First look: Benz brothers a class act

MERCEDES-BENZ has revealed a pair of luxury people-mover concepts ahead of their public debut at the Paris motor show on September 23.

Described by Mercedes as innovative sports tourer concepts, the so-called Vision B compact five-door wagon joins for the first time a development of the large Vision GST luxury people-mover that premiered at Detroit 2002, this time called Vision R.

But the Stuttgart company has not abandoned the unfortunate GST name, describing Vision R as the European version of the Grand Sports Tourer, a bigger brother to the Vision B Compact Sports Tourer.

Confirming the German car giant’s move into unchartered waters dominated by Japanese and US makers, the compact B-class and large R-class showcars fill yet another market segment for Mercedes-Benz, which prefers to call it future-oriented touring cars for a new model family, rather than simply people-movers.

Mercedes already produces the Viano and Vaneo people-movers for overseas markets, but the more luxurious B and R-class showcars aim to underline the versatility and potential of the sports touring concept by combining “the advantages of familiar vehicle concepts such as a sporty saloon, estate, van and SUV to create a new category in its own right”.

Bridging the gap between E-class sedan and M-class SUV, the 4+2 configured R-class has a 2980mm wheelbase, all-wheel drive, air suspension, more space than many luxury sedans, leather upholstery and ash-wood and aluminium trim.

While Vision R is expected to make its debut in final production form at January’s Detroit motor show and should enter manufacture at Mercedes’ Tuscaloosa, Alabama, assembly plant in the US in late 2004, Vision B will be based on the new A-class to be launched in Europe in early 2005.

Both Vision B and Vision R feature diesel engines, but engine choices for the imposing new R-class, which will be based on the next generation M-class SUV due to appear by late 2005, should include Mercedes’ new 3.5-litre V6, its new 4.6-litre V8 and a version of the show car’s new V6 CDI offering 162kW and a big 510Nm of torque from just 1800rpm. It’s mated to Benz’s new 7G-Tronic seven-speed auto.

Meantime, the Renault Scenic-sized Vision B features an engine and transmission mounted partly beneath and partly in front of the passenger cell using A-class’s sandwich platform, plus a new four-cylinder diesel producing 105kW and some 300Nm of torque.

Along with the new oil-burner, the production B-class – not due until 2006 and equally as uncertain to be sold in Australia as R-class – should be powered by revised versions of Mercedes’ existing 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrol engines, mated to a new continuously variable transmission.

Both cars’ diesel engines meet EU4 exhaust emissions standards and include a diesel particulate filter, and both feature for the first time a new high-gloss metallic paint treatment that Mercedes says will become a feature of its production process.

Mercedes says both vehicles will impress with their size, comfort, practicality, performance and handling.

An ace up its sleeve

NOT holding all its aces for the Paris show, Mercedes-Benz has used the International Commercial Vehicle Fair in Hanover, Germany, to present a striking crossover utility concept.

Based on the Vito van and Viano MPV, the Viano Activity dual-cab ute concept is said to combine American pick-up truck styling with European dimensions and dynamism.

Featuring an off-roader front-end, wide sliding doors, overall length of 4990mm and an extending rear section that brings its length to 5700mm, the concept vehicle has a 160kW petrol-engine V6 and 19-inch wheels.