DOUBLE VISION: Mercedes-Benz's Vision R and Vision B concepts are closely related to their production versions, which go on sale soon in the United States

摘要

Mercedes-Benz, which was once famous for conservative sedans and not-very-sporty sports cars, now leads the industry in proliferation of premium products. If you need any evidence of product planning run amok, take the attention-grabbing R-class and the intriguing B-class, which go on sale here this fall (R) and early next year (B). Both cars are fruits of a complex common-components concept, with the B-class essentially a stretched, high-roof A-class and the R-class a dressed-up, six-seat M-class. By pooling existing drivetrains and suspensions with fresh sheetmetal, the Stuttgart strategists have created a pair of new-comers that don't need to sell in huge numbers to make a solid business case.