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Computer graphics: Auto Bild   Additional background retouching by MBEP webmaster Please note that the above graphics doesn`t show an actual photographed car but how the car magazine thinks such a car could look like

Article from American "Automobile Magazine" written by Georg Kacher
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No Chrysler Minivan for Mercedes
According to insiders, the merger of Daimler-Benz and Chrysler is unlikely to affect the proposed
South Carolina-built Mercedes minivan. Despite comments by Daimler chairman Jürgen Schrempp, the program is proceeding according to plan and recently added to the internal "funded projects" list.
Why not just do a derivative of the Chrysler Town & Country? "That wouldn't make sense," says a source at Mercedes. "In fact, it would be a mistake - after all, our `true MPV` is bigger, more powerful and more expensive than the Town & Country."
The Mercedes model will replace the slow-selling European V-Class. In addition, it could tap a new market segment by being the first vehicle of its kind powered by an optional (4.3-liter) V-8 engine. The V-8 edition would be priced a touch below $40,000, while a base 3.2-liter V-6 model would cost about $30,000. Additional features not offered on the V-Class are said to include a long-wheelbase version and optional four-wheel drive, which is considered a must for the nose-heavy V-8 version. "This is where the next-generation M-Class enters the scene," explains a senior engineer. "A strategy that develops a joint-components matrix for the V-Class and the M-Class would provide a suitable platform for the new MPV, would enable us to do an M-Class without a relatively heavy separate frame, and would provide the greatest production flexibility."
According to the current planning status, the Mercedes minivan is due in 2002. Two years later the next M-Class arrives. Like the van, it will almost certainly be offered in short- and long-wheelbase form. The larger model would slot between the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the upcoming Grand Wagoneer. While the basic architecture of the minivan and the new M-Class has many similarities, the SUV will receive structural reinforcements as well as its own suspension, stronger brakes, and a modified drivetrain complete with a low-range transfer case. The long-wheelbase version has replaced the previously planned two-door, for the simple economic reason that it will be more profitable while costing about the same to build. Which is just the sort of thinking that should please shareholders in the new DaimlerChrysler.
End of article
Many thanks to Rich W. for sending me the article!

Translation of an article from "Auto Motor und Sport"

Mercedes Plans New Minivan
Production perhaps in Tuscaloosa

Still in this year the management will decide if there will be a completely new developed minivan which no more shall be based upon the platform of the commercial vehicle Vito. With this Mercedes would react to the continuing critics on the unwieldy and uncomfortable V-Class which doesn't meet the quality niveau of the sedans from the same manufacturer. Therefore the next minivan-generation shall be developed by the passenger car section. As place of production at the moment the American plant Tuscaloosa, Alabama is discussed, where until now the SUV M-Class is being produced exclusively. In case the management should agree to the minivan-project still in this year the market introduction will take place somewhen around the year 2002.
End of article - translation by MBEP webmaster

According to the article accompanying the above computer graphics from  "Auto Bild" the E-Class van
will have all seats swivelling, foldable and easy to remove, bikes and surfboards to fit into special fixtures.
Besides the new small V6 the new direct-ignition four-cylinders developed for the next C-Class will be
available. The E-Class van shall have its premiere in 2001 as anticipation of the new E-Class..

Last revised technically: Jan. 25th 2000...Visits since Jan. 18th 1998.

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