Mercedes seeks U.S. consumer feedback on entry-level crossover, coupe, sedan

May 11, 2010October 29, 2011 Omar Rana Coupes, Crossovers, Mercedes-Benz B-Class, Sedans

Mercedes-Benz has been running group clinics in the United States, inviting consumers down to review new design choices for a range of entry-level models that range from a crossover, sporty coupe and a sedan.

The new models are based on the redesigned front-wheel-drive B-Class platform that will fit below the C-Class in the brand’s lineup. Sales of the models are expected to begin after 2011.

“The first clinics have been done in the U.S. market,” said Bernhard Glaser, general manager of product development at Mercedes-Benz USA. “We are still at a very early stage. The design freeze has not taken place.”

Glaser said that consumers that were invited to the clinics were shown full-sized clay models.

Is Mercedes-Benz going to bring the boxy B-Class 5-door to the U.S.? Probably not, since dealers say that the model does not fit Mercedes-Benz’s luxury image. Glaser said the company has not yet decided whether the cars would be sold under the B-Class badge in the United States or have a separate designation.

– By: Kap Shah

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)