proud of their achievements.” The number of trainee positions has been increased to 70 per year.

http://www.eurasiareview.com/17072012-mercedes-benz-starts-a-class-production-at-rastatt-plant/

 

[Wolfgang]

Auto Motor and Sport confirmed two 7 seater B-Class variants may be planned, with different trunk sizes.

5-seater B-Class
7-seater B-Class XL
7-seater B-Class XXL (larger trunk than XL)
B-Class EV

http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/...-3258134.html?fotoshow_item=6#fotoshow_item=7

 

[fortuner]

When will this be launched...I think my bro will need one.

 

[Wolfgang]

I'd estimate not before 2015 since a number of production starts come first, the CLA Coupe in the spring of 2013, the GLA compact SUV towards the end of 2013, followed by the CLA Shooting Brake and B-Class EV in 2014.

BTW, the ML may get a seven seater option next year.

It's also deep enough to package a third-row seat, and Mercedes is working on a fold-flat unit, even though the 2006-'11 M-Class didn't have one. "It's about two years out," Steve Cannon, vice president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA, tells us.
http://www.insideline.com/mercedes-benz/m-class/2012/2012-mercedes-benz-ml350-first-drive.html

 

[fortuner]

Are you serious about .ML then who would buy .GL

 

[Wolfgang]

There's only very little luggage space left in an ML when seating seven?

Picture: http://www.benzworld.org

 

[Wolfgang]

When will this be launched...I think my bro will need one.

Debut at IAA 2013 according to Autobild.

http://www.autobild.de/artikel/mercedes-b-klasse-siebensitzer-3579502.html

 

[KiwiRob]

Looking at the renders I wouldn't be surprised if the 7 seater becomes the biggest selling B class, it certainly looks far more attractive than the stumpy 5 seat version. I've been looking for spy photos but haven't found any so far.