While BMW has just revealed its very first MPV, the 2 Series Gran Tourer last month, Daimler’s R&D chief, Thomas Weber has strictly ruled out the possibility of a rivalling seven-seat Mercedes-Benz B-Class. Seems like the natural thing to do, right? So, why not?
Speaking to Car and Driver, Weber revealed that while Mercedes did consider a seven-seater, it had decided against it. “There are cooler ways to transport more than four or five people. And for us, emotion counts,” claims Weber. Considering that Merc’s only seven-seaters are the V-Class, GL-Class and the now-defunct R-Class, this would suggest that something smaller is in the works.
On Mercedes’ future powertrain strategy, the R&D chief insists that the luxury brand will continue with its line of V8 and V12 engines (in the top models, that is), despite the industry shifting towards downsized four-cylinder engines. However, a new, larger series of four-cylinder engines will be developed.
According to Weber, Mercedes-Benz will “follow a downsizing strategy based on small and large four-cylinder engines, from which six- and eight-cylinder engines will be derived.” Three-cylinder motors have also been ruled out, as they “would not meet our standards for noise and vibration.” As BMW now fields its own series of three-pot engines, does this mean that Merc’s standards are higher than its rival’s, then?
Mercedes-Benz B-Class facelift
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Bravo Merc!!!
Exora better, can carry 7 people
Uncles wont like 3 clyinder engine anyway..
BMW uses 3-pot engine with turbo, and its NVH are great for a 3-pot. To meet those standards, Mercedes should use a 4-pot, normally aspirated, to meet NVH standards. With those setup, Mercedes can built a 7-seater B-class. How’s it?
They don’t want a 7 seater b class. They have something else in mind, which is still a secret.
My son’s suprima also got 4 cylinder ler. turbo sumore
We think there is a cooler way….
It can only mean one thing. MB has some magic they are just holding out. And I have to agree, the 2GT is downright ugly and silly. The last row is useless for people above the age of 10.
THE R-CLASS IS NOT BAD…AWAITING FOR A NEW VERSION OF R CLASS TO APPEAR, DEFINITELY IT IS RIVAL FOR BMW 2GT .YOU AIM FOR ASIA MARKET… ENGINE NO NEED TO BIG… YOU CAN HV BIG TORQUE BUT SMALL ENGINE…WE DONT CARE ABOUT CO2 EMISSION HERE…
There will be no R-class anymore. There is a replacement called “Viano”.
Please search for this model…
it can be a new model, but the Viano name is not so new. has been around for 10 years i think.
Mercedes is the real German marque. Even I’m driving BMW, I think my next ride will be Mercedes.
Another way of saying, ‘Mercedes does not have enough money to make and bench test 3 pot engines, better to just state that it does not meet our standards’. Wake up Mercedes, either you lead, like BMW or you follow. Even humble Ford can build a 3 time award winning three pot engine,…must say something. No wonder BMW leads in sales for luxury marques..
Toyota better for Malaysian market. Good RV. Alphard and Estima better, price decreased after GST.
RV=regret value