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Who knows? It just might happen. That's what Green Car Advisor is saying. With the economy in the tank, and big luxury models withering on car lots, the Benz-Boys are considering bringing over the small and smaller B- and A-Class models.
I say go for it. The time is ripe for a small (as in really small) premium car to be sold here.
Mercedes Reportedly Considering Its Smallest Cars for U.S. Market
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sabastian says:
05:29 AM, 11/26/08
While the 1-series seems to help BMW's performance image, I have a feeling that a couple of frumpy hatchbacks won't do the same for Mercedes-Benz.
dougtheeng says:
06:12 AM, 11/26/08
We have the B series here in Canada. It looks sort of awkward, but I completely understand the sizing and utility that it provides. Judging from how many I see on the road, it sells quite well - but then again, Canadian's are more....accepting of practical small vehicles.
bbechtel16 says:
07:54 AM, 11/26/08
I personally would like to see the Bs here, I'd advise against the As though. Not sure if the B class fits into their US marketing strategy or not though.
flicmod says:
09:28 AM, 11/26/08
Frumpy won't fit into M-B's line? I was under the impression that M-B was already frumpy...
I kid, I kid.
But seriously, now. The B-Class would be a good choice. Although I find it hard to justify paying the amount of money that they'd probably want for a luxury compact.
Anyone know how big both of these cars are? And how much they cost in other markets?
ateixeira says:
10:05 AM, 11/26/08
I agree with bb - bring the B-class but hold off on the A-class.
I actually sort of like the B-class, it's a sharp little vanlet.
The Mazda5 exceeded sales expectations for Mazda despite zero marketing and despite the fact that they haven't offered all the configurations available in other markets.
The B-class is efficient and even moderately attractive for that class (looks much better than the Kia Rondo, for instance).
The A-class, though, looks a bit cartoonish and may hurt Benz' image here. Someone buying an S-class doesn't necessarily want to see that box in the same showroom.
Not so the B-class, it can hold its own.
roar02ram says:
12:41 PM, 11/26/08
Definitely no on the A, and I'm iffy on the B, too, especially considering where they'd have to price it. I don't know how much interest there is for a vehicle of that type at $30K+. The EX35's the closest example of something similar & that hasn't quite done well.
I think M-B would be better off brining back the C-Class coupe with the Kompressor 4-cylinder & cloth for $27k. I think there's more of a precedent for it today (GTI, C30, Mini) than there was when it was here. Then again, I don't know that the C30 in particular has been a resounding sales success...so maybe the B would be the better choice after all.
hondacura4 says:
07:05 AM, 11/27/08
I dont see anything particularly wrong with both cars BUT Im not sure the American consumer would understand the cars purposes as in Europe, Mercedes has a much different image vs the pure tier 1 luxury image U.S.
I for one have always liked the idea of high end compacts and subcompacts as not everyone needs abundant space for daily driving yet still appreciates world class safety, world class construction and premium features.