Mercedes-Benz says its new B-Class is substantially more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and spacious as ever.
The vehicle's lower height and more upright seat position provide for a first impression that hints at this compact sports tourer's more dynamic credentials.
With a new four-cylinder petrol engine featuring direct injection and turbocharging, a new dual clutch transmission, a new manual transmission, and new assistance systems, the front-wheel-drive car also rings in a new technological era for compact cars from Mercedes-Benz.
Worthy of special mention is the new four-cylinder, 1.8 litre diesel engine, which is a further development. It is a third generation common rail direct-injection power unit, and it makes history in that it is the first time the compression-ignition engine has been mounted transversely in a Mercedes-Benz car.
The B 180 CDI generates 109bhp of power, while the B 200 CDI has an output of 136bhp. The maximum torque stands at 250Nm from 1400rpm for the 80kW variant and 300Nm from 1600rpm for the 100 kW variant.
"No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments introduced in one fell swoop," a spokesman for Mercedes-Benz Cars told the Advertiser. "Future B-Class customers will benefit from this quantum leap in terms of better fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions, combined with driving pleasure, plenty of space, and the highest standard of safety that has ever been available in this class."
The new B-Class is a typical Mercedes sports tourer, offering space and impressive dynamic performance as a hatchback saloon. It also has outstanding aerodynamics.
One striking aspect is the reduced height at almost five centimetres lower on the road than its predecessor. The seat height in relation to the road has also been reduced in order to facilitate getting in and out of the car easily, while maintaining a clear overview of the vehicle's contours when driving.
In response to requests from many customers, the sitting position is now more upright. At the same time, the headroom has been further improved, putting it among the most spacious cars in its segment. Mercedes-Benz claims the more upright sitting position in combination with a lowering of the vehicle's floor at the rear leads to a segment-leading degree of legroom (976mm ) which even surpasses that of the S and E-Classes.
The interior of the B-Class defines a whole new benchmark in the compact segment with high-quality materials and finely structured surfaces, stylish details, precision workmanship, and a new spaciousness.
The world premiere of the new B-Class takes place at the Frankfurt International Motor Show next month, and we can expect to see it here before next spring (2012 ).
