2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Mercedes-Benz B-Class, launched in 2005, is soon to be replaced by an all-new model. While our spy photos show that development is nearing completion, there are few confirmed details available on the small car's architecture.The new B-Class is expected to be the first Mercedes to benefit from the technology partnership between the German carmaker's parent Daimler and the Renault-Nissan alliance.

Powertrains for the new model are expected to come from Renault, including turbocharged 1.2, 1.4 and 1.8 litre petrol engines. A Renault-sourced 1.6 litre and a Mercedes 2.2 litre engine are expected to hold up the diesel end. Speaking with press at the Paris Auto Show last month, Mercedes' boss of development for the A and B-Class cars, Jorg Prigl said that the new cars will be built on a new advanced Mercedes-Benz Front-drive Architecture (MFA).

Speculation of a sedan version of the B-Class is not new, however a report this week by British magazine Auto Express suggests a launch for the 'BLS' sometime in 2014.As for the styling of the regular B-Class hatch, our rendering (bottom of article) draws from earlier spy photos, along with styling elements from the German carmaker's newest models.