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2004 Mercedes-Benz Vision B Concept

A Compact Luxury Crossover-SUV Sounds Enticing Considering Todays Fuel Prices

Mercedes-Benz launched two new "Visions" of the future in Paris last month, a designation the brand uses for its near production prototype vehicles such as the Vision CLS which recently became the CLS-Class.

Testing the waters, the Vision B follows the Sport Tourer crossover SUV-wagon theme started with the GST or Grand Sport Tourer in 2002, which is actually the forerunner of the Vision R.

Over the last twelve months the Stuttgart, Germany-based luxury car maker has revolutionized its product range, putting great emphasis on its entry level vehicles. While the updated C-Class and redesigned European-market A-Class fill their niches well, M-B is looking to plug the gap between

Vision B (right) takes many of the styling cues of the Vision R, soon to arrive in production trim as the R-Class, however, its smaller and more compact. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

the two models by slotting in a compact crossover-SUV logically called the B-Class. This is where the Vision B concept comes in, a preproduction prototype specifically designed to draw public opinion on styling, layout and general acceptance of the relatively tiny model. Mercedes claims to have included the best elements of a sports sedan, a station wagon and a compact van all in its Vision B, otherwise known as the Compact Sport Tourer or CST, and is targeting vehicles

Chamfered creases, widened fenders and striped taillights give the compact Vision B a sharp appearance. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

such as Subarus popular Forester and Mitsubishis Outlander.

Keen to make the most of its revolutionized A-Class chassis, Mercedes-Benz structured the Vision B concept around it. Aside from incorporating a monospace frame like the A, the Vision B also benefits from the "Sandwich principle", a unique structure which features the motor and CVT (continuously variable transmission) unit being placed partly in front and partly below the passenger shell. The automakers engineers struggled to find common ground between compact exterior dimensions and safety, and found that this was the ideal median between

The Vision B (Compact Sport Tourer), a continuation of the Sport Tourer them started with the GST concept of 2002, is expected to be introduced next year as the B-Class. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

the two. In the event of a frontal collision, the motor is pushed under the vehicle as opposed to into the passenger compartment, ensuring top marks in global crash test programs.

The secondary advantage to the sandwich structure has less to do with vehicle dynamics and safety and more to do with space efficiency. Crossover vehicles are all about maximizing space while minimizing exterior dimensions, and the Vision B is an exemplary demonstration on how this is done. Because the engine and transmission are isolated outside the passenger shell and there is no driveshaft because of its front wheel drive powertrain, nothing intrudes into the passenger area. The Vision B also

The Vision B looks surprisingly production ready, with an interior that would easily fit into Mercedes-Benzs luxury lineup. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

features a flat interior floor, something very few passenger cars can offer. The Bs one-box shape provides levels of roominess and comfort previously found only in larger sedans and station wagons as well.

Unlike most concept cars, which feature space-aged interiors with futuristic seating arrangements, outrageous electronics and six-figure materials budgets, the Vision B is down to earth. Waterproof microfiber seats and leather carpeting over teak floorboards arent part of the program, but rather a nicely designed, tastefully appointed, completely plausible interior. A majority of interior components, including the center console, door panels, two-tone cloth seats and dashboard, have been carried over directly from the A-Class, however, the Vision B features a new multi-function steering wheel and a redesigned instrument panel.

Many of Vision Bs components, including its sandwich-type body structure, come from the 2005 Europe-only A-Class. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

Mercedes-Benzs COMMAND system, digital climate control and a full count of airbags are all included as well. A large-scale panoramic roof brightens the cabin while adding a sense of roominess to what might otherwise be another drab gray interior.

The Vision B typifies the "form follows function" mentality, albeit is nevertheless quite attractive. Essentially it looks much like the larger Vision R, featuring a pointed nose and raised hood, similarly shaped windows, fender flares and oversized split five-spoke wheels. A chamfered curving strip, which begins midway through the front set of doors, can be traced back to the taillights. Styling on the Vision B is fresh and directional, a step forward from the amorphous, blobby look of the current Mercedes-Benz ML.

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