New Mercedes B-Class

Most americans don't realize that big honkin SUV's are really only a US-centric fad. In the rest of the world where gas is $5 - $6, and roads are much narrow, small cars like this dominate. I've see Mercedes A-Classes all over the place. They're decent, reliable and the diesels get excellent gas milage.

Additionally, don't forget that Mercedes is not only a luxury brand in Europe. You can get entry level cars in the 20's there. The taxi's are E-classes (with manual and cloth to boot). It's just a different mindset, and we'll see what happens when gas starts getting that high here.

Mercedes, whether an A or a B or C or E or S or CL etc. etc., whether AMG or or diesel or petrol/gas, is no longer of any interest to me and that holds true for thousands of others who have been burned by their pitiful quality and hopeless after sales service.

My family has owned Mercedes cars of a wide variety but we have all switched to Japanese brands. Lexus and Acura have served us wonderfully.

No German junk is purchased by us any longer.

@ Hemi - Hmmmm, the Ford Escape doesn't count since the hybrid technology they use is from.... TOYOTA!

Ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!

Mind you Hybrids are rather silly inventions cause they are underpowered cars that have the same gas mileage as diesel engines.

Hybrids are a failed gimmick when compared to the tried and true diesel. It's an insult to pay extra $$$ only to get 30% improved fuel economy in return for horrible performance, or get good/better performance for inadequate fuel efficiency. The Ford Escape barely gets 30MPG average and yet drives like 90 lb. weakling. Put in any diesel that gets 30MPG and you're talking 0-60 in 7 seconds or better. If you really want good mileage, then an engine that performs like the Escape hybrid can break 40MPG easy.

The hybrid technology just plain sucks for the money. The only reason Americans are buying it is because WE HAVE NO DIESEL ALTERNATIVE. Once diesel fuel is cleaned up and made legal in 2007, watch how quickly hybrids will fall in popularity.

The hybrid CAN NOT compete with diesel in terms of both performance and efficiency. What about the Lexus GS Hybrid supercar you say? That car barely breaks 25MPG so it's not a fuel miser, just a performance monster. But a diesel V8 or V10 would perform just as well but most likely be cheaper to service.

HEMI

The Ford Escape hybrid is weak. Its milage is so low, what is the point. Any midsize car has the same milage.

Also SUVs and pickups should have gas guzzler taxes on them.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/info.shtml#guzzler

I've been to Europe often, even rented an A-Class. Great solid little car. I have not driven the B-Class yet, but I'll try to rent one next time I'm over there. Cars like this are popular in Europe and Asia because they're well-engineered and still have presigeous badge. They're also good on fuel, especially the diesels. The A-Class I rented was an A180 CDI I believe. Very quick and agile and heaps of fun. Loved it. And I am a BMW guy at heart!

To those of you who have not driven or experienced them: Shut up, drive them, then comment.

That Mercedes quality control has gone to the bottom of the heap is not my opinion. Look at any quality control survey, European or Asian or North American and the same results are present. Why would you spend your money on some product that is going to give you headaches just because it has the name of a company that once made reliable, infact, amazingly reliable and very long lasting cars?

True luxury is peace of mind, not a star on the hood.

Last time I checked, MB is improving. Claiming that MB quality control has gone to the bottom is being ignorant, especially with Schrempp gone and Zetsche in, whose moves I am following with interest. This is a man who turned Chrysler around, and I've been following with great interest and admiration his plans for MB.

Aside from that, when I am in Europe, I always rent a German automobile. I've been very impressed with the latest Mercedes'. They feel solid once again, like a quality car. Oh, and I once had a E-Class CDI diesel for 2 weeks with around 27,000 km on it. I had no problems whatsoever. The new MB's have improved drastically.

Stop the anti-MB etc. messages. Lexus ain't perfect either. Anyone hear about the brand new GS engines failing right after they're picked up from the dealers? This isn't a flame against Lexus, and I'll gladly post the link to it on the ClubLexus forums once I find it.

