Mercedes-Benz is planning to make a big presence in the entry-level luxury car market. Earlier reports stated that the company is going to produce mini G-Class entry level SUV but now according to Autobild, the Mercedes-Benz is planning for an even smaller hatchback that will be based on the smaller next-generation Renault Clio. It has been reported that the mini-hatchback will be called the X-Class (Oh yeah, that’s original.)
Mercedes-Benz will position this compact car between the A-Class and the Smart car. The company plans to have its X-Class compete against the likes of the Audi A1, BMW-1 series and MINI models. Envisioned to battle BMW’s front-wheel drive vehicles, the X-Class will reportedly be launched in 2018. Once launched, Mercedes Benz targets to achieve 100,000 to 150,000 units sales globally every year.
The upcoming X-Class will measure well within four-meters in length and will sit on a platform shared with A-Class and GLA. It could be offered in sedan, hatchback and crossover variants with its starting price ranging around Rs. 14 lakhs. The new X-Class would have an option to be powered with 3-cylinder, 1.0- liter engine or 4-cylinder ,1.5 liter engine. There are no plans for dual-clutch transmission, hybrid and electric variants of the X-Class.
The Mercedes X-Class will come with leather interiors and eight airbags along with COMAND infotainment system. It is success will be gauged from new CLA four door coupe which is slated to arrive at showrooms in next-few-months. Now, the most daunting question is that whether the X-Class be brought to India or not. From my view, it seems that it could be brought to India in diesel avatar.
Check out more rendering pictures below the jump.
Also see – Photo Rendering – Mercedes mulling GLG baby G-wagen for 2016
Source – Auto Bild
