B-Class tourer in best shape

After three successful years, Mercedes-Benz has overhauled the design and engineering of the B-Class. The facelift programme focused on environmental compatibility, economic efficiency and comfort, with further advances being made in each of these areas. Thanks to a series of detailed improvements, the four-cylinder engines now burn up to seven per cent less fuel than previously, and distinguish themselves with remarkably low exhaust emissions that undercut the current EU limits by as much as 90 per cent.

Mercedes-Benz has developed a new ECO start/stop function for the high-volume B 150 and B 170 models. This switches off the engine when stopped at traffic lights, for example, producing a fuel saving of up to nine per cent in practical use. Additional new developments include active parking assist which helps drivers to both find a suitable parking spot, and then manoeuvre into it.

Since its market premiere in summer 2005, the B-Class has evolved into the blueprint for a new species of car which harmonises the benefits of various vehicle concepts: the four-door model boasts the dynamic design of a sporty saloon, the exterior dimensions of a compact car, the spaciousness of an estate, the versatility of a mini MPV and, of course, the trademark safety of a Mercedes-Benz.

The sales figures for the B-Class to date provide clear evidence that the Mercedes-Benz product planners hit the mark with a concept that caters to the motoring needs of today's sophisticated society: since mid-2005, over 325,000 motorists around the world have been won over by the sports tourer.

The restyled front end injects the B-Class with even more poise and assurance than before. This is primarily down to the radiator grille with its three chromed cross fins painted in metallic grey and the Mercedes star integrated into its centre and a new-look bumper.

The rear styling picks up on the dynamic flow of lines at the front and along the sides. A direct visual link is created by the tail light assemblies, whose upper edges merge seamlessly with the character line along the vehicle's sides. The tail lights sport a new high-brilliance look and draw the gaze to the large tailgate, which now comes with en ergonomically enhanced chrome handle strip.

The Mercedes design team has further upgraded the interior with a new upholstery fabric, plus a new fabric pattern for the seat cushions.

The B-Class continues to be available with a choice of six engines - two direct-injection diesel units (80 kW/109 hp and 103 kW/140 hp) delivering up to 300 Nm of torque, as well as four petrol engines with a peak power output of up to 142 kW/193 hp and a maximum torque of 280 Nm. The four-cylinder power units have undergone a series of detailed improvements in order to further reduce fuel consumption.

For the diesel models, this means that the combined NEDC fuel consumption of the B 180 CDI and B 200 CDI has dropped by as much as seven per cent - depending on tyre size - to 52.3 - 54.3 mpg and 50.4 - 52.3 mpg, respectively.