Official Facelifted Mercedes-Benz A- & B-Class Pictures

[Galaxy]

I have a hard time finding any of these cars in this size to have any usefulness at all other than fuel economy and they provide no asthetic pleasure.  I guess if you really want the MB name but can't come up with the money for a real one otherwise what's the point?  Are these even made in Germany?

They are extremely usefull if one needs it just to drive to work everyday and maybe haul two bikes or two pairs of skis every now and then. I think you are underestimating how expensive they can get.

The premium compact market has always been a european thing. The VW Golf is the perfect example of a class less car. You find them drivern by students as well as people who want a comfortable but  more compact car to complement their S class. That is why the Golf over here has such a huge price range. From sub 100hp models in uni black to V6 models with close to 100 paints offered. As for them not providing any asthetic pleasure, beauty is in ther eye of the beholder. They are not my favorite designs, however imo the B class looks less atrocious from the front then the facelifted SL.

The A and B class are made in Rastatt Germany.   

[Galaxy]

A-Class Price List: http://www.mercedes-benz.de/content/media_library/germany/mpc_germany/de/mercedes-benz_deutschland/pkw_emb_nextgen/neufahrzeuge/a-klasse/preislisten_pdf/pkw_a-klasse_preisliste.download.pdf

B-Class Price List: http://www.mercedes-benz.de/content/media_library/germany/mpc_germany/de/mercedes-benz_deutschland/pkw_emb_nextgen/neufahrzeuge/b-klasse/preislisten_pdf/pkw_b-klasse_preisliste.download.pdf


I personally would go with the A-Class because it handles sportier. The B-Class might offer a bit more space but it drives like a total grandpa car. Maybe when I am 90 I will consider one. 

Der Unterschied ist gr??er als ich dachte. Ich finde die B Klasse vom Konzept her gelungener. Beide sind imo nicht gerade sportlich verglichen mit dem 1er oder dem Golf. 

[omicron]

What nice-looking interiors - clean, functional, and with normal-looking steering wheels. These styling revisions do absolutely nothing for me, though; I find a 1-series or Golf far more pleasing on the eye.

Both are just horrid value here, too - a base 2-door A170 Classic manual costs the same as a Golf GT TSI bursting at the seams with equipment, as well as having the snappy Twincharger engine.

[Autobahn]

Neat! The facelifts are subtle but look good.

We have had 6 A-Classes of different generations and 3 B-Classes in the immediate family (me and my parents). My dad even dumped the E-Class wagon for a B-Class because for him it doesn't make any sense to go for the big E-Class that uses more gas and is hard to park in tiny European cities.

Comparing an A/B-Class to the Golf or A3 or 1-Series is not fair. The A/B Class cars offer a versatility that is unmatched by the other ones. Of course versatility comes with less sporty handling due to the higher roof. Interior whise the MK V Golf is no match for the B-Class, the Mercedes are now top notch (that was not the case in the first series of the A-Class). My girlfriend has a first-generation A 140 that now has 100.000 mostly trouble-free miles (with the exception of some work performed under guarantee). In contrast to our E-Classes we never stranded with the As and Bs.

Since I don't care about "sportiness" at all (I do sports on the racebike or at the Go-Kart track but driving on the street has nothing to do with sport for me) the A-Class is brilliant. Where do you get such a small package that is easy to park, holds 3 people plus skiing gear or 2 people + 2 bikes and baggage INSIDE the car plus gets good fuel economy, does 1000 km on one tank of gas, a superb crash rating, can be equipped with anything from DVD navigation, over heated seats, adaptive lights, heated electric leather seats, a panorama roof ?
It's the greates engineering excercise Mercedes has performed in years.
Anybody can built big gas guzzling behemoths, but the A-Class (and the B-Class as well) are engineer's masterpieces.

[omicron]

A Honda Fit/Jazz has equally-impressive interior versatility and powertrain efficiency at a much cheaper price.

[Raza]

Versatility. 

Rememeber Autobahn (Ralph)? He like regularly drives to France or Switzerland with his A-Class brining along two or three friends and a bunch of bicycles in his little A-Class. 

That is impressive.

[Raza]

A Honda Fit/Jazz has equally-impressive interior versatility and powertrain efficiency at a much cheaper price.

But it lacks in so many other areas.

[heelntoe]

In the event of an accident the engine/transmission. gets pushed under the passenger cell. This allows them to make the front of the car shorter. They can use the space better.

Wich/which/witch  was my typo.

isn't that because they originally planned to put the battery pack of the hybrid version?

[akuma_supreme]

But it lacks in so many other areas.

I disagree.  Throw on an aftermarket fake-wood kit, and panoramic moonroof, and the Fit trumps the A-class.

[nickdrinkwater]

I really like the B-Class.  If I had a small family, I'd consider a B180 CDI.

[cawimmer430]

Der Unterschied ist gr??er als ich dachte. Ich finde die B Klasse vom Konzept her gelungener. Beide sind imo nicht gerade sportlich verglichen mit dem 1er oder dem Golf. 

