The new B-Class puts the emphasis on sport with its Sports Tourer. It looks more dynamic than its predecessor and is more agile, while offering enhanced comfort. Its avant-garde interior, using the S-Class style dashboard, creates more space ahead of the driver and front passenger. It comes complete with adaptive MBUX multimedia system, "Hey Mercedes" voice control, a standard touch screen and extra functions, such as MBUX Augmented Reality.
When it comes to active safety, state-of-the-art driving assistance systems make the B-Class a potential segment leader with functions carried over from the S-Class and most recent A-Class models. Its interior is more spacious and the engines both more efficient and cleaner. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission makes its debut. Sales of the B-Class commence on 3rd December 2018, with deliveries due to begin in February 2019. Your FCD advisor will keep you posted of availability.
The designers' brief was to make the new B-Class stand out visually from the world of MPVs. A relatively squat, progressive front end features a flowing transition from bonnet to A-pillar and windscreen, along with the muscular shoulders that underline a sportier overall appearance.
Optional multi-beam LED headlamps provide an unique look. They allow fast, electronically controlled adjustment of the lamps to meet traffic conditions. At the rear, the width of the vehicle is accentuated by two-part lamps, reflectors integrated in the bumper and a distinctive lower section with diffuser and chrome strip. A large roof spoiler improves aerodynamics, with a slippery Cd of 0.24.
The seats offer a flatter and more comfortable seating position as well as greater adjustment range, which also increases the maximum headroom. With seat climate control and multi-contouring, with massage function, the new B-Class is available with optional extras that were previously reserved for vehicles from much higher classes.
The more accessible rear seat features a 40:20:40 split. Additional adjustments allow the luggage compartment behind the rear seats to vary between 455 and 705-litres capacity. It can be expanded up to 1,540-litres behind the front seats. Much of the rest of the interior is similar to the new A-Class model, complete with AI self-learning linked to its connectivity. A head-up display is also available.
The new B-Class comes with driving assistance systems that provide one of the highest levels of active safety in the class. It can even drive semi-autonomously in certain situations. The car is usefully stronger. Many of its bodyshell components are made of ultra-high-strength steel with the lowest possible weight.
As well as the company’s excellent diesel engines (2.0-litre and 1.5-litre, now rated to 2020 in Euro 6d emissions status), two four-cylinder petrol engines of 1.33-litre displacement that drive exclusively with dual-clutch transmissions are available. The eight-speed DCT unit is used in combination with the larger diesel engine. Additional new engines will follow, as will models with 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
In all versions of the new B-Class, the front wheels feature McPherson struts and forged-aluminium wishbones, to which are attached cast-aluminium steering knuckles. This makes the unsprung mass as low as possible in the interests of road-holding and comfort. Similar ‘tricks’ are carried out with the rear suspension.
