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MPV Market Dies as Mercedes Axes B-Class
12 Mar
Summary
- Mercedes-Benz is discontinuing the B-Class MPV after 22 years.
- Changing buyer preferences favor SUVs over traditional MPVs.
- The GLB SUV is positioned as the B-Class successor.

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class, a popular choice for families for over two decades, is slated for discontinuation. This move reflects a broader industry trend where SUVs have overtaken traditional car segments like estates, hatchbacks, and saloons, with MPVs experiencing the sharpest decline. Mercedes' Exterior Design Director, Robert Lesnik, confirmed that the B-Class "is definitely not having a future," attributing this decision to evolving customer preferences and the brand's strategic expansion into electric vehicles.
Mercedes plans to introduce new models including a CLA saloon, CLA Shooting Brake, and updated GLB and GLA SUVs, alongside an electric A-Class. While an electric B-Class is not planned, the forthcoming GLB is intended to fill the void, offering expected seven-seat capacity and hybrid or electric powertrains. The B-Class was first introduced in 2004, with subsequent generations launched in 2011 and 2018, the latter currently available with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options starting at £36,215.




