Mercedes-Benz officially disapproves of the possibility that a MINI competitor will be launched in the medium-term.

Mercedes-Benz officially disapproves of the possibility that a MINI competitor will be launched in the medium-term.

Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche has ruled out the possibility that a MINI competitor could be placed below the A-Class in Mercedes-Benz’s lineup. He does acknowledge that there is a market for a supermini, but it would be difficult for Daimler to make a profit on such a model. This model would fill the gap between the A-Class and the Smart ForFour.

Zetsche stated that it was possible, but didn’t give a time frame. In March, a report stated that Mercedes-Benz would introduce the X-Class this year. It will be competing with BMW’s new front-wheel-drive models. This car would be based on next-gen Renault Clio, but will have a premium interior and exterior. This rumored X-Class will likely be made in a low-wage country, and the starting price will be less than 20,000 EUR.

AutocarDieter Zetsche stated that a fifth model will be launched at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. It will be built on the MFA platform, which is the same as the A-Class and B-Class models, along with the CLA and recently revealed GLA. Although he didn’t say what kind of car the tri-pointed star firm will launch, Gordon Wagener, the designer at Gordon Wagener, said that an estate would be released in 2014. This will likely have the more attractive shooting brake body style.