Mercedes likely to bring E220 CDI in December and B-Class to Auto Expo

Mercedes Benz India is likely to launch an entry level E-Class diesel (E220 CDI) during the month of December. It will help Mercedes garner more numbers with its low price and fleet customer base. Using the same diesel engine (2,143 cc, four-cylinder) Mercedes Benz will lower the outputs.

The equipment on-board will be skimped and along with Daimler's own financial arm for convenience, Mercedes will hope to give the recently launched A4 2-liter TDI and BMW's 520d a tough fight. The overall numbers will also be better for Mercedes Benz as Audi threatens to take away its second place in the luxury car leader board with a lofty yet achievable target of 7,500 units in 2012.

At the Auto Expo in January 2012, Mercedes Benz is likely to display the B-Class MPV and debut it shortly thereafter. Mercedes Benz will gauge the reaction of the visitors and clientele to decide the final configuration. The exact launch date is not yet understood, but a mid-2012 launch is our best guess. As the B-Class is a family MPV, we are sure Mercedes will not offer heavy-weight performance under the bonnet. Goes without saying that the B-Class will be the cheapest Mercedes Benz in India.