Report: Mercedes-Benz entry-level model below A-Class, not gonna happen

AutomotiveNews learned that Daimler’s CEO, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, downplayed the possibility of an entry-level Mercedes-Benz car that would slot below the A-Class.

“We had a long debate about whether we should expand Mercedes into the B [subcompact] segment and we decided this is not going to happen,” remarked Zetsche. But in the same sentence, there could be a possible model that fits the bill, but it would be branded as a Smart subcompact if anything.

Previous rumors indicated the formation of a new X-Class model destined for 2018, which was going to be built on Renault’s next generation platform for the new Clio, allowing for a cheap starting price of less than 20,000 Euros. Though due to unsubstantiated business cases, this plan was axed.

Source: AutomotiveNews