RUMOR: Mercedes-Benz X-Class anyone?

Don't Copy From This Blog...

A new speculation now travels across the automotive industry: Mercedes-Benz will likely further consolidate its position in the premium compact market segment with the advent of an all new class beginning with 2018 - the X-Class.

According to German publication Autobild, the X-Class lineup will be developed in cooperation with Renault and will consist of two different models: the Cross and the Van. The first is a hatchback with higher ground clearance that features a "wannabe SUV" styling meaning plastic covers for the bumpers and wheel arches, a redesigned metal shield visible from underneath the car and bespoke alloy wheels. The second choice is a small, van-like hatchback with chich factor placed just beneath the A-/B-Class and priced under 20,000 euros.

It is very important to mention the X-Class Van reaches a total length of just 4 meters, while the X-Class Cross is as long as the A-Class measuring 4.2 meters, with both cars sitting on the front-driven MFA modular platform. While the X-Class Van, at least according to the rendition, boasts a unique design, the X-Class Cross is in fact a redesigned A-Class targeting Volkswagen CrossPolo. No wonder it could be released around 2018, when the facelift of the W 176 series will already be on the market.

Engines and equipment will come from the bigger siblings. In addition, the partnership with Renault will also spawn some extra frugal, small displacement powerplants to be used specifically on the X-Class, so expect some impressive performance when it comes to fuel economy and CO₂ emission level.

Analyzing the latest reports and inside information, it may well surprise everybody that Daimler's boss Dr. Dieter Zetsche initially denied Mercedes-Benz is not interesting in mastering any sub A-Class models. By contrary, these speculations about the future X-Class portfolio and the 4-meter GLG clearly highlight the intention of Germans to become a striking presence in the over-crowded cities of the future with these attractive, lifestyle vehicles that should look and perform very well.

Related articles:

- REPORT: The "baby G-Class" - one step closer to production

- Dr. Zetsche: No city car planned for the Mercedes-Benz premium brand

- PREVIEW: New trademark filings paint an interesting future for Mercedes-Benz

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More

RUMOR: Mercedes-Benz eyeing McLaren's Paddy Lowe amid team renewal

Don't Copy From This Blog...

The Silver Arrows works team is going through a period of major structural changes. After signing Lewis Hamilton last year as new driver for 2013 to replace retiring Michael Schumacher, Mercedes-Benz officials have also convinced Williams-Renault's Toto Wolff to take over the motorsporting activities of the brand in addition to becoming executive director of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS. Now, a report circulating on the internet indicates McLaren's technical director Paddy Lowe is closer than ever to join the Brackley-based Formula 1 team.

Although both parties have denied the rumor so far, today appeared the information McLaren-Mercedes makes all the necessary effort to convince Paddy Lowe to stay at the Woking-based team in 2013 as well. It is believed that the British officials are also ready to offer him a higher salary only to make Lowe refuse the offer coming from Mercedes-Benz.

However, McLaren looks now very much like a struggling team, after losing Hamilton at the end of 2012 and replacing him with the last-minute solution called Sergio Perez, whose F1 performance history does not recommend him for the new, challenging position at one of the legendary teams involved in this sport.

It is certainly only a matter of time until an official announcement regarding the recruitment of Paddy Lowe as new technical director of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS is issued. In the mean time, McLaren-Mercedes execs are also considering the last-resort choice: James Allison from Lotus-Renault could replace Paddy Lowe in the end.

Amidst these rumors, there's an ongoing speculation that Ross Brawn will also lose its position at the team, although both him and higher Daimler officials have denied any scenario. Anyway, if Paddy Lowe arrives at MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS, due to certain conditions regarding F1 contracts, he will be able to start his work only by the mid of the 2013 F1 season, when Ross Brawn is also expected to step down according to rumors.

All this publicity around MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS creates high expectations. One cannot doubt the solid expertise of Toto Wolff, Niki Lauda, Lewis Hamilton and, probably, Paddy Lowe. This entirely new team brings a ray of hope and a lot of fresh air at Brackley. Motivation for consistent performance and confidence in future victorious times is also on the list, given the latest statements. Such high investment from Stuttgart into the yet-to-impress MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS should pay off this season once and for all.

Credits: Daimler AG

Read More