Merc's new 4x4, compact MPV

In fact at the Paris Motor Show Mercedes will show not one, but two variants on the Sports Tourer theme - the super-lux Vision R, which we have already seen, and the new Vision B.

In the Vision R a newly developed V6 turbo-diesel has an output of 160 kW, with 510 Nm of torque from 1 800 r/min.

This is a large and luxurious vehicle combining the advantages of familiar vehicle concepts such as a sporty saloon, estate, van and "Sport Utility Vehicle" (SUV) to create a new category in its own right.

It has a wheelbase of 2 980 mm, and is a 4+2-seater.

The passengers have the benefit of comfortable, single seats and a level of spaciousness which exceeds that of many a luxury saloon.

Tasteful appointments with fine leather and decorative trim of ash wood and aluminium contribute to the feel-good atmosphere in the spacious interior.

The car gets four-wheel drive, air suspension and the powerful new V6 diesel engine, plus 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

At the same time the engine consumes less than 9 litres/100 km and meets EU-4 exhaust emissions standards, while the additive-free particulate filter system developed by Mercedes-Benz also reduces soot emissions.

Although aimed at achieving similar results, the Visions B takes a slightly different route to the Vision R.

As with the A-Class it has its engine and transmission partly in front of and partly beneath the passenger cell - according to the sandwich principle - giving this all-new touring car the interior spaciousness of larger saloons and estates despite its compact external dimensions.

The compact Sports Tourer is powered by a new four-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 103 kW and torque of 300 Nm. And its fuel consumption is less than 6 litres/100 km with exhaust emissions at EU-4 levels and a particulate filter included.

In line with the special nature of the Sports Tourer show cars Mercedes-Benz is using a new type of exterior paint with a high-gloss finish for the first time.

The Mercedes Vision B

This surrounds the vehicle body like a metallic skin and emphasises its design lines even more strongly.

This extremely shiny, high-luminance finish is the result of a newly developed and highly sophisticated process which the Stuttgart brand intends to bring to series production.

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