Mercedes-Benz B-Class coming to the US?
Automotive News reports that Mercedes-Benz is once again thinking about bringing the B-Class, a small hatchback about 10 inches shorter than the C-Class sedan, to the United States.
Mercedes considered bring the B-Class -- which is currently sold in Canada -- to the US as a 2007 model, but cancelled its plans due to unfavorable exchange rates. Now they are once again contemplating the idea of selling the B-Class here when the next-generation model debuts, probably in 2011.
According to the Automotive News story (registration required), Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Ernst Lieb says that younger customers who have rented the B-Class in Europe are open to it, but that more traditional Mercedes customers might be hesitant. "Today when I talk to customers," he says, "I really wonder if they are ready for a small car."
The prospect of selling the B-Class here is an interesting one. It goes beyond the prospect of small luxury cars like the Acura CSX, because the B-Class is also a tall hatchback, a class of cars that has become popular in Europe but is all but unheard of here. These vehicles combine a tall roof with a small footprint, allowing family-size accomodations in a fuel-efficient and easy-to-park package. The closest thing we have is Mazda's mini-minivan, the Mazda 5, which is about a foot longer than the current B-Class. It's a brilliant car, but so far hasn't really taken off with American buyers.
What's your take on bringing the B-Class to the US? Could these tall hatchbacks replace crossovers as the Next Big Thing? Click the "comments" link below and share your thoughts. -- Aaron Gold
Take a closer look at the B-Class:
Photo © Mercedes-Benz
When I was in Spain a 2 years ago, I saw some of these and wondered myself why they don’t sell them in the USA. They remind me a bit of a Ford Focus but much higher in style and quality.
With hig gas prices as they are now, I’d say that they would sell well.
If M-B brings a sub-compact hatchback here they will continue to cheapen their image. They have started the decline by forgetting about quality and reliability. The folks at Lexus will be overjoyed.
When Acura offered the RSX I leaped at the chance and purchased one right away. The main reason was that, here is the least expensive car that Acura has to offer, with all the quality and workmanship that they offer. Would I buy another Acura if I had the money? Yes! They are great cars but the price of the other Acuras is just too much for me.
Mercedes is in the same boat. They are just too pricey for me, but if they offered a cheaper one I would seriously consider getting one.
The B-Class as is offered in Canada is quite nice. Nice drive to, with a 2L turbo. Actually, the closest thing out there now to compare with may be the Kia Rondo. Comparing a MB to a Kia might seem odd, but I’m not sure what else is the same “tall wagon”. Plus the Kia has three rows of seats.
I owned this car when I lived in the UK. It’s internal configuration was versatile; handling and acceleration were good. But, this was also the worst car that I ever owned. The disk brakes rusted to the rims rendering it impossible to change a flat without a mallet. The transmission failed twice in a one year period. Worst of all, the dealer was happy to sell but reluctant to service this bottom of the line model.
Gosh, I was all set to go up to Toronto and buy one of these, till I read Richard’s comments…is there any way to check Richards stock portfolio, to see if he has a bunch of BMW stock? Seriously though, I think it would be wise to investigate Canadian consumer reports on this car, after all, it is the bottom of the M-B heap and we all know their quality control has been somewhat less than stellar lately.
Is the B-class really the bottom of the MB range? Whatever happened to the A-class? I’ve wanted one since I drove a friend’s in Europe.
why isnt mb slapping chrysler badging on a and b class cars, wouldnt that solve the image crisis
I think it sounds like a good idea Keith, but MB is selling Chrysler.
RE: post #5
Wheels rust to the disks on MANY cars. Rust is a part of life when it comes to brakes. Maybe you need to remove the wheels and clean things up once in a while, or maybe put some por-15 or a little grease on the contacting surfaces so they wont corrode together.
Transmission: I can understand the disappointment.
Keep in mind that you are buying the ENTRY-LEVEL-MODEL. They keep it affordable by NOT using premuim materials.
