The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class puts the emphasis on sport with the Sports Tourer. It looks more dynamic than its predecessor and is more agile on the road while offering greater comfort. Its avant-garde interior makes for a unique feeling of space with the distinctive design of the instrument panel.
One of the special features is a basic volume, which drops away towards the occupants and has cutouts in the area of the driver and front passenger. The intuitive user interface of the adaptive MBUX multimedia system is ground-breaking.
Its strengths include brilliant graphics, “Hey Mercedes” voice control, a standard touch screen and functions such as MBUX Augmented Reality. When it comes to active safety, state-of-the-art driving assistance systems make the B-Class one of the segment leaders with functions carried over from the S-Class.
In addition, the interior is now more spacious, while the engines are more efficient and cleaner. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission makes its debut.
The designers’ brief was to make the new B-Class stand out visually from the world of minivans. That brief was accepted and executed, with the long wheelbase (2729 mm) with short overhangs, slightly lowered roof line and larger, 16- to 19-inch wheels making for dynamic proportions. The relatively squat, progressive front end with flowing transition from bonnet to A-pillar and on to the windscreen, along with the muscular shoulder of the body, underlines the sporty overall look.
The cd value of the new B-Class starts at 0.24 (predecessor: 0.25). The lower roof line further contributes to a best-in-class airflow due to the smaller end face of the car. In addition, the aerodynamics engineers have reduced the wind noise thanks to extensive detail work. The benefits: a high level of alertness as well as the ability to engage in a relaxed conversation.
The following five engine variants will be available at the launch of the B-Class:
• B 180 (100kW/136 hp, 200 Nm); with 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission (combined fuel consumption 5.6-5.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 128-124 g/km)
• B 200 (120kW/163 hp, 250 Nm); with 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission (combined fuel consumption 5.6-5.4 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 129-124 g/km)
• B 180 d with 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission (85kW/116 hp), 260 Nm; combined fuel consumption 4.4-4.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 115-109 g/km)
• B 200 d with 8G-DCT dual-clutch transmission (110kW/150 hp), 320 Nm; combined fuel consumption 5.4-4.2 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 119-112 g/km)
• B 220 d with 8G-DCT dual-clutch transmission (140kW/190 hp), 400 Nm; fuel consumption 4.5-4.4 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 119-116 g/km).
It is not clear as to which powertrain options will be made available in Canada, when the new B-class goes on sale here next year.