The Mercedes-Benz new B-Class was launched last Friday at the Mercedes-Benz showroom in Lija. Substantially more agile and efficient, the new B-Class is as comfortable and spacious as ever. The vehicle’s lower height and more upright seat position provide for a first impression that hints at the compact sports tourer’s dynamic credentials.
With a new four-cylinder petrol engine featuring direct injection and turbocharging, a new diesel engine, a new dual clutch transmission, a new manual transmission and new assistance systems, the front-wheel-drive car also rings in a new technological era for compact cars from Mercedes-Benz.
The new B-Class is a typical Mercedes sports tourer, offering plenty of space combined with impressive dynamic performance as a hatchback saloon. The characteristic lines of the exterior design indicate both of these attributes: front and rear sport a width-emphasising design, with a wide, prominent grille and headlamps extending along the sides at the front while the rear end features a wide rear window, two-piece tail lights with horizontally offset meander and a large tailgate with low loading sill.
The new vehicle concept underscores the dynamic aspirations of the new B-Class. The most striking aspect is the reduced height: at 1,557 mm, the new model crouches almost 50 mm lower on the road than its predecessor.
The seat height in relation to the road has also been reduced by 86 mm in order to facilitate boarding, while maintaining a clear overview of the vehicle’s contours.
High-quality materials and finely structured surfaces, stylish details, precision workmanship and a new spaciousness – the interior of the B-Class defines a whole new benchmark in the compact segment.
The B-Class features new petrol and diesel engines as well as new manual and automatic transmissions. All transmissions and engines have been developed in-house.
Common features of the new drive systems are the use of state-of-the-art technologies for maximum efficiency, very smooth running, high tractive power right from low revs, sustainability in terms of impending emissions standards and low weight.
The new four-cylinder petrol engines mark the launch of a completely new engine series. The combustion process is based on the third-generation Mercedes-Benz direct injection system which was introduced last year with the Bluedirect V6 and V8 engines.
The new B-Class is initially available with a displacement of 1.6 litres, as the B 180 rated at 122 bhp and the B 200 with an output of 156 bhp. Their maximum torque of 200 and 250 Nm respectively is available from an engine speed of 1,250 rpm. The B 180 CDI generates 109 bhp of power, while the B 200 CDI has an output of 136 bhp.
The new six-speed manual transmission designed along similarly compact lines as a three-shaft transmission is a close relative of the DCT. Very easy gear shifting, low shift forces, low internal friction and a low weight are among its most important characteristics.
For further information visit www.media.daimler.com; www.mercedes-benz.com or www.mercedes-benz.com.mt.