[Scorcher]

Merc prepping a cheaper than C-class entry level sedan based on the B-class. Its believed to debut at 2012 NY Auto Show. Looks like a baby-CLS.

It's coming - a more affordable Mercedes sedan.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLC four-door coupe is set for a debut at the New York auto show next spring. The all-new model is based on the just introduced next-generation B-Class and is a compact version of the larger CLS-Class sedan/coupe.
The new CLC will represent a new entry-level sedan for the Mercedes-Benz brand, whose current A- and B-Class models are hatchbacks. "This will be a real Mercedes-Benz," said one exec to Inside Line.
We also expect a compact SUV to be derived from the new 2012 B-Class. That model is said to be called the GLC.
All the aforementioned B-Class variants will ride on Mercedes-Benz's new Modular Front Architecture (MFA) front-wheel drive platform.

Source

[arvi86]

The stance of the CLC is looking pretty mean and good. In my opinion, the CLC is going to be a mini CLS and has all the potential to become a huge success for Mercedes-Benz. I just can't wait to have a look at the car sans its camouflage. Of late, Mercedes-Benz have been coming out with great products one after the other like they did until the early nineties and this would hopefully be similar to those.

[90BHP]

Post deleted by the Team-BHP Support : Please do NOT post one-liners that add little or no informational value to the thread. We need your co-operation to maintain the overall quality of this forum.

Please read our rules before proceeding any further.

[avishar]

What mercedes needs ASAP is a X3,Q5 competitor or even something smaller to go against the X1.They are losing lots of sales in those segments.

[ashis89]

In the first look of the 1st pic,i couldn't imagine it to be a Merc. Only when i saw those RVMs,did i believe it. Now Merc has started making really attractive car. I just loved the stance,the sloping rear roofline(however impractical it may be i don't care). The camouflaged front looks agressive and the rear looks muscular.

[Scorcher]

Originally Posted by avishar

What mercedes needs ASAP is a X3,Q5 competitor or even something smaller to go against the X1.They are losing lots of sales in those segments.

Merc already has a X3/Q5 rival, the GLK. Its other matter that they are very reluctant to bring it to India.

[Tassem]

This may have nothing to do with the car itself, but that's one of the best disguises I've ever seen! So much better than the usual sticker job. Merc sure is not leaving any stone unturned in keeping this hush hush.

I sure am excited about the launch and hope they price it sensibly in the Indian Market. As for an X1 competitor, the Range Rover Evoque is an ideal candidate if they can rethink the pricing. Plus to me the design looks so much better than the X1.

[Swanand Inamdar]

Looks to be a killer. IMO the ORVM's look out of place, at least in the spy pics.

@Tassem: Agreed, this may be one of the best disguises any car has carried. The car looks like its been through a shootout recently .

[Scorcher]

Originally Posted by Tassem

This may have nothing to do with the car itself, but that's one of the best disguises I've ever seen! So much better than the usual sticker job. Merc sure is not leaving any stone unturned in keeping this hush hush.

Originally Posted by Swanand Inamdar

@Tassem: Agreed, this may be one of the best disguises any car has carried. The car looks like its been through a shootout recently .

Nothing innovative here fellas. In fact, this is prehistoric. All manufacturers used these kind of camouflages for their prototypes for ages. Right until BMW recently came up with a theory that suggests that this extra weight could hinder both the accuracy of the figures and also increase the drag quotient if the case is of a performance car. Hence, they came up with the confusing spiral graphic design which is now being used by many other manufacturers too

[suhaas307]

Great initiative by Mercedes. This must be based on the B-Class platform from the Mercedes range. It's good to see them starting the design and building it from ground-up instead of slamming a boot onto a hatchback.

Now with the A3 sedan on the cards, and BMW planning on introducing the 1-Series shortly, it's great to see Mercedes coming up with an answer. It shows how important market-share in India is, to them.

[shamik.bose]

The first official pictures of the CLC/CLA have hit the web ahead of its debut as a model study sometime this month. It is called the M-B Concept Style Coupe. While I'm not a huge fan of the name, must say it looks pretty spectacular. Here are a few pictures:

Source: Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupe: First Photos of Sexy Looking Baby CLS Sports Sedan hit the Web - Carscoop

[1100D]

The MFA will gain popularity, could even send sales charts afire once launched in India. But that itself, is not a good sign for people who loved the Germans for their rear wheel drive prowess.

The direction shown by Sir Alec Issignosis, via the Mini, has really changed the world, most would say for the better, companies have found this as an avenue of substantial cost saving by means of easy platform sharing as well as packaging. But has killed some of the cars that we so loved growing up with, namely the rear wheel drives. Affordable rear-wheel drives are history and now, soon, even this segment is going to see front wheel drives. How many people are complaining?

BMW please stay on your USP

[fre2bpowerless]

Originally Posted by Scorcher

Merc already has a X3/Q5 rival, the GLK. Its other matter that they are very reluctant to bring it to India.

Also because there is no RHD GLK, check this article

New York show: Mercedes GLK - Autocar.co.uk

[AyAn!]

It looks like some aquatic creature with a huge cow-catcher up front. But yes,I agree,it still looks pretty spectacular! I'm in love with Merc's current design language.Things are picking up it seems. Pity the production model will lose some muscle.

In a segment like this,its very hard to optimally package a car,I believe. Hats of to Mercedes if they pull it off with a dollop of style as well! Looks really promising.

[shamik.bose]

Mercedes-Benz has dropped the official photographs of its CLC concept. Here's the link: New Mercedes-Benz CSC Officially Revealed, Features 2.0L Turbo and AWD [43 Photos + Video] - Carscoop