Mini battle: Mercedes-Benz expected to launch new line of luxury small cars

By Marcus Amick April 15, 2013

Mercedes-Benz seems to be revving up for a new line of small cars that will take direct aim at BMW’s Mini brand.

According to the Germany weekly news magazine, Focus, as reported by Reuters, the new line of luxury vehicles will be based on the technology of Mercedes Benz’s compact A-Class. The line-up is expected to kick off with a small SUV in 2015, which will be even smaller than the new GLA compact crossover set to debut at the Shanghai Auto Show later this month.

A three-door model targeted at potential Mini buyers is expected in 2016, according to Focus.

News of the new Mercedes line-up is the latest in a growing trend among luxury carmakers to develop more compact entry-level cars to appeal to a new consumer base who are looking for more practicality as well as luxury in a vehicle.

Prices for all cars in the new Mercedes-Benz line-up will range between 17,000 euros ($22,300) and 20,000 euros, according to Focus.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Marcus Amick has been writing about the world of cars for more than ten years and has covered everything from new automobiles…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class takes a subtle approach to tech

2023 mercedes benz glc class preview

Mercedes-Benz isn’t afraid of bold design, but not every luxury car shopper wants a vehicle that looks like a spaceship. Some Mercedes models are meant to be trendsetters, but the GLC-Class SUV is aimed at people who don’t need to be early adopters.

The GLC is a small SUV of the type that’s become the default for many buyers. So while the redesigned 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class gets notable features like a redesigned infotainment system, “transparent hood” camera system, and mild-hybrid powertrain, it’s all packaged in a way that looks familiar.

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is a luxury SUV for the family

mercedes benz eqs suv preview

Mercedes-Benz is expanding its EQ lineup of electric cars with a new SUV model. As the name suggests, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is based on the same platform as the EQS sedan released last year. The two models also share powertrain hardware, styling, and key tech features — including Mercedes’ 56-inch Hyperscreen display.

The EQS SUV adds a third row of seats (for a total of seven) and the taller ride height and driving position that have made U.S. car shoppers fall in love with SUVs. When it reaches U.S. dealerships later in 2022, it should help boost sales of the EQ line.

Cars

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX concept is a luxury EV with a 621-mile range

The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX concept in motion.

Ahead of CES 2022, Mercedes-Benz unveiled an electric concept car that pushes the limits of efficiency and range.

The Vision EQXX boasts a claimed range of over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), or about 100 miles more than the current range champ, the 520-mile Lucid Air. Mercedes didn't achieve that by simply using a bigger battery pack. In fact, at 100 kilowatt-hours of usable capacity, the concept car's pack is close in size to the Air's. Instead, Mercedes focused on making every part of the Vision EQXX — from tires to batteries — as efficient as possible.