Design, dynamism and dimensions - these are the three 'ds' describing the all-new Mercedes-Benz B-Class, which it is calling a compact sports tourer. This and the redesigned M-Class were launched last week by local agents Kinds Auto Sales Ltd of Lija.

With an overall length of 4,270 mm, corresponding to the compact car class, the B-Class prepares the way for a young market segment. Overall width is 1,777 mm and overall height, 1,604 mm. Generous space, exemplary comfort, practicality and a high level of driving pleasure are features of this touring, family and recreational vehicle.

A major advantage of the car is the sandwich concept developed by Mercedes-Benz. Thanks to the space-saving arrangement of the engine and transmission partly in front of and partly beneath the passenger cell, the new B-Class offers the interior spaciousness of large saloons and estate cars, despite its compact external dimensions.

Inside, however, the new Mercedes model offers more than other cars of comparable size in this segment in all comfort-related respects, e.g. shoulder-room, legroom and headroom. Occupants in the rear benefit from the long wheelbase (2,778 mm); this allows a distance between seats and generous knee room, which almost matches that in the S-Class.

The B-Class also reaches new dimensions where variability and load capacity are concerned. Thanks to a height-adjustable load compartment floor, an asymmetrically divided, folding and removable rear seat unit plus an optionally removable front passenger seat, the compact sports tourer is quickly and easily converted from a comfortable touring car to a practical van.

Depending on the number and position of the seats, the load capacity can be increased from 544 to up to 2,245 litres (with rear seats and front passenger seat removed). This corresponds to the load capacity of large estate cars. The maximum loading length is 2,950 mm.

There is a choice of six four-cylinder engines with outputs ranging from 95 bhp to 193 bhp. The top-of-the-line B200 Turbo is equipped with a new two-litre, four-cylinder engine which delivers as maximum torque of 280 Nm from as little as 1,800 rpm thanks to turbo charging and intercooling, and maintains this value over a wide engine speed range up to 4,850 rpm.

The diesel line-up is headed by the B 200 CDI with 140 bhp, and a remarkably torque of 300 Nm. The newly developed turbodeisel with common-rail direct injection accelerates the compact sports tourer to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds.

The new B 200 Turbo, and the B 180 CDI and B 200 CDI are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The newly developed, continuously variable Autotronic automatic transmission is available on option for all engine variants.

Innovation in the field of suspension technology have contributed greatly to a successful combination of agility, safety and comfort - with all these attributes enjoying equal importance.

The newly developed electromechanical power steering system generates its servo effect with an electric motor, varying it as a function of road speed. This means the servo action is greater at low speeds than at a high speeds, which means that the steering is much lighter than a conventional system when parking or manoeuvring slowly.

The parabolic rear axle is likewise a new development. It makes a major contribution to the stable, sporty and precise handling, as well as the excellent ride comfort of the new B-Class.

The improved Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) now has a new, additional function: the Steer Control steering assistance system. A further feature included as standard, the suspension of the compact sports tourer has a new, selective damping system, which adapts the shock absorber response to the current driving situation.

A soft shock absorber configuration ensures a high level of ride comfort during normal driving, but switches to maximum damping force when taking bends at speed give the B-class maximum stability. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the B-class provides the level of occupant safety typically found in a Mercedes. Adaptive, two-step front airbags, belt tensioners in the front and on the outer rear seats, adaptive belt force limiters, active head restraints, Isofix child set attachments and newly developed head/thorax sidebags round off the standard occupant protection system.

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class features three powerful new engines, a seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-Tronic fitted as standard, a further refined four-wheed drive 4-ETS system, Airmatic air suspension and the Pre-Safe anticipatory occupant protection system.

The second-generation M-Class is a blend of strongly contoured surfaces and taut lines. The swept-back windscreen, striking front wings and rising shoulder line are unashamedly sporty. The new M-Class is 150 mm longer at 4,780 mm that the previous model; 71 mm wider (now 1,911 mm) and 5 mm lower (now 1,815 mm with roof rails). The wheelbase has been extended by 95 mm to 2,915 mm.

The three new engines are a V6 diesel with different power outputs and a V6 petrol. Power output is, respectively, 224 bhp, 190 bhp and 272 bhp, with torque (pulling power) of 510 Nm, 440 Nm and 350 Nm. The 306 bhp V8 petrol tops the range.

The two new Mercedes-Benz models can be viewed at the Auto Sales Ltd showrooms.

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