The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class comes with promises of dynamics, space and comfort unmatched in its segment. The car gets the MBUX system and a newly developed transmission and it will reach customers starting February 2019.
„More practical than ever, more chic than ever”, says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG on the new B, presented today at the Paris Motor Show.
The mission of the designers must have been complicated: they had to build an attractive minivan, terms that seem terribly opposite in the car industry. With a wheelbase of 2.729 mm and short overhangs, with a slightly descending roofline, wheels between 16 and 19 inches, the B-Class gests more dynamic proportions than before.
The LED headlights lets others know they’re dealing with an interesting personality, from the very first sight. The car is getting the option of MULTIBEAM LED, as the new A-Class launched in February. The width of the new B is highlighted by the rear with the horizontal layout of the taillights, a robust bumper with a darker lower area and the looks of a diffuser, together with a chrome strip above the chrome-plated exhaust pipes. The discrete wing at the rear optimizes the air flow, as the car is getting a Cd of 0.24 (0.25 for its predecessor), the best in the segment. The engineers also managed to reduce wind noise onboard.
Behind the steering wheel of the B-Class, the driver sits 90 millimeters higher than in the A-Class, thus achieving a better all-around visibility.
Mercedes confirms 2019 B-Class for Paris motor show: First drive from Auto motor und sport
Inside, the B-Class also gets the revolutionary infotainment concept that made its debut with the A-Class. The driver can choose the two 7-inch displays, the 7-inch and 10.25-inch combo or the Widescreen option, integrating two 10.25-inch displays. The head-up display is also offered as an option.
Mercedes claims that there will be more comfort for those onboard, since the seats position is now better and the seating area is flatter. The elbow space grew, as the car is 33 mm wider now, at 1.456 mm. The massage feature, reserved until recently only for the automobiles positioned higher up the portofolio, is also optional in the new B.
The 40:20:40-splittable rear seats can also slide forwards or backwards starting mid-2019, in order to increase the volume of the luggage compartment from 455 to 705 liters, figures that are similar to those of the previous generation. As an extra, Mercedes states that the boot space can now be used more efficiently. Starting mid-2019, the front right seat will also feature a foldable beckrest for extra space for long items.
The EASY-PACK feature can lock and unlock the boot lid with the simple touch of a button or just passing the foot below the trunk if the future owner ticks the optional HANDS-FREE ACCESS.
The MBUX is optional for the B as well. The MPV also gets assistance and safety systems from the top classes of the premium car maker. Thus the Distance Assist DISTRONIC, as part of the Driving Assistance Package, may anticipate traffic circumstances and is able to brake when approaching bends, junctions and roundabouts. Active Emergency Stop and Active Lane Change Assist are also onboard. The B-Class Is also equipped with Active Brake Assist, now capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists.
The B-Class gets more efficient and high-tech engines, all compliant with the new Euro 6d-TEMP standard. The customer can select one of the 5 power units available:
- B 180 with 136 HP and 200 Nm, 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission;
- B 200 with 163 HP and 250 Nm, 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission;
- B 180 d with 116 HP and 260 Nm, 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission;
- B 200 d with 150 HP and 320 Nm, 8G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission;
- B 220 with 190 HP and 400 Nm, 8G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission.
Also available there is a lowered comfort suspension, but also one with active adaptive damping, that allows the driver full control on dampers via the DYNAMIC SELECT system. All variants get the front McPherson suspension. depending on the engine, the aluminum 4-link suspension finds its way to the rear axle.
The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class will hit the showrooms next February.
looks sooooooo boring