According to Daimler, the new Mercedes B Class encompasses the most new developments ever launched on a single vehicle.

The premium compact minivan/hatchback debuts a new front-drive platform for Mercedes, which will also go on to underpin a new A-Class and a whole raft of derivatives as well.

It also features a new family of four-cylinder engines (both direct-injection petrol versions and common-rail diesels) and new six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions with integrated stop/start and regenerative braking systems.

The B-Class also includes a wide array of available safety systems, including Adaptive Headlamp Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist, Speed Limit Assist and Active Parking Assist, Brake and Hill Hold functions, Linguatronic and Distronic Plus.

The new B also offers more space for both passenger and cargo over the model it replaces, while returning improved aerodynamics which, together with the new powertrain family, delivers better fuel economy and emissions figures.

The one-box design takes its cues from recent Benz concept cars and looks significantly more sculpted and dynamic than the outgoing model, which was rather conservative in its styling in the first place and has since grown long in the tooth.