Mercedes B-Class: full details
* Second-generation family car * Price from 21,500 (est) * On sale April 2012...
The new Mercedes B-Class is a bigger step forward than it might look at first glance. Underneath those same-again looks lie a new platform and advanced technology that will be shared with a family of future Mercedes models.
Whats it like inside?
The new B-Class is longer, wider and lower. It doesnt have the current cars sandwich floor, where the engine is designed to slide under the passenger compartment in a collision. Instead, theres a longer front end to provide crash protection and a lower floor that gives a more conventional driving position; you no longer feel like youre sitting with your legs stretched out ahead of you.
Inside, the current cars austere, angular design has gone, replaced by a curvy dash with large circular air vents. Mercedes says the design is inspired by nature, and that its cabins had become too rational and devoid of emotion.
A display screen, unashamedly iPad-like in appearance, takes centre stage. It comes in two sizes, depending on trim, and is linked to a controller on the centre console.
Story continues below gallery...
Mercedes B-Class gallery
Mercedes is keen to point out that many features are shared with its larger, pricier models the air vents are similar to those in the SLK, while the steering wheel resembles that in the CLS. Door-mounted electric seat controls, an ambient lighting option and a steering column-mounted gear selector (for auto versions) are firsts for a compact Mercedes, too.
The B-Class will be practical, with plenty of head- and legroom and a 488-litre boot. A split/folding rear seat will be standard; sliding rear seats will be an option.
Technical details
At launch, the B-Class will be available with four new engines. There will be 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol units with 121- or 154bhp and engineered to provide high torque at low engine revs. Therell be 1.8-litre diesel engines with 107- or 134bhp, which are based on the 2.1-litre diesel engines used in Mercedes larger cars. Six-speed manual gearboxes and a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will be available.
Mercedes has engineered the B-Class to run on more than just petrol or diesel. The floorplan has been developed to accommodate various powertrains. Eventually, there could be an all-electric version, an electric range-extender model, a plug-in hybrid and a version powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
Five key facts:
• Lower and wider
• Various power sources planned
• Dual-clutch semi-auto option
• Advanced safety features
• New 1.8-litre diesel engines
A huge range of active and passive safety features will be fitted as standard or available as options. Collision Prevention Assist which uses radar technology to monitor the road in front and warn the driver if a collision is imminent will be standard. Every B-Class will have Attention Assist and front-, side-, curtain- and drivers knee airbags. Rear side airbags will be optional.
Should I buy one?
The B-Class goes on sale in April 2012. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but wed expect it to start at around 21,500.
A range of cars using the same technology and platform as the B-Class will follow. The next A-Class will arrive later in 2012;
the five-door being followed by a sportier three-door. A compact SUV and a mini-CLS-style saloon are also due.
Get closer to the Mercedes B-Class by having an closer look at its dashboard. Simply click on the icon in the bottom right corner of the photo below, then move your cursor around the photo for a closer look. The icon may take a few moments to load.
Click to zoom: click the 'magnify' icon in the bottom right corner of the image then use your cursor to navigate around the photo. The icon may take a few moments to load.
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