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Mercedes B Class
The B-Class (W245) is
a compact MPV from Mercedes-Benz introduced
in March 2005. It
is essentially an enlarged A-Class keeping
the same engine and suspension system. This
hatchback car (with five doors), has more
space inside, and becomes a mini multi purpose
vehicle (MPV). This is a practical family
car with a wide space to sit (as much as in
a true E-Class) though flexible enough to
circulate in crowded streets (like in Europe).
Mercedes Benz denominated this Compact Sports
Tourer (CST) like its R-Class model the Great
Sports Tourer (GST). There are other technical
issues, like the A-Class the B-Class W245
use front wheel drive: a significant departure
for the company. This car is also marketed
offering 6 classes of motors: 2 diesel and
4 Petrol.
Keeping in mind its
United States' market in comparison with the
A-Class and indeed emulating the R-Class,
the aspect of the B-Class was stylized from
the back to the nose. Some of the tiny stylistic
details that gave certain personality to the
Baby-Benz (popular name of the A-Class) were
removed by Mercedes Benz. In particular, the
front of the vehicle was lengthened deliberately
(although maintaining its own proprietary
Sandwich anti-crash system). The panoramic
all-around windows were made more sober without
any wedge-form detail. In
spite of all the previous announcements, the
B-Class was eventually marketed only in Europe
because Mercedes Benz feared a devaluation
of its prestige because in the United States,
all the other car-stock of much more expensive
models from this multinational corporation
is usually completely sold already. It has
been sold in Europe since late spring of 2005
and in Canada as a 2006 model since the fall
of 2005.
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