B-Class heralds in a new era in the compact class

The second generation of the B-Class car heralds a new compact class era at Mercedes-Benz in terms of both design and technology. The entire drive programme is completely new: four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with direct injection and turbocharging, dual clutch transmission and manual transmission.



"No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments introduced in one fell swoop," stresses Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "Future B-Class customers will benefit from this quantum leap in terms of exemplary low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined with driving pleasure, plenty of space and the highest standard of safety that has ever been available in this class."



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-emphasizing 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 1557mm, the new model crouches almost five centimetres lower on the road than its predecessor. The seat height in relation to the road has also been reduced by 86mm.



In the interior, the large, three-dimensional trim covering the entire dashboard first strikes the eye. It is available in four variants, covering a broad spectrum from modern through sporty to classic. Common to all versions is a high-class appeal combining an attractive look and feel with easy care and durability.



The three large round vents in the middle and their uniquely designed cruciform nozzles add a sporty attribute to the interior's emotional design idiom. The display, which is available in two sizes (147 and 178mm) appears to hover over the vents. With its stylish design – the trim frame with galvanised finish contrasting with the piano black of the front panel – and slender lines, the colour display (TFT) is a highly attractive feature in the cockpit.