The smaller car is the...

The smaller car is the Vision B, the larger machine the Vision R - and both will be in production within 12 months, badged as the B-Class and R-Class.

A spokesman for the German manufacturer told Auto Express: "Customers are always looking for something different from their cars nowadays. And just as the new Mercedes CLS is a departure from traditional saloon and coupнѓ© styling, the Vision B and R are good examples of us aiming to offer as many varieties as possible."

The B has been labelled a compact sports tourer. It"s based on a lengthened version of the A-Class platform and offers interior space on a par with larger four-doors. That"s because the engine and transmission sit partly in front of and partly beneath the passenger cell, thanks to the sandwich-style floorpan.

It"s powered by a new four-cylinder CDI diesel engine, which complies with strict Euro IV emissions regulations and returns more than 47mpg. The 140bhp unit also produces 300Nm of torque.

The showroom version - which we revealed back in Issue 819 - will arrive in the UK next year. Petrol buyers will have a choice of 1.5, 1.7 and 2.0-litre normally aspirated units, as well as a flagship turbocharged 2.0-litre. The R is described by the firm as a 4+2 luxury grand sports tourer. It builds on the original GST concept, unveiled at the 2002 Detroit Motor Show. We revealed the car will be called the R-Class in issue 761.

Inside, passengers will benefit from masses of space thanks to a wheelbase that"s nearly three metres long. The cabin features individual chairs throughout, offering plenty of scope for seating arrangements and load-lugging capability. There"s a leather interior and ash-wood and aluminium trim.

The four-wheel-drive Merc is powered by an all-new V6 CDI oil-burner capable of returning 32mpg. It boasts a particulate filter system and meets Euro IV standards as well - yet with 218bhp and 510Nm of torque, it will still have plenty to keep keen drivers happy.

This engine is mated to the company"s innovative 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission. When the production version of the R-Class arrives next year, it will compete with luxury 4x4s such as the Range Rover.

Both Mercs benefit from a new exterior paint, which makes its world debut at the Paris show. This features a high-gloss finish designed to surround the vehicle like a metallic skin. The shiny, high-luminance coating is the result of a sophisticated new development process which Mercedes says is likely to become a production reality.