Gojirra99

Mercedes has just launched the new-generation A-Class range . There's Another baby Benz on the way too, however, to be called B-Class: this is the production version of the concept codenamed CST, or Compact Sports Tourer. Like the M-Class-sized GST - Grand Sports Tourer, to be badged R-Class - it will be marketed as a family car/4x4 crossover. This will put it further upmarket than conventional small family cars, and supports Mercedes' aim to provide an alternative to the Golf or 1-Series which is a bit more versatile. Although the A-Class is not aimed at American buyers, the B has been specifically developed with the US market in mind.

Link HERE

videcormeum

And here's why people will buy that piece of junk:

Davtown

It seems to me these days that Mercedes just has too many products in their line-up... I don't quite understand how they all fit in with each other

SupraCoup3

I saw a black one of those with german badges on the back on the road yesterday... it didn't have plates, but it had a number 19 on the rear glass...

is this car being sold yet? Or did I see a preproduction model being driven around?

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

What do you mean? MB is a great company.

videcormeum

I mean to say that people will only buy these new MB offerings (A & B class) b/c they say "Mercedes-Benz" on the back and have the 3-star badge on the front ...

Vanity drives "luxury" purchases here (and all over), sir. This car has very few merits. Utility ought to be accompanied by reliability - something Mercedes gave up on long ago.

Stage3

iTrader: (3)

is it just me, or does that car look a LOT like the Matrix???

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

I don't totally agree. Yes, a lot of people buy MB because of the cachet associated with the brand, but MB still makes some GREAT vehicles. I also think this B class is pretty decent looking for its target market. Certainly better looking than a Sienna!

The ML certainly hurt MB's reputation and yes, MB's overall quality has fallen, but it's not THAT bad.

If I was looking to buy a sports sedan right now, an E500 or E55 would be definitely on my list to consider.

Gojirra99

With more & more downmarket cars like these Mercedes are/will be offering. It will no longer be fair to compare Mercedes sales to Lexus. Many of these cheap Mercedes are comparable only to Toyota's in features/contents, not Lexus. When Mercedes sell these cars, they will still count as Mercedes sales, whereas comparable Toyota's will count as Toyota sales, not Lexus.
This is already true in Europe, where the majority of Mercedes sold are low hp & diesel models not available here, many equipped with cloth seats.

Captain Bone

Ugly

-Anthony

LOTC

I agree, are they in a race to finish the entire English Alphabet with all these new models?

LexusChris

iTrader: (1)

Looks like a Mercedes-Benz Pacifica.

JAC JZS

looks like a ford foci sucky wagon

Richie

I'm not really feeling it.

SecPole14

LOL, yup.

Remember that scene in Bruce Almighty when Jim Carey's character is on the Niagra tour boat and he's screaming "Eroding, EEEERRRROOOODING...!!!"

Well, that's what MB is doing to their brand image. Isn't this hunk of junk going to be FWD?

Can't wait for people to put spinn0rz on these...