Mercedes previews the new B-Class and A 35 AMG models in Palma de Majorca

Families rejoice! If you've always wanted a premium, compact MPV that bears the hallowed three-pointed star but found past B-Class models a little fuddy-duddy, this all new one could be the Benz you've been waiting for. Redesigned from the ground up, the latest generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class boasts a more dynamic design, improved agility and greater comfort on the road.

Knowing where they've previously failed, the German marque's designers' brief was to make the all new B-Class stand out visually from the world of MPVs this time around. From what we've seen, they have definitely hit the nail on the head.

Like the recently launched A-Class range, the all new B-Class has a relatively squat, progressive front end with flowing transition from bonnet to A-pillar and on to the windscreen, along with a muscular shoulder, which underlines its sportier look.

And should car buyers choose to get one in AMG styling, there's also a cool new Designo Mountain Grey Magno colour option available.

Elsewhere, its longer 2,729mm wheelbase (up by 30mm) and short overhangs, slightly lowered roof line and larger, 16-inch to 19-inch wheels, also contribute towards its more dynamic proportions. The same is true of the low-profile headlamps, which can be optionally had with the Mercedes' multi-beam LED technology.

But more than just its improved head-turning ability, the all new B-Class is also gifted with a new cabin design that, too, has been fine-tuned in many places. Its cabin is now as avant garde as the much-praised one of the A-Class, yet distinctive in its own right.

While the instrument panel of its aforementioned sister model is split into two horizontal basic bodies, that of the B-Class has a single basic volume, which drops away towards the occupants and has cutouts in the area of the driver and front passenger.

The cutout in front of the driver houses the fully free-standing display unit, which comes in three different versions - with two 7.0-inch displays, with one 7.0-inch and one 10.25-inch display and, in the Widescreen version, with two 10.25-inch displays.

The model also now features the Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system, a revolutionary feature for the B-Class boasting 3D graphics, intuitive operation including via touchscreen and the cool 'Hey Mercedes' Siri-like voice-operated control.

At the same time, the improved entry aperture to the centre tunnel in the rear makes for a more comfortable middle seat, and the rear seat backrest comes as standard with a 40:20:40 split.

The rear seats can be moved by 14cm and for the backrest to be folded into a steeper position to vary the capacity of the luggage compartment behind the rear seats between 455 litres and 705 litres. With the rear seats folded down and luggage loaded to the roof, the luggage compartment can accommodate up to 1,540 litres.

For Singapore, the all new B-Class will likely be available with two engine options like before. There's the B180, which is powered by a 1.33-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that punches out 134bhp and 200Nm of torque. The other is the B200, which is powered by a 1.33-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that is capable of producing 161bhp and 250Nm of torque.
And for buyers who prefer something much racier, but also serves well as a family mover, there's also the all new A 35, which is based on the new Mercedes front-wheel drive platform and is powered by a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with an output of 302bhp and 400Nm of torque (0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds).

With the A 35, which sits between the A250 and A 45, Mercedes-AMG is presenting a completely new entry-level model in the world of driving performance.

Body shell, suspension, all-wheel drive, transmission, driving programmes, fine tuning - every detail has been designed for maximum driving dynamics without compromising on everyday comfort. Boasting uncompromised sports car performance, there is no doubting the A 35's identity as a true member of the AMG performance family.

Inside, the A 35 follows the entry performance logic of Mercedes-AMG with seat covers in Artico man-made leather with Dinamica microfibre in black, red contrasting stitching and red belts or Artico man-made leather in black/digital grey.

The all new B-Class is estimated to arrive in Singapore by the first half of 2019, while the all new A 35 will arrive sometime late next year or early 2020.

In the meantime, do stay tuned to our reviews for more thorough impressions of the all new B-Class and the all new A 35.