PLUS… selling entry-level, lower-quality cars dilutes the prestigious image that Mercedes used to have. If I were them, I would continue to manufacture high-end cars that people aspire to own or just dream of. That way you keep the legendary name and image feeling elite and high-class. If they want to get into entry-level vehicles, they should start an offshoot brand (like: Lexus/Toyota/Scion, etc..) or badge it as a Chrysler (while they still own it) and do it without tarnishing their high-end image.
Hate to disappoint you, but Mercedes is high end only in the US. In Germany they’re the equivalent to Toyota in Japan or GM in the US.
I just came back from a vacation in Spain…Had one of these cars and absolutely loved it. Hope they come here!
I’m live in Germany and currently renting one, I was so impressed with the overall feel, handling not to mention that the one I’m renting is a diesel. I was researching buying one, and was sadly disappointed that it is not offered in the US. Living in Europe I really got a chance to drive and own German cars, it’s sad that Americans are not offered the same as Europeans when it comes to getting the best in Germans cars!
We are a young married couple in our mid-30´s with 2 children and would LOVE to buy the model B-Class in the states…we live in Barcelona and the B-Class is so popular here…it is comfortable-not too big not too small – stylish and safe. We are all for it being sold it the U.S. when we move there this year to Massachusetts. If it isn´t this year we may just need to wait patiently until 2011.
Audi A3 is about a close as you can get for now…
mb a class = beautiful car
mb b class = beautiful car just bigger
I wrote in a B class in Europe and loved it!!! Bring it to the USA and I will buy it!!!
I live in California and have had my ’06 B 200 turbo for over a year now (it is legal here) and am quite happy with it. It’s not a lesser quality MB vehicle (we have a ’08 ML 350 and had a couple of other sedans a few years ago) just smaller one with fewer options (although some options are now standard on the ’08). It has the typical Mercedes safety features. Fit and finish are good. The transmission has never given me problems…so smooth, it’s easy to get up to 80mph and not know it. It is quite roomy, handles great and just plain fun to drive.
I rented the B Class a few times in Germany and love it. Enough room for a family of 4 plus luggage. Gas mileage is outstanding! I’d trade in my Cayenne S in a heart beat if it’d come to our shores.
Rented a B-class in England for a month last summer (2007). Loved everything about the car except that one morning it wouldn’t start, so I called the rental agency and they sent the roaming MB repair van. Turns out, the battery was kaput and the repair guy said it was not uncommon. Cause for worry about the B-class? Don’t know, but my wife won’t let me buy anything to replace her 13-year old BMW until the B-class comes to America.
I own a 2007 B200 which is pretty rare even here in Canada. There was nothing similar to really compare it to, maybe now the VW Tiguan fwd would be comparable. It has incredible interior room for the outward size and is quite fuel efficient(except for requiring premium gas). You sit up high like an SUV/CUV and visibility is great because of huge windows.CVT is really smooth with 7 programmed “gears” available with sport shift. But it is definitely EURO style so may have limited appeal in US.
Yes, they should bring it here. Why European car makers are always late with small and fuel efficient cars in the US?
I own a 08 VW Rabbit with 5 cylinders(!!), the Tiguan has a 18/24 MPG(!). Check out Honda Fit, nice little car, good fuel efficiency and it’s in time in the US, again!!
Would *LOVE* to see MB offer a small A or B class small SUV style in the US. Have wanted one for years. Other cars I have are Audi & Lexus. Am not afraid to go practical. Would be nice to have a “higher end” car with nicer finishes, but still small. It’s like a small, nice house rather than a big cheap one.
I would buy one of these in a heartbeat!! I saw them in spain, and wish I could go across the boarder to canada and bring one back to the US. Please bring it to the states!
Grumble.. The B classes are all over the place in Canada. Now why in the world would MB not bring them to the states? Completely confusing.
After seeing these all throughout France last year, I, too, am wondering why these cars are not for sale here. I agree that in the states, M-B doesn’t want to tarnish their luxury marque image. But with GM selling the Saturn division to Penske AutoGroup (who also owns the US rights to Daimler’s SmartForTwo), I’m hoping that we see the A and B class with either Saturn or Smart badging.