2004 Mercedes Review

Specifications

A Compact Luxury Crossover-SUV Sounds Enticing Considering Todays Fuel Prices

Mercedes-Benz launched two new “Visions” of the future in Paris last month, a designation the brand uses for its near production prototype vehicles such as the Vision CLS which recently became the CLS-Class.

Testing the waters, the Vision B follows the Sport Tourer crossover SUV-wagon theme started with the GST or Grand Sport Tourer in 2002, which is actually the forerunner of the Vision R.

Over the last twelve months the Stuttgart, Germany-based luxury car maker has revolutionized its product range, putting great emphasis on its entry level vehicles. While the updated C-Class and redesigned European-market A-Class fill their niches well, M-B is looking to plug the gap between the two models by slotting in a compact crossover-SUV logically called the B-Class. This is where the Vision B concept comes in, a preproduction prototype specifically designed to draw public opinion on styling, layout and general acceptance of the relatively tiny model. Mercedes claims to have included the best elements of a sports sedan, a station wagon and a compact van all in its Vision B, otherwise known as the Compact Sport Tourer or CST, and is targeting vehicles such as Subarus popular Forester and Mitsubishis Outlander.

Keen to make the most of its revolutionized A-Class chassis, Mercedes-Benz structured the Vision B concept around it. Aside from incorporating a monospace frame like the A, the Vision B also benefits from the “Sandwich principle”, a unique structure which features the motor and CVT (continuously variable transmission) unit being placed partly in front and partly below the passenger shell. The automakers engineers struggled to find common ground between compact exterior dimensions and safety, and found that this was the ideal median between the two. In the event of a frontal collision, the motor is pushed under the vehicle as opposed to into the passenger compartment, ensuring top marks in global crash test programs.

The secondary advantage to the sandwich structure has less to do with vehicle dynamics and safety and more to do with space efficiency. Crossover vehicles are all about maximizing space while minimizing exterior dimensions, and the Vision B is an exemplary demonstration on how this is done. Because the engine and transmission are isolated outside the passenger shell and there is no driveshaft because of its front wheel drive powertrain, nothing intrudes into the passenger area. The Vision B also features a flat interior floor, something very few passenger cars can offer. The Bs one-box shape provides levels of roominess and comfort previously found only in larger sedans and station wagons as well.

Unlike most concept cars, which feature space-aged interiors with futuristic seating arrangements, outrageous electronics and six-figure materials budgets, the Vision B is down to earth. Waterproof microfiber seats and leather carpeting over teak floorboards arent part of the program, but rather a nicely designed, tastefully appointed, completely plausible interior. A majority of interior components, including the center console, door panels, two-tone cloth seats and dashboard, have been carried over directly from the A-Class, however, the Vision B features a new multi-function steering wheel and a redesigned instrument panel. Mercedes-Benzs COMMAND system, digital climate control and a full count of airbags are all included as well. A large-scale panoramic roof brightens the cabin while adding a sense of roominess to what might otherwise be another drab gray interior.

The Vision B typifies the “form follows function” mentality, albeit is nevertheless quite attractive. Essentially it looks much like the larger Vision R, featuring a pointed nose and raised hood, similarly shaped windows, fender flares and oversized split five-spoke wheels. A chamfered curving strip, which begins midway through the front set of doors, can be traced back to the taillights. Styling on the Vision B is fresh and directional, a step forward from the amorphous, blobby look of the current Mercedes-Benz ML.

Power for the small German people-mover is provided by a new turbodiesel featuring second-generation common-rail technology, which enhances power, smoothness and refinement. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder CDI produces 140 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, respectable figures for such a small and efficient engine. Although performance stats have not been released, the front-wheel drive Vision B should turn similar results as the slightly smaller A200 CDI equipped with the same engine. Another strong point of this motor includes low fuel consumption: M-B claims that the Vision B is a miser at the pumps, sipping just under 40 mpg. A particle filter ensures that tailpipe emissions are within Europes strictest standards.

Given the similarities between the Vision B and the new A-Class, including its dimensions and powertrain, Mercedes-Benz has made it crystal clear that the Vision B will take the role of the B-Class. Seeing as nearly every vehicle to bear the Vision tag has come to fruition, except for the compact Vision SLA concept that influenced the 2005 SLK roadster, it will not be a question of “if” but rather “when” the Vision B will arrive as the B-Class. Given the quick turnaround time demonstrated between the Vision CLS and the production CLS-Class, such a vehicle is expected to hit showroom floors in a matter of months rather than years.

Whether or not the B-Class will end up on our shores is a completely different story. Mercedes was supposed to bring the 2005 A-Class to North America as a competitor to BMWs 1-Series 5-door hatchback and Audis A3 Sportback, but these plans have been scuttled for the time being. The A-Class was turned down for North American exportation because it did not fit with Mercedes North American image of grand, luxury vehicles.

The concept of a compact luxury crossover-SUV, which is foreign to North Americans other than the larger Land Rover Freelander and new BMW X3, may also be seen as a dilution of the brands image, falling more in line with Benzs quirky, youthful “smart” brand. smart (lower case intentional) will bring a pint-sized SUV to the North American market in the near future, dubbed the formore, and therefore any decision to import the B-Class may be seen as counterproductive. The larger Vision R, which will soon be introduced as the R-Class, is expected to arrive in production trim next year.