Mercedes-Benz Targeting Mini With Nissan Juke Based Baby Benz Model

Mercedes-Benz is plotting a supermini-sized rival for the Mini and Audi A1, CAR Online can reveal. Referred to internally as ‘X-class’ for now, the 4m-long crossover would be developed with Renault-Nissan for a 2018 launch.

The need for a baby Benz is acute: Mercedes has nothing in the £12,000 to £19,000 bracket between Smart and A-class, a niche BMW will target with the next-generation Mini and front-wheel drive BMW 1-series. The fix is the X-class, pooled with the next-generation Renault and Nissan superminis.

The five-year timeframe should give Mercedes the opportunity to influence the architecture from the outset, in a bid to ensure the right levels of perceived quality, reliability, content and style. Benz sources vow that the X-class must have a bespoke exterior, cabin and gadgets.

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cidflekken - 3/11/2013 2:56:36 PM

+2 Boost

OK. stop the madness already.

Agent009 - 3/11/2013 4:12:29 PM

+3 Boost

Sounds a lot better when a Nissan is based off of a MB, rather than a MB based off a Nissan

CarCrazedinCali - 3/12/2013 12:58:01 PM

+1 Boost

This next MB will lack even more credibility being based on a Nissan and since the C class is crap and no scape goat Nissan underpinnings to blame, this is surely going to be a disaster