Report: Mercedes working on an even smaller SUV, smaller than GLK

omarrana submitted on 03/27/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 12:47 PM
from: www.egmcartech.com

Tags: Mercedes

Mercedes

Report: Mercedes working on an even smaller SUV, smaller than GLK

The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class and A-Class are capable of taking four-wheel-drive as a part of a larger initiative that involves offering Mercedes’ 4Matic technologoy for all future models.

According to AutoCar, the B-Class/A-Class platform may be used to bring about a junior off-roader that will rival the upcoming Audi Q3 and BMW X1. No engine details are available as of yet but the baby SUV will be positioned under the upcoming... Read Article

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Willis - 3/27/2008 6:00:01 PM

+12 Boost

Pretty sad that Lexus fails to adapt to different markets and continues only to offer a small lineup with relatively no engine options across the range.

Lexus is playing catch up in Europe and the lack of smaller models and engines is one reason why they're flopping.

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ErichHartmann - 3/27/2008 6:31:12 PM

+12 Boost

"Unlike Mercedes, BMW and Audi, Lexus is a luxury brand not a mainstream brand in Europe."

Very funny.

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ErichHartmann - 3/27/2008 6:52:05 PM

+13 Boost

"If, however, a brand tries to pretend to be an upmarket brand when in fact it really cover everything from the very low end to the very high, then that, my friend, is a real shame."

Are you implying that brands like BMW or Mercedes are simply NOT upmarket brands? Are you saying these brands are pretending to be luxury brands but in reality aren't?

I would like you to tell me WHY you think this is the case. Let's some details and facts that support your stupid claim.

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ErichHartmann - 3/27/2008 7:13:12 PM

+9 Boost

"ErichHartmann:
Hello? Can you read? I said those German brands pretend to be an upmarket brand when they really cover BOTH the low-end and the high-end markets. Is it that hard to agree with this simple fact?"

Let me ask you again.

Answer my question with detailed facts and evidence instead of talking out of your behind. You have shown me nothing except your opinion, which is highly biased.

(Can you read?)

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ErichHartmann - 3/27/2008 7:16:21 PM

+9 Boost

Spellchecker001,

Good post about how the innovative past history of Benz Cie. and the Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft made them enter new niche markets with new types of vehicles. This is pretty much something I was looking for in XeroKool's post.

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ErichHartmann - 3/27/2008 7:31:31 PM

+10 Boost

XeroKool,

You are wrong.

Audi, Mercedes and BMW are seen first and foremost as premium brands and not mainstream brands. The products they sell are far to expensive to be considered mainstream.

The European market is different than the North American market. Offering cars with smaller engines under a luxury badge doesn't brand them as mainstream. There are enough consumers here interested in a luxury car with sensible performance and costs.

Mercedes and BMW are still the brands people aspire to own. Audi is the rising star. Lexus is a brand that is not necessarily overlooked, but lacks the appeal and pulling power of their German rivals.

You still have provided no factual information as to why you consider them "mainstream".

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ErichHartmann - 3/27/2008 8:23:07 PM

+6 Boost

The W169 Mercedes A-Klasse comes standard with A/C and power windows infront (rear optional).

What is wrong with cloth seats? They've been part of luxury cars here for decades.

15" wheels, so? The A-Klasse is available in three different trims that suit a variety of buyers. Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde. Elegance and Avantgarde are the expensive trims while Classic is the base trim.

The A-Klasse is a premium compact car Such a niche exists in Europe. It is not an outright luxury car per se but it distinguishes itself in its class through a variety of optional equipment, higher safety ratings than competing vehicles and simple as it may sound, a better interior.

If you have never driven these cars, I suggest you don't talk about them. I work for Mercedes-Benz in Munich. I have driven every possible model of the A-Klasse ranging from the base A150 to the powerful A200 Turbo. All engines are refined thanks to TwinPulse and CRBS and agile. The base A150 is a very agile car with the standard manual transmission for example.

The A-Klasse is also a car that appeals to a wide range of consumers: young, middle aged and older consumers.

What you're doing is superimposing the North American views of what luxury should be with those of Europe.

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EnnNorak - 4/3/2008 6:29:10 PM

+1 Boost

What we need is a smaller world population and not smaller vehicles.

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EnnNorak - 4/3/2008 11:21:52 PM

+1 Boost

ErichHartmann asks what is wrong with cloth seats. The answer is that most people wear cloth pants and similar materials rubbing together exhibit the highest degree of friction. It is easier to slide your bottom on a leather seat (even Mercedes Artico leather which is a decades-old proven durable material). On a long trip one can easily get tired of sitting in the same position all the time and that is why the seat has to be covered with a material that is easy to shift position on. This is especially true in the C-class which has overly firm seats.

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bulldogz - 3/27/2008 4:35:41 PM

-11 Boost

Is this a threat from Mercedes?

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4wheelsnme - 3/27/2008 9:16:48 PM

+5 Boost

Spellchecker001: Lexus are very very rare here in Brazil.They are known as Toyota luxury cars and their designs in general don´t suit the taste of Brazilians.Maybe if Toyota brought the ISF to Brazil their image would change a bit. Brazilians love the German cars : VW AUDI BMW Mercedes-Benz and Porsche

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EnnNorak - 4/3/2008 11:37:45 PM

+1 Boost

The S-class is the only luxury car that Mercedes makes and it is grossly overpriced in Canada. What sets the S apart from everything else on the planet are the front seats with their unique adjustments. Lexus tried to clone these seats but offered them for the driver only and Lexus came up short on seat cushions at their maximum length setting. Similarly, Lexus tried to clone the lounge rear seats of the LWB Maybach but again for one side only. I consider Lexus half a car.

