Mercedes-Benz is planning to develop a sub A-Class model taking a form of a compact SUV, featuring styling cues from the legendary 34-year old G-Class. The G-Class was once going to be axed due to low demand but Mercedes has decided to extend the product’s life cycle by another 10 years recently. The baby G-Class will be a Volkswagen Polo sized model sitting in the B-segment. Mercedes-Benz had recently showcased the Ener-G-Force concept at the Los Angeles Motor Show with a desire to extend the G-Class family. The development of new compact SUV comes under the plan of extending the family.
The new B-segment Mercedes SUV is expected to be introduced by the year 2016 and it will compete with the likes of the upcoming entry-level Land Rover and soon to be launched Volkswagen Taigun. The mini SUV is being planned to be based on the joint venture platform under works between Mercedes-Benz, Daimler and their alliance partner Renault-Nissan. The platform being developed will support different wheelbase, track widths and both front and four-wheel drive layouts.
The new platform is said to be an extension of the existing Mercedes-Benz MFA (Modular Front Architecture) structure, which is also being planned to underpin the successor models of B-Class, A-Class, CLA saloon and the upcoming GLA SUV. New engines are also under development for future line-up as part of the joint venture with Renault-Nissan which will see a range of new small capacity 4-cylinder direct-injection petrol and common rail diesel units. This mini G-Class SUV could be priced under Rs. 20 lakhs in the Indian market.
Source – Autocar UK
