Stuttgart - 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 also completely new: four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with direct injection and turbocharging, dual clutch transmission and manual transmission. Ten new assistance systems support the driver. 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 compact sports tourer is available for ordering now, with delivery to customers commencing in November. Prices begin at 26,001.50 euros (incl. 19% VAT.) for the B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY.
This means that the new model is being launched at the same price as its predecessor of the same name, despite marked improvements to the equipment and appointments. As a world first in the compact segment, for example, the new B-Class features COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST as standard. This radar-based system with adaptive Brake Assist helps to reduce the danger of a rear-end collision. Other standard features include the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness warning system, a kneebag for the driver, four power windows, LED daytime driving lights, a six-speed manual transmission and the Audio 20 CD entertainment system with USB connection and Bluetooth.
The B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY rated at 90 kW (122 hp) offers five kW more power than its predecessor, but consumes substantially less fuel. The sales start for the new B-Class marks the launch of the first model representing the new compact cars from Mercedes-Benz. "The new B-Class kicks off our offensive in the premium compact segment, which harbours vast potential for growth worldwide," explains Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Member of the Management Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing. "With an attractive portfolio comprising five fascinating, distinctive models, we are opening up our brand to new categories of customer and once again setting new standards in safety, efficiency, comfort and aerodynamics. Our sales volume and our market share in this segment are set to rise sharply once again across all variants."
Here is an overview of the prices:
Model
Engine
Transmission
Output
Displace-ment
Purchase price*
Diesel engine, direct injection, Euro 5 emission class
B 180 CDI BE*
4/in-line
6-speed, mechanical
80 kW (109 hp)
1796 cc
€ 27,578.25
B 200 CDI BE*
4/in-line
6-speed, mechanical
100 kW (136 hp)
1796 cc
€ 29,809.50
Petrol engine, direct injection, Euro 5 emission class
B 180 BE*
4/in-line
6-speed, mechanical
90 kW (122 hp)
1595 cc
€ 26,001.50
B 200 BE*
4/in-line
6-speed, mechanical
115 kW (156 hp)
1595 cc
€ 27,935.25
*BE = BlueEFFICIENCY; all prices incl. 19 percent value-added tax
Fuel consumption: up to 21 percent less than its predecessor
The fuel consumption of the new B-Class undercuts its predecessor by up to
21 percent. All the engines have been developed in-house. Both diesel models (B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and B 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY) now run on 4.4 litres per 100 km (114 and 115 g CO2/km respectively) – their predecessors required 5.2 litres per 100 km. The B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY attains a CO2 value of 115 g/km with automatic transmission – an improvement of 21 percent on its predecessor (146 g/km). The petrol-engine variants have also made great strides: despite a substantial improvement in performance, the B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY and B 200 BlueEFFICIENCY now run on 5.9 litres per 100 km (137 and 138 g CO2/km respectively), undercutting their predecessors by up to twelve percent.
Another premiere from Mercedes-Benz is the new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, which can be combined with any of the engines (2,165.80 euros). Its seven gears make it extremely versatile in adapting to engine speeds. An electric oil pump provides the transmission with start/stop capability. It shifts gear without any interruptions in tractive power and combines the comfort of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual transmission, particularly when moving off.
Highest standard of safety in the compact class
The Collision Prevention Assist assistance system is able to provide a driver who may be distracted with visual and acoustic warnings and to prepare Brake Assist for precision braking. Braking is initiated as soon as the driver steps emphatically on the brake pedal. The ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system also features as standard.
The PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system (392.70 euros) which features in the B-Class is available for the first time in this vehicle category. Core features of PRE-SAFE®are reversible belt tensioning, the closing of side windows and sliding sunroof in case of critical lateral dynamics and adjustment of the fully electric front passenger seat to an ideal position for maximum effectiveness of the restraint systems.
The B-Class protects its passengers with up to nine airbags. The standard complement comprises driver and front-passenger airbag, a kneebag for the driver, large pelvisbags incorporated in the seat to protect the chest, stomach and pelvis area and windowbags. Sidebags for the rear are optionally available (446.25 euros).
EASY-VARIO-PLUS system: variable luggage compartment, adjustable rear seats
The B-Class offers plenty of space for passengers and luggage. The rear seat backrest comes as standard as a folding variant with a 60:40 split. Alternatively, the B-Class is available with the so-called EASY-VARIO-PLUS system (672.35 euros). This enables flexible reorganisation of the interior in next to no time. Features of the EASY-VARIO-PLUS system include separate fore/aft adjustment of the rear seats by up to 140 millimetres. The luggage capacity then increases from 486 to 666 litres. Up to 1545 litres of stowage space is available when the rear seats are folded down.
The inclination of the rear seat backrest is also adjustable. In so-called cargo position, a washing machine can be transported with the tailgate closed without folding the backrest down, for example.
COMAND Online multimedia system with internet access
The B-Class features the latest multimedia generation available from Mercedes-Benz. Major features include greater operating convenience, larger displays, phone book transfer, display of SMS messages, wireless music reproduction via Bluetooth and a USB interface.
The multimedia system COMAND Online (from 3,117.80 euros) now provides internet access for the first time via a web-enabled mobile phone, plus various Mercedes-Benz services on the move. These include weather information and a special destination search via Google, as well as the option of downloading a route that has been previously configured on a PC using Google Maps and sent to the car.
The Becker® MAP PILOT (856.80 euros) makes a low-cost 3D navigation function, which can also be retrofitted, available for the standard Audio 20 CD radio. The navigation system boasts voice-controlled input of destinations and an intuitive user interface. Its advantages over aftermarket solutions include integrated operation via the central controls and the Audio 20 display, a concealed location in the glove compartment and updating via an internet portal.
The launch of the predecessor model series from Mercedes-Benz in 2005 laid the foundations for a new, future-viable market segment, attracting more than 700,000 delighted customers worldwide. The B-Class continues to enjoy great popularity in the year of the model change.
73,046 vehicles have been delivered to customers since January. This corresponds to a growth rate of 7.6 percent. In Germany, the largest market for the B-Class, sales are up by 5.6 percent. The second-largest market for the B-Class is China, where it was launched with great success in 2009. This year alone has seen sales rise since January in the order of 46.8 percent, to 9,738 units.