By the way, Bentley Arnage RL offers optional front seats with an extra 50 mm of cushion length but at least one piece of Bentley information I saw stated that this option is not available in North America. In any event, the Arnage optional front seats have a fixed-length long seat cushion unlike the S-class Mercedes front seat cushion whose length is fully adjustable.

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bulldogz - 3/27/2008 8:13:30 PM

-6 Boost

It's funny, MB, BMW and Audi go downmarket but it's ok because they have "heritage", Lexus talks about it and it cheapens them. After riding in C-class taxis in Germany, I don't get how people are so in awe of these luxury companies especially after crap like the R-class and 318ti polluted the market.

Awesome, the price of admission for heritage is $26k! Middle-class rejoice!!

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ErichHartmann - 3/27/2008 8:24:30 PM

+5 Boost

C-Klasse taxi in Germany is Classic trim level which is made for the taxi, police and corporate fleet market. Classic trim level by itself is very well equipped for European standards as well.

If you don't understand the market here, then don't comment.

bulldogz - 3/28/2008 12:01:16 PM

+1 Boost

I do understand the market, I lived there for 5 years idiot. A market that offers luxury vehicles at eco levels, doesn't help the "luxury" aspect at all regardless of how much their top tier offering costs. You argue that they're not mainstream, yet they were everywhere and didn't cost alot more compared to entry-level vehicles.

oh wait, is that where the prestige comes in? Don't be an idiot.

huu76 - 3/27/2008 9:47:49 PM

-5 Boost

BMW and MB are basically German Toyotas (minus the profit). It's the U.S. of the 80s that believes these guys are untouchable because they didn't export their econoboxes.

Hey, from www.bmw.ca regarding US/Canada pricing.
"Leasing - considering that the majority of BMW customers in Canada lease their vehicles, it should be noted that a U.S. vehicle typically cannot be leased directly in the U.S. by non-residents"

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ErichHartmann - 3/28/2008 4:58:05 AM

+2 Boost

"BMW and MB are basically German Toyotas (minus the profit). It's the U.S. of the 80s that believes these guys are untouchable because they didn't export their econoboxes."

Incredible that people like you are allowed to post on this site.

BMW and Mercedes-Benz are not mainstream brands. What is so hard to comprehend that?

w209w114 - 3/28/2008 12:17:01 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

BMW and MB are basically German Toyotas"

Say what?

This is a perfect example of...you guessed it... FANBOYESQUE IGNORANCE

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Mercedes - 3/28/2008 2:47:23 AM

+4 Boost

ErichHartmann - really like your posts.

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ErichHartmann - 3/28/2008 4:55:50 AM

+3 Boost

Thank you.

JUGNU - 3/28/2008 5:52:16 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

a model like that (smaller than GLK) would be a shame for a luxury brand. Looks like MB has no shame but is only after $$$.

What will it compete with? Suzuki, Dhaitsu....etc. Those are poor man's cars.

MB is ruining their name.

JUGNU

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Willis - 3/28/2008 8:59:36 AM

0 Boost

As Erich H. said, small premium cars are a trend in Europe. MB is not ruining their name. The Mercedes brand is known for offering luxury cars, commercial vehicles, buses, military-applicable and aircraft engines etc.

I would like to see your comments when the day comes where Lexus will offer such a car...

bulldogz - 3/28/2008 12:06:18 PM

+2 Boost

it doesn't matter if it is a trend or not, if their so-called premium cars slot at or below non-premium cars it does nothing positive for their image.

God, people here want to argue out both sides of their mouths. When MB owned Chrysler you did everything to separate the 2, yet the moment Lexus DOES offer a smaller SUV, we'll see hundreds of posts from asshats screaming "overpriced Highlander!!"

Willis - 3/28/2008 1:05:44 PM

+1 Boost

What image? BMW and Mercedes have an established image. Both these brands are something people aspire to own. They can literally do whatever they what since their image is top.

When Mercedes releases a new car it is seen as creating a new niche market. The Mercedes A class was the start of the subcompact premium market - or maybe that honor went already to the 190 series of the 1980s.

JUGNU - 3/28/2008 3:16:06 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

"They can literally do whatever they what since their image is top. "

Now u accepted it yourself. To u ignorants MB, BMW or all Germans...etc can do no wrong. They'll make arguably the ugliest car and will tell u that this is new style. This one got soul and character...etc and u'll belive them. U'll say that's the best design.

MB made a station wagon R class (as they knew some people will become blind after seeing the 3 pointed star badge) and called it's a new segment, GST.

They made A class, B class, Smart brand, Maybach and thought people won't question as "When Mercedes releases a new car it is seen as creating a new niche market"

i don't want to waste any more time. u guys won't change and so do we hopefully (the true all car's fans who says good to a good car and bad to a bad one).

a suv below GLK is 100% going to have negative effect on MB's image. Just imagine everbody driving one brand new Mercedes. Even in poor coutries there'll be tons.

"I would like to see your comments when the day comes where Lexus will offer such a car"

That day hopefully will never come. and after all Toyota and Scion is there for that.

JUGNU

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EnnNorak - 4/3/2008 11:46:48 PM

+1 Boost

I hate the R-class for one simple reason: it has the ugliest counterintuitive curve at the rear quarter window. The M is not much better. BTW, Mercedes is welcome to make any vehicle it wants, even an upholstered roller skate like the Smart. People are upwardly mobile and if you can catch them when they are poor with a competitively priced lower-end product of high-quality build, then you can retain them as customers for pricier cars when they get older, wiser and more affluent.

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