Zwischen den beiden ist die A-Klasse viel sportlicher. Die Federung is straffer und die Lenkung direkter. Die B-Klasse dagegen f?hrt sich wie ein "Opa-Auto" mit einer etwas gef?hlslosen Lenkung und weicher Federung. Ein 1er Konkurrent sind beide nat?rlich nicht.

[cawimmer430]

That is impressive.

Who needs the backseat of a Camaro? 

[cawimmer430]

Neat! The facelifts are subtle but look good.

We have had 6 A-Classes of different generations and 3 B-Classes in the immediate family (me and my parents). My dad even dumped the E-Class wagon for a B-Class because for him it doesn't make any sense to go for the big E-Class that uses more gas and is hard to park in tiny European cities.

Comparing an A/B-Class to the Golf or A3 or 1-Series is not fair. The A/B Class cars offer a versatility that is unmatched by the other ones. Of course versatility comes with less sporty handling due to the higher roof. Interior whise the MK V Golf is no match for the B-Class, the Mercedes are now top notch (that was not the case in the first series of the A-Class). My girlfriend has a first-generation A 140 that now has 100.000 mostly trouble-free miles (with the exception of some work performed under guarantee). In contrast to our E-Classes we never stranded with the As and Bs.

Since I don't care about "sportiness" at all (I do sports on the racebike or at the Go-Kart track but driving on the street has nothing to do with sport for me) the A-Class is brilliant. Where do you get such a small package that is easy to park, holds 3 people plus skiing gear or 2 people + 2 bikes and baggage INSIDE the car plus gets good fuel economy, does 1000 km on one tank of gas, a superb crash rating, can be equipped with anything from DVD navigation, over heated seats, adaptive lights, heated electric leather seats, a panorama roof ?
It's the greates engineering excercise Mercedes has performed in years.
Anybody can built big gas guzzling behemoths, but the A-Class (and the B-Class as well) are engineer's masterpieces.

The "Elchi" expert has spoken! 

[Autobahn]

isn't that because they originally planned to put the battery pack of the hybrid version?

Exactly they wanted to put batteries, fuel cells in the sandwhich floor (and have done so for a fleet of about 50 prototypes that run with fuel cells)...

[Autobahn]

I disagree.  Throw on an aftermarket fake-wood kit, and panoramic moonroof, and the Fit trumps the A-class.

No it doesn't have you driven both (or for that matter tried to put in a lot of stuff in both?)
It's way cheaper and maybe for some a better value for the money, but it's in no respect a better car.

[mrs hounddog]

They are extremely usefull if one needs it just to drive to work everyday and maybe haul two bikes or two pairs of skis every now and then. I think you are underestimating how expensive they can get.

The premium compact market has always been a european thing. The VW Golf is the perfect example of a class less car. You find them drivern by students as well as people who want a comfortable but  more compact car to complement their S class. That is why the Golf over here has such a huge price range. From sub 100hp models in uni black to V6 models with close to 100 paints offered. As for them not providing any asthetic pleasure, beauty is in ther eye of the beholder. They are not my favorite designs, however imo the B class looks less atrocious from the front then the facelifted SL.

The A and B class are made in Rastatt Germany.   

That makes them even more unreasonable as a purchase.  And all you had to say was European market and I would have understood.  Never has there been  a  market where it's majority had so little an idea of what it wanted.

[dinkeldorf]

There's much to love about the European market, and when the gost of gas stays closer to $4, much to learn.

[nickdrinkwater]

That makes them even more unreasonable as a purchase.  And all you had to say was European market and I would have understood.  Never has there been  a  market where it's majority had so little an idea of what it wanted.

The European love of practical, economical cars makes much more sense than the American buyer's obsession with the SUV and large gasoline engine.

[nickdrinkwater]

There's much to love about the European market, and when the gost of gas stays closer to $4, much to learn.

I think most people here share that love.  Looking at the first page of threads in Luxury Talk, the majority seem to focus on European cars.

There is indeed a lot to learn.  If the price of fuel gets any nearer to the cost in Europe and much of Asia, then I think the US will fall more into line with our taste in cars.

What's the odds of a hybrid Mustang in a few years?  GM have started the ball rolling with the proposal for a 4-cylinder Camaro...

Of course there are things the European automakers can learn from the US companies, too.

[Madman]

Of course there are things the European automakers can learn from the US companies, too.

Sure, like using live rear axles and cart springs just to save a few pennies in development costs.  Or how to make use of the cheapest, lowest-grade materials you can possibly get away with.  Or how about fitting twenty-four cupholders into a car designed to carry just seven people?  Then there's getting less horsepower from a 5.7 litre V8 as the Europeans get from a 2.0 litre turbo!  That's quite an amazing feat of engineering, when you stop to think about it. 

Yeah, the Europeans sure can learn a lot from us! 


Cheers,
Madman of the People

[Tave]

The European love of practical, economical cars makes much more sense than the American buyer's obsession with the SUV and large gasoline engine.

How much does a loaded A-class go for, anyway? There are better choices in the sub-compact market if you're worried about "economy," I believe is the point.

