The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class has been revealed to the South African motoring public and is the automaker positioning its newest model as a Sports Tourer. Undoubtedly, the new B-Class looks more dynamic than its predecessor.
Jumping right in, when ordering the new B-Class with LED headlamps or higher, the vehicle comes with its own daytime running light signature in the form of a double torch. The optional Multibeam LED headlamps have an especially sporty look, says Mercedes-Benz. They allow fast, electronically controlled adjustment of the headlamps to suit the current traffic conditions. This feature from the luxury class, which made its debut in the compact segment in the new A-Class, now produces striking looks and added safety also in the new B-Class.
At the back, the width of the vehicle is accentuated by two-part lamps, reflectors integrated into the bumper, and a distinctive black bumper bottom section with a diffuser look and chrome trim strip.
The improved seat geometry and lower belt line make for an even more generous feeling of space than in the previous model, according to the automaker. The driver sits 90mm higher than in an A-Class, thus enjoying an improved all-round view.
Improved interior
The interior has been fine-tuned in many places: the improved passage over the center tunnel in the rear makes for a more accessible middle seat. The rear seat backrest comes as standard with a 40:20:40 split. Although the capacity is roughly the same as in the previous model, the luggage compartment can be more efficiently used thanks to the improvements.
With the rear seat folded down and luggage loaded to the roof, the luggage compartment, which is flat thanks to the adjustable load compartment floor, can accommodate up to 1 540 litres behind the front seats.
An Easy-Pack tailgate is optionally available. It can be conveniently opened or closed automatically at the press of a button, even by means of a foot movement in combination with optional Hands-Free Access.
MBUX as standard
What goes for A also goes for B: the new B-Class is the second car model after the A-Class to feature the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system, which ushered in a new era with Mercedes me Connectivity. Its ability to learn thanks to Artificial Intelligence makes the system unique. MBUX is customisable and adapts to the user. It thus creates an emotional link between vehicle, driver, and passengers.
Its other strengths include touchscreen control as standard as well as, depending on equipment, a high-resolution Widescreen cockpit, navigation display with Augmented Reality technology plus intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition, which is activated by saying “Hey Mercedes”. The touch screen is part of the integrated MBUX touch-control concept – a trio consisting of touch screen, touchpad on the centre console (optional) and touch controls on the steering wheel.
New powertrains
Compared to its predecessor, the new B-Class is in all cases powered by new, efficient engines, all of which comply with the Euro 6d-TEMP limits. Making its debut is a transverse-mounted version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 110kW. The B-Class is the first compact model from Mercedes-Benz to be certified in accordance with the Euro 6d standard in the future.
Also available is the four-cylinder petrol engine displacing 1.33-litres and producing 120 kW. Innovations include cylinder management (in combination with 7G-DCT transmission), delta shape of the cylinder head, and particle filter.
The new B-Class is initially available exclusively with dual-clutch transmissions. New here is the eight-speed (8G-DCT), which is used in combination with the diesel engine. Other new engines will follow, as will models with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. A 43-litre tank is installed as standard.
The B200 and B200d retail from R526 900 and R559 100, respectively.
