Mercedes is developing an all new platform upon which the new generation of A and B-Class and a number of totally new models will be built. A mid-size four-door coupe called BLS, and a new compact SUV, the BLK, are some of the upcoming products on this platform. Here;s an artist’s impression of the Mercedes BLK, which will challenge BMW X1 and the upcoming Audi Q3.
The BLK probably will be released in 2011 as a 2012 model, until then Mercedes has enough time to study strength and weakness points of the rivals and use them to its advantage. Mercedes already has a compact SUV called GLK, and BLK certainly won’t be much smaller than it, but the GLK is on the par with BMW X3 and Audi Q5, so Mercedes needs a new model to take on the new smaller crossovers such as the X1, which has also received a warm welcome in the market.
Like the GLK, Mercedes BLK will be available with either two or four wheel drive, but it’s not likely for it to get six cylinder engines. Compact SUVs are meant to be economical, so we can expect a range of four cylinder engines for it, both petrol and diesel, in different displacements some of them with Kompressors. It is also quit possible that a hybrid variant to come out later on.
We had it in the news earlier that the next Mercedes Benz B-Class platform will be used for a number of different cars. This is probably one of them! The Mercedes BLK Crossover which slots right under the GLK in every aspect and rivals BMW X1 and Audi Q3. It’s smaller than the GLK but offers as much space inside, It also will be cheaper than its slightly bigger brother.
Mercedes BLK will be mechanically identical to the next gen B-class and uses the same range of engines, From a 2.0 liter turbo diesel with 175, 204 and 225 hp a large 2.0 liter petrol with 204 or 238 hp.
The BLK will be around 5000 Euros cheaper than the GLK which makes it a very good choice for everyone who is seeking a compact SUV, but it might cause some trouble to the GLK market. Is Mercedes gonna shoot one of his legs again?! We won’t find out untill 2012 because that’s when it’ll come!
These plans include a small soft roader which is expected to carry the label BLK, it is due for launch at the end of 2011 and will slot into Mercedes' product line up below the GLK. It will battle against the likes of the BMW X1 and Land Rover LRX in the brand new premium mini-SUV segment. It is also expected Audi will join the party with their rumoured Q3.
Mercedes are currently in discussions with BMW about co-developing the engines which would be used in both the BLK and BMW X1. A range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines are set to be offered, starting from a displacement of 1.6 liters rising to 2.2 liters. Optional four-wheel-drive will be available but the standard model is likely to offer just a front-wheel-drive system.
There is then the decision of what to do with the platforms of the current generation A-class and B-class. Rumours state up to three new models could be launched, one of these is expected to be a three door coupe based on the A class platform and there could even be an electrically powered model in the pipeline.