It doesn't make any sense to me to pay out the ass for a little shoe-box of a car. That three-pointed star commands a premium, and it's not worth it in this segment, IMO.

Edit: I just optioned-out an A 200 turbo @ a hair over 30,000 pounds.

[Vinsanity]

How much does a loaded A-class go for, anyway? There are better choices in the sub-compact market if you're worried about "economy," I believe is the point.

It doesn't make any sense to me to pay out the ass for a little shoe-box of a car. That three-pointed star commands a premium, and it's not worth it in this segment, IMO.

Edit: I just optioned-out an A 200 turbo @ a hair over 30,000 pounds.

My thoughts exactly. I was actually serious when I questioned whether this belongs in luxury talk.

[akuma_supreme]

No it doesn't have you driven both (or for that matter tried to put in a lot of stuff in both?)
It's way cheaper and maybe for some a better value for the money, but it's in no respect a better car.

For $30 grand, the A-class needs to be a lot more special than just being a narrowish hatchback with low-grade interior plastics and cloth.

[Raza]

For $30 grand, the A-class needs to be a lot more special than just being a narrowish hatchback with low-grade interior plastics and cloth.

At 30 grand, I believe it has leather. 

And like I said earlier, they've got real wood, which is more than you can say for a lot of near luxury cars.

[nickdrinkwater]

Sure, like using live rear axles and cart springs just to save a few pennies in development costs.  Or how to make use of the cheapest, lowest-grade materials you can possibly get away with.  Or how about fitting twenty-four cupholders into a car designed to carry just seven people?  Then there's getting less horsepower from a 5.7 litre V8 as the Europeans get from a 2.0 litre turbo!  That's quite an amazing feat of engineering, when you stop to think about it. 

Yeah, the Europeans sure can learn a lot from us! 


Cheers,
Madman of the People

Hey, I never said there was a lot we can learn!  But maybe a little...

How much does a loaded A-class go for, anyway? There are better choices in the sub-compact market if you're worried about "economy," I believe is the point.

It doesn't make any sense to me to pay out the ass for a little shoe-box of a car. That three-pointed star commands a premium, and it's not worth it in this segment, IMO.

Edit: I just optioned-out an A 200 turbo @ a hair over 30,000 pounds.

Maybe that's where American buyers are different.  To me, luxury is not defined by size.

[850CSi]

I have to say that I was just in France and immediately noticed the comparative crappy-ness (from an enthusiast's POV) of cars back home (and the wider lanes ) - That may have also had something to do with the fact that my taxi to CDG was a gorgeous Elegance trim E(220?) CDI (6-speed, too!) and I was in a CV back here. Their cars are weaker, but they're generally smaller and more fun/drivable [perhaps out of necessity]. Just the fact that nearly every BMW I saw (including X3s) had a proper transmission and that their streets aren't loaded with barges and SUVs appeals more to my tastes. That, and driving back here is so frustrating after driving there (lower speed limits, people are idiots here/won't keep to the right, and their roads are just a hell of a lot more fun).

As for the B-Class... Anyone who doesn't understand it has never driven/been in one. The packaging is excellent, it's rather nice inside even in cheaper trim levels, and it drives fairly well. Our rental was a B180 CDI (6 MT) which we drove all the way from Monaco to Paris (through Torino/Alps/Geneva) and it fit 4 of us (including myself in the back seat) as comfortably as the X5 with plenty of room for our bags in the back. I got to drive it - It was slightly underpowered but very efficient. Handling was fine, although the steering feel left a bit to be desired (Wimmer said earlier in this thread that the B is less involving than the A, so that makes sense now). MB manuals, if they're like this one, get a bit of a bad rep - It really wasn't bad at all; the gearshift was pretty good, and although the clutch's catch point was too high for my taste, it was fine (and this is coming from someone who's used to the best MTs in the business). Interior materials were rather good, seats were comfortable. Overall, I liked it a lot (I'll write a detailed review sometime soon when I can get my hands on the pictures).

[Raza]

Maybe that's where American buyers are different.  To me, luxury is not defined by size.

Haha, a few years ago I floated the idea of ultra luxury small cars and was shot down by everyone.

To most Americans, luxury is almost solely defined by size.

[dinkeldorf]

Haha, a few years ago I floated the idea of ultra luxury small cars and was shot down by everyone.

To most Americans, luxury is almost solely defined by size.

You're right but that's retarted.  When the cost of gas hits $4 that will change in a hurry.

Likely more important than gas in Europe, is parking hence the small size.

[nickdrinkwater]

A luxury car cannot be one that is cramped and uncomfortable, and that is maybe the perception of the North American customer.  However, most small cars are now well packaged and spacious inside despite their dimensions.  The B-Class is a good example.

[akuma_supreme]

Haha, a few years ago I floated the idea of ultra luxury small cars and was shot down by everyone.

To most Americans, luxury is almost solely defined by size.

That must have been before I joined this board.   

I'd like to step up someday into something fancier than my Civic.  I'd like something with a nicer interior and more toys, but I am really loathe to give up my consistent 30mpg and living in the city and I really don't want something much larger than what I currently drive.