Mercedes-Benz B-Class

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class (codename W245) is a small family car introduced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz in March 2005. It is essentially an enlarged A-Class keeping the same engine and suspension system. Like the A-Class, and unlike any other vehicle Mercedes builds or has built, the B-Class is a front wheel drive vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive concept car was presented at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The electric car is scheduled to be released in Europe in 2013 and expected to be launched in the U.S. in 2014.

Mercedes-Benz describes the B-Class as a Compact Sports Tourer instead of hatchback or multi-purpose vehicle, like its R-Class model, which is called a Grand Sports Tourer. It was released in Europe in the late spring of 2005 and in Canada in the autumn of 2005. Plans to import the car to the US through Mexico were put on hold due to a strong euro, but it is likely that a new version of the car will come to the US via a newly constructed Mexican plant in 2014.