B-Class Is Bushwhacked

By Craig Cheetham

12th January 2005

The mag's images were taken on the island of Tenerife, during a brochure photoshoot. The car is a compact MPV, and will be marketed as an upmarket competitor to volume sellers such as the Renault Scenic and Vauxhall Zafira.

As the shot of the rear shows, this model is badged the B200 CDI. That means the excellent 140bhp 2.0-litre oil-burner from the recently launched A-Class will appear in the forthcoming car. Diesel fans can choose from several variants of that unit, with outputs ranging from 110bhp to 160bhp.

There will also be a choice of 1.5, 1.7 and 2.0-litre petrol engines, as well as a hot 2.0 turbo flagship. Inside, the Merc will provide seating for five with plenty of head and legroom. A long-wheelbase version is on the cards as well, and is expected to appear later in the year. The dashboard will mirror that of the new A-Class, and equipment levels are likely to be luxurious.

Prices have yet to be finalised, but insiders suggest entry-level UK models will cost from about ΂£16,000. Range-toppers should be around ΂£24,000.