Spyshots: 2012 Mercedes Benz B-Klasse

The Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse, the model which, as Daimler said several times last year, will become one of the core lines for the Stuttgart carmaker, has been once again spied, this time while testing its winter skills in preparation for its late 2011 launch.

The new photos don't come however with any additional pieces of information. The super mini MPV will continue to be a Sports-Tourer in terms of overall design, with the only difference being the fact that starting with the new generation, Mercedes will try and draw in new customers, preferably customers aged below the current 60 years average of B-Klasse buyers.

The new B promises to become a tough competitor in what Mercedes calls "this price-sensitive compact premium vehicle segment." From the engine standpoint, it promises to be one of the most diverse models on the market. Aside for the regular petrol and diesel powerplants, the B will most likely get a hybrid version and a fuel cell powered one. Both are currently being tested by Daimler.

The fuel-cell version, previewed with the B-Klasse F-Cell released last year, achieves performances similar to a 2.0l engined vehicle.

Late last year, Daimler broke ground of the Kecskemét, Hungary facility, preparing the way for future generation A- and B-Klasse models to be built here starting 2012. The addition of the new plant to the production cue has also been done to accommodate four models instead of the two for both the A- and B-Klasse.