I must go to Canada sometime to see how B-Class owners act. I don't think these people will act snobby. But if they do, hey, it's their money and they bought a Mercedes' with it. I guess they have every right to be snobby.

Same applies for the upcoming BMW 1-series, and of course, the Audi A3. Why do we Americans always criticize these cars BTW? I really don't get it...

shiftright: you say your family used to own a variety of Mercedes vehicles and you now turn to Lexus or Acura. Is it because you guys were dumb with your money and lost it all therefore you have to downgrade yourselves to Acura or Lexus? I am a Acura TL fan as well as Lexus fan don't get me wrong. However you can't compare Merc to Acura. Lexus is 3/4 there but still no cigar my friend. Quit bashing the Germans. Did you guys ever think about purchasing a BMW? Obviously not. Before you bash a Merc why dont you go test drive some. However, if you can't afford one, don't make yourself look low and go test it. :-).

I agree with what BMW530i said. MB has up their ante with build quality and it's much improved. You obviously haven't seen their new models. So don't be too quick to judge.

I personally don't like the B-Class but it's just my taste for cars. With gas prices these days it would be logical to get one of these smaller touring but as I said before it's just IMO.

This B Class is a big joke! All you people here must actually sit in it and drive the bloody thing! The quality used inside and out are of the cheapest! When I went into the dealership, there was one demo and the black colour of the pillar between the front and rear window was coming off becasue it was only taped on (it is hard plastic in a BMW or Audi)! The interior feels cheap and without a badge, I would have thought that it was a Toyota! The seating position is odd and the windows go down too low - there is not a secure feeling in the car at all! You all must bear in mind that this car was designed and produce when Merc was still aiming to cut cost, which contributed to all thier quality problems. The driving feel is bad, too. This is not a balanced car. It is cheap in quality, overpriced, poor handling, poor design and is for those who are brainless, illy educated and old people! Another rubbish, unsuccessful product from Mercedes. Who would have thought that the Mercdes name would stoop this low!

LWKH, I don't know how many times you've mentioned cheap there but i'm beginning to think you're the one who is cheap haha.

Quit bashing Merc. What are you a Audi fan? BMW fan? but drives a Toyota Yaris? Toyota's aren't that bad, they got good engines. Smooth, quiet engines I might add.

LWKH,

I've only seen the B-Class in Europe and the interior didn't look cheap at all. Yes, it is very plasticky but it is appropriate for the class the car is in. Furthermore, the build quality of the interior appeared to be very good and solid.

I've driven a European MB A-Class and I was pleased with the interior - and it was a rental car too! Plastick, yes, but the plastic looks very HQ and moreover, the interior appeared very well constructed.

The A and B-Class will never fly in America, because we are so sensitive about these things, but IMHO, they're good decent cars and they appear to be very popular in Europe.

LWKH, cut the bashing.

Agent63,

I am a BMW fan, not audi nor Merc. I only support strong companies who are independent and stand for what they believe in! I am also sorry to dissapoint you with the fact that I do not own a Toyota Yaris but a BMW 320d. When I compare the interior quality and feel with the Merc, BMW is way better. My 3 Series feels luxurious, not plasticky. It is a solid car! When I open and close the doors of my BMW, it feels and sounds solid, unlike the B class! That is why Mercis not as successful as BMW! That says it all! Don't forget, young people like us are the ones who are buying these kind of cars nowadays. We are not stupid to choose something that is not up to standard! Merc might think that they can use plastic, but making it feel well constructed, but these things will not pass my eyes although they may fool the old ones! a good advice is that if you are considering buying this B class rubbish, rather go for a Renalt - better value for money! But if you are going for the badge, let me tell you what it stands for nowadays: poor quality, overpriced, unsuccessful, dependent on Chrysler, old man's car, unreliable, sluggish, boring, sharing parts with cars like Jeep, Chrysler, Colt, poor service. If you ask someone what Merc is good at, they will probably be silent because they are good at NOTHING AT ALL! For a full road test of this rubbish car: go to www.4car.co.uk and see for yourself! And as for BMW 530i, please please please: from your name, I think that you drive a BMW. How can you be impressed with this interior???? What were you thinking? Were you comparing it to an Uno? or did you forget that you were in a Merc when you got in and thought that it was a Toyota? I am not bashing, it is the truth!

