New Entry-Level Mercedes-Benz Subcompact Vehicles are on the Horizon

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar. 22, 2013 - BARRINGTON, Ill. -- By 2018, auto shoppers can expect to see a whole new class of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the showrooms of Mercedes-Benz dealers like Motor Werks of Barrington (http://www.motorwerksmercedes.com/dealership/about.htm). The new car is expected to be dubbed the X-Class, and it will slot in between the current Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the Smart fortwo, which is also a Mercedes-Benz brand. These vehicles will compete directly with other luxury subcompacts like the Audi A1, Mini Cooper, and BMW i3.

Currently, it appears that Mercedes-Benz is partnering with both Nissan and Renault to develop the underlying architecture for the new subcompact. It’s rumored that the new car might be based on the current Renault Clio — but with four years until release, it’s just as likely that a new platform will be developed. A partnership like this will undoubtedly allow all three companies to pool their significant research and development resources to create a vehicle that could succeed on a global scale, appealing to buyers of all types, and especially increasingly fuel- and cost-conscious consumers.

Since the endeavor has just been announced, there isn’t much for the German automaker to leak about the new car. It will probably retail for somewhere between $18,000 to $30,000 in the United States. It will also probably be about 13 feet long and come in sedan, crossover, and hatchback body styles.

While little has been said about the planned vehicle, it wouldn’t be surprising to find a small, efficient three- or four-cylinder gas engine, a turbodiesel option, and a hybrid powertrain as optional equipment under the hood. Four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is likely. Also, look for Mercedes-Benz to spice up the styling with contemporary lines in order to attract young buyers.

Currently, Mercedes-Benz is also partnering with Renault-Nissan to create another small crossover that would fit in under the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (http://www.motorwerksmercedes.com/new-inventory/index.htm...) and would likely be called the City-G. The partnership is also developing new efficient diesel engines and hybrid technology.

To find out more about current and upcoming Mercedes-Benz models contact Motor Werks of Barrington, one of the premier Mercedes-Benz dealers in the Chicago area. They are located at 1475 S Barrington Rd (http://www.motorwerksmercedes.com/dealership/directions.htm) in Barrington, IL.

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