OK, so steel-wheeled, camo-clad test mules are never easy to identify. Especially when they are actually an all-new vehicle positioned at a segment that their brand isn’t exactly well-known for competing in. Here’s a hint: this vehicle illustrates exactly why entry-luxury brands like Buick are in so much trouble. We’re looking at a vehicle that will be sold in the US in a few years, sporting a well-known luxury badge. Can you guess the make and model? [Answer: It's the next-generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class... and once again, there's no fooling you guys!]
Posted in 3WTP, Branding, Future Vehicles, Luxury, News Blog
Tagged as 3WTP, Branding, Future Vehicles, Luxury
Tagged as 3WTP, Branding, Future Vehicles, Luxury
FWD BMW.
Twotone
Nope, those headlights are very Mercedes.
Mercedes B-Class.
I agree – that’s a Mercedes greenhouse.
B Benz…(door handles)
The headlights say Mercedes-Benz… but why would this be news, since they’re already selling (barely) the B-class here?
No way in hell would BMW do a FWD car. That’s badged BMW.
What else could it be? Lexus? no, based on which Toyota… Matrix? Can’t see it.
Maybe one of the newly-acquired Swedish brands whose owners may not hold their respective heritage as dearly.
But I’m still on M-Benz.
Tail doesn’t look very Mercy – I’m gonna say it’s a Lex, something off the Matrix/Corolla family.
You know what the world really needs? Another washy SUwagover – now with more leather!
I’ll agree with this one, an awd matrix loaded up to lexus specs?
Lexus already has the CT200h coming, so I doubt they are cooking up another compact 5-door hatch.
That’s a good point – unless the sizes are disparate enough to fit one in the low-slung-MPV-still-an-SUV-so-buy-me category and one in the not-terribly-green-but-hey-im-a-hybrid category – but you’re likely right.
Mercury?
It’s the Mercedes-Benz Caliber, ya’ll.
Agreed. Mercedes B-Caliber. And deserved.
Mr. Awesome smiley is in the leave a reply window (as Mr. Water said). You got hacked or infected.
Versa/Infiniti. OR Leaf-Infiniti
I was thinking it was the next golf.
or Audi A3/4.
As I was typing my message, I got a pop-up dialogue box that said “Message from Website: We don’t know what we have!” Each time I hit the ‘ok’ button it popped back up … I had to hit the button about 20 times before it stopped … then as I resumed typing it happened again … 20 more taps on the button … it went away … I quickly finished typing … and hit ‘submit’ … very curious.
BTW, is anybody else getting a new smiley face avitar just below the ‘Leave a Reply’ label in the reply section?
Sure am.
I don’t think it’s a German make, the gas cap is on the wrong side (unless the photo has been flipped)
Can’t be flipped — writing on the road is correct.
Twotone
It’s the new M-B Golf! Er… that’s taken, so I guess they’ll call it the Meer. Maybe. I don’t think they’ll call it the anything-class, that will leave no out if it bombs. They just might go back to a displacement designation. The 160?
Agree with the others, MB B-class
Gotta be a Merc…
Probably a new version of the Cadillac Cimarron… the Cadillac Wave?
Skoda
I’ll say Porsche. Why wouldn’t they want a 2 box 5 door in their line-up?…other than the Panamerica.
Its the New B-Class 4 sure
http://www.benzinsider.com/2010/05/spy-photo-the-new-mercedes-benz-b-class/
Is this vehicle the result of the Renault-Nissan-Daimler alliance?
The alliance was about collaboration in the small car segment.
Just a wild guess
I’m confused. If this really is a new Mercedes…what’s the point of this article? A scandal of some sort? It’s just an update on the existing car…they’ve been sold in Canada since 2005.
Definitly a B Class…but I don’t really see the significance either.
It is the restyled for America Mercedes B-Class derivative. Was in Motor Trend last month.
Mercedes-Benz. Check out the wheels. Five lugs. Also, those are the steel-wheels M-B uses for spares and downmarket hub caps.
I’m going out on a limb and suggest Aston-Martin.
Its very possible that it could be a Astra for Buick…
But then again..
The Bclass hasnt ever been seen on U.S Shores..
And ya ya follow how MB cammo’s.. they do a pretty good job.. of covering everything.
With the GM stuff.. ya just feel ya very HIGH.
Don’t know why Merc are bothering with a new “B” class , since the old one hasn’t exactly set the world on fire.
Edward,
The statement “specially when they are actually an all-new vehicle positioned at a segment that their brand isn’t exactly well-known for competing in.” is either a red herring or you need to get out more…
…Consider the scope of M-B’s footprint outside the US.
It looks like a Suzuki Aerio with an ugly snout.