BMW DESIGNS ARE THE BEST: STRIKING, FUTURISTIC, FASHIONABLE, YOUNG MINDED, SPORTY!

You know, all you people who are complaining about BMW's recent design is just jealous of them! BMW is the no.1 luxury car brand in the world and the 3, 5, 7 sold the most cars in its market segment in 2005 worldwide, beating Merc and Audi BY FAR!

So this simply says it, BMW's design is the way the people want it, togather with reliable first class innovation, quality and character, it can be nothing but the choice of sensible and educated buyers! The new 3 Series design is a work of art, look at the sharp front and muscular side, what car in the world can match that??? It is something potent, first and striking. It stands out from the normal cars like Merc and Audi!

That's why BMW's 3 is World car of the year and top 3 for World car design of the year! If you want to moan, why not try the ugly CLS, look what Sh1t it looks like: ugly headlights with an overcurved shoulderline (looks like it has been crashed from front and rear), ugly rear lights, too! Shame, what a piece of TRASH! The other one is the new S class - headlights so dull and fogged, can't they ever come up with something orginal and exciting?

I suppose because they appeal to the almost dead old population, who still think that Merc is a respected brand! I don't even want to get to the snoek fish degin of the Audi grille and the crying taillights of the A4, the sales show! By the way, why did Merc copy the iDrive, bootlid and interior design of the 7 if it was so ugly to some antiBMW people? Bangle is King and he should stay! BMW is not BMW without his works of art! Too bad for those who do not like it, you must then close your eyes, but the majority of thsi world loves it and that's what matters. We cannot help it that you lack taste!

@ LWKH

Again, ignorant and stupid remarks. You're nothing more than a troll. The current BMW 3-Series has a good interior, BUT COMPARED TO OTHER CARS IN ITS CLASS, IT LOOKS AND FEELS SUBSTANTIALLY CHEAPER. I am not a dashstroker and I don't really care which cars has the best interior, since I know that all cars in this class have good interiors, some are just better than others.

Why are you even comparing the 3-Series to the B-Class? They don't compare. The B-Class has a good interior IMO. Well made, plasticky yes, but the plastics look and feel good. I'd say the B-Class interior is actually on the same level as that of a BMW 3-Series. Oh yes you read that right.

And designs don't equal successful sales. But since you appear to be a 12-year old kid who drives a BMW 320d (in your dreams probably), I wouldn't expect you to know that. BMW has been doing well, but it is a COMBINATION of design, image, characteristics etc. of the brand / car which appeal to people. And, Audi and MB have been doing rather well recently.

I'm a BMW fan myself, though I despise people like you that give us BMW enthusiasts a bad name. Give credit where credit is due. Be objective and (excuse the language), stop the crap.

WHAT??? What is fake leather? Are you from America? Are they giving you fake leather there? Well then you are being fooled, it surely is not here and we get the 6 speaker stereo standard here! Do you also have to pay extra for the steering wheel and rear doors as well?

As a matter of fact, I couldn't be driving and be in college (university) if I was 12 coud I? BMW 530i is not a BMw fan, he openly stated that he will be buying the ugly, classless E class from the trashy Merc brand. He is actually not a loyal BMW fan.

I never said I was going to buy an E-Class, but if I did, it is none of your business, and second, it is my money. Third, I think the new E-Class looks pretty nice, and I've driven the one before the facelift and found it to suit my CHANGING TASTES.

I have an E39 530i from 2001, and I drive it like an old man. It is not as comfortable as the E-Class from the same era, but overall, I am happy with it. I don't think I will realistically be selling it.

And if you think that me buying a car that is not from BMW makes me a "traitor", why not go on various BMW forums and see for yourself how someone might change from a 3-series to an A4 or a 7-series to an S-Class. This is the reality kid.