Tuesday 23rd March 2010

Mercedes Plans Hot AMG B-class

AMG to dip its toe into hot hatch waters with next B-class

---

Mercedes has set its sights on the Golf R and Audi S3 with plans to launch a hot AMG version of the next B-class.

Mercedes is due to launch a new version of the is-it-an-MPV-or-not B-class at the end of 2011, so don't expect an AMG version until some time after that. The idea, AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg has told US website Automotive News, is to attract younger buyers to the AMG brand.

That being the case, let's hope that the next B-class is at least a little sharper-suited than the current model...

Sadly, it seems that AMG's new 5-5-litre twin-turbo V8 isn't headed for the new AMG hatch (boo, for shame, etc...). Instead, the first-ever AMG hatch (if you discount the various AMG off-roader offerings, which have technically also been hatchbacks) is apparently due to get a high-output four-cylinder motor, most likely turbocharged.

There are no official details on the car, but if AN's assertion that Merc is gunning for the Audi S3 and Golf R is correct, then an output of around 250bhp should be close to the money.

[ar0u2211]

uuuuuuuuuugly!

[Mr Gearchange]

There's a B class?

[Uncle Fester]

ar0u2211 said:

uuuuuuuuuugly!

That’s a picture of the current (ugly) model.

The new model might, or hopefully might not, look anything like it.

[AFN]

No suprises why they never made an A-Class AMG considering it managed to roll over with a 1.4...

Wonder if this will be the same. Top heavy methinks...

[Matt UK]

Mr Gearchange said:

There's a B class?

my thoughts exactly

[E21_Ross]

o dear god. an AMG without a big V8 just seems wrong for starters. secondly, it's hideous. thirdly......will it be RWD? i know the A class is FWD, is the B class?

[booner]

Pointless

[soad]

booner said:

Pointless

Exactly - can't see many petrolheads queing up to buy it. Not going to be cheap either.

[Wigeon Incognito]

AFN said:

No suprises why they never made an A-Class AMG considering it managed to roll over with a 1.4...

Although there was the A210 Evolution with a heady 140bhp...

Okay, not quite an AMG.

[anonymous-user]

Must say I've only ever seen one or two on the roads, but sort of know someone who "upgraded" from a 2007 E Class to a new B Class..

[Garlick]

Wigeon Incognito said:

AFN said:

No suprises why they never made an A-Class AMG considering it managed to roll over with a 1.4...

Although there was the A210 Evolution with a heady 140bhp...

Okay, not quite an AMG.

Wasn't the 'roll over' A- Class a first generation? They don't do it any more as far as I know.

[Deva Link]

They're very popular elsewhere, even being used to replace E Class taxis in Germany, but B Class hasn't caught on in the UK.

An AMG version seems ridiculous - but perhaps there's demand for it in the German market?

[Wigeon Incognito]

Garlick said:

Wigeon Incognito said:

AFN said:

No suprises why they never made an A-Class AMG considering it managed to roll over with a 1.4...

Although there was the A210 Evolution with a heady 140bhp...

Okay, not quite an AMG.

Wasn't the 'roll over' A- Class a first generation? They don't do it any more as far as I know.

It was, unfortunately the reputation seems to have stuck.

[jazzdevil]

Hell I'm all for this... if an AMG engine get's the thing out of my sight quicker I say do it!

[V]

They did a hot A and B Class in 2005 but dropped from lineup in 2008. Used a 2.0T 190bhp, really nippy little cars. The A-Class is supposed to be the Golf/ A3/ 1-series rival, it has a wheelbase of the same length and a much bigger interior. B-Class is an MPV.

[Beefmeister]

The chaps down the office from you seem to think this is a B-Class based model, and will get a 400bhp V6..

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Mercedes...

[MynameisRob]

"Hot" B-class? :snigger:

[ZesPak]

jazzdevil said:

Hell I'm all for this... if an AMG engine get's the thing out of my sight quicker I say do it!

I must say, if they'd go faster, I'd see them longer...
But that's just my perspective

That said, imho it's FWD and will be FWD (article: aiming for S3 and GTI, not 1 series).
I feel ashamed for Merc making such an ugly car (A & B), I hope next models are a little more "sleek", and look more like a hatchback than a MPV. I'd guess they'd sell a lot better too (just look at the 1 series and the A3).

[W00DY]

Why are mercs smaller offerings so unpopular? I imagine they're probably quite expensive and they look really dull but i would have thought there'd be some demand for a high quality smallish car, or are they not all that in terms of luxury? Marketing can't be very good as i can't remember seeing reviews and know very little about them which i find strange. Maybe i'm wrong and they sell loads which pass me by without a second glance.

[ArtVandelay]

Article said:

Instead, the first-ever AMG hatch (if you discount the various AMG off-roader offerings, which have technically also been hatchbacks) is apparently due to get a high-output four-cylinder motor, most likely turbocharged.

Technically, aren't estate cars "hatchbacks" so the E55 AMG estate would be in that list too?

If they're going to go with an inline 4 turbocharged engine, what will their USP be in a highly competitive market.

Ford - 5 Cylinder engine, plenty of grunt
VW - Build quality and everyday refinement
Audi - 4 wheel drive plus above
Renault - Agility and involvement
BMW - Rear wheel drive and big engines
Mercedes - A mix of the above without anything new?

I haven't included A.R because I don't think the 147 replacement is getting the V6