2011 Frankfurt: Mercedes-Benz B-Class Coming to U.S., F125! Concept and SLS AMG Roadster Debut

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the all-new B-Class today in Frankfurt and we've learned it's coming to the U.S. in 2013. Also shown were the new SLS AMG Roadster and the F125! Concept.
The all-new B-Class will go on sale in Europe later this year with two gasoline and two diesel engines, all under two liters and all turbocharged. All come standard with a new 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and auto start/stop. Mercedes won't say yet which engines will come to the U.S. but we expect they'll be the more powerful options with 135 to 155 horsepower. Pricing in Europe starts at 26,000 euro with VAT, or about $30,000 without the tax. Official U.S. pricing won't be announced for some time.
There's more to it than that, though. Mercedes also revealed a Concept B-Class E-Cell with a lithium-ion battery under the floor that gives it a 62 mile range. When the battery dies, a turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine kicks on and extends the range to 372 miles. Mercedes is also working on a hydrogen fuel cell version of the car and wants to put both alternative drivetrains into production in the future.
The company is also planning several new models based on the new B-Class platform architecture. The first will be the new A-Class, based on the recent Concept A. Following that will be a compact crossover and a compact "four-door coupe" like the CLS-Class. A fifth variant is in the works but hasn't been announced yet.
Also debuting today was the new F125! Concept. It features a hydrogen fuel cell with 620 miles of range, seating for four, gullwing doors and hints of future Mercedes-Benz styling. Based on existing technology and architecture, Mercedes says it could theoretically go into production tomorrow.
In an odd twist, it shared the stage with a non-gullwing SLS AMG, the new Roadster model. Look for a full drive story on that car soon. In addition to the folding top, the 2012 models get an optional adaptive suspension to improve ride quality. We've learned that Mercedes us also working on a battery powered E-Cell version of the new Roadster.
In other news, Mercedes says the G-Class still has at least five years left in it. We're told to expect some updates next year. The new ML, meanwhile, could get a four-cylinder turbo diesel option in the U.S. in the future if customers demand it.
Stay tuned for more live updates from the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.