Mercedes-Benz is working hard on a successor for the current B-class. With the third generation 2018 Mercedes B-class, the Germans come with a more appropriate response to BMW’s 2-Series Active and Gran Tourer. NEW SPY PICS.
MPVs are not very popular anymore, but that did not stop BMW bringing the 2-Series Active Tourer and the Gran Tourer to the market a few years ago. Of course, the Bavarians were only following Mercedes’ lead, as the B-Class is now already at its third iteration. The second generation appeared on the market in 2011 and was subjected to a facelift at the end of 2014.
The third-generation B-Class that has now emerged must be on the market this year, and Mercedes-Benz seems to stick to the MPV concept to some degree. That in contrast to rumors that gave the impression that the B-class would be transformed into a more crossover-like model. That role will be assigned to the new GLB, a boxy seven-seater SUV which mimics the future GLS in terms of styling.
World first: Mercedes GLB compact SUV revealed in new spy pics
Around 2022, Mercedes-Benz wants to have ten new electric models in its line-up so it is quite conceivable that the B-Class will again be available also in fully electrically driven form. For classic power trains, Mercedes announces for 2018 the proliferation of the 48V mild hybrid powertrain on four-cylinder engines.
Looking at the latest spy pic, it is obvious the new B-Class is less busy design-wise than the model currently in the showrooms. We expect to meet the same technology as in the brand new A-Class that has already reached the market this Spring.
