Heading for European markets from February next year, the new B takes after the A-class in terms of Benz’s Sensual Purity styling language, with the same being true of the interior which boasts the same design, as well as the MBUX infotainment system with the optional dual 10.25-inch displays.
Said to swallow from 455-litres to 1 540-litres of luggage with the rear seats folded flat, the B-class is claimed to offer tech derived from the S-class, namely semi-autonomous driving in the form of Mercedes-Benz’s Active Distance Assist Distronic that uses a front camera able to scan the road 500 metres ahead.
In addition, the B also gets the multi-mode Dynamic Select system as standard, along with options such as Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Brake Assist, Pre-Safe and the Multibeam LED headlights setup.
It is also new underneath the clamshell bonnet where the B-class will go on sale with a choice of a single turbocharged petrol engine and two turbodiesels, some co-developed with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and only mated to automatic transmissions.
Powering both the B180 and B200, the new 1.3-litre motor has been carried over from the A-class and produces 100kW/200Nm in the former, and 120kW/250Nm in the case of the latter. Drive is again routed to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Starting the diesel range off, the B180d comes outfitted with the Alliance’s proven 1.5-litre oil burner, which makes 85kW/260Nm and which is also connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch ‘box.
The B200d and B220d meanwhile comes powered by a bigger 2.0-litre oil burner with respective outputs of 110kW/320Nm and 140kW/400Nm, although both these come teamed with Benz’s brand new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Later on, the B-class will become available with more powerful engine options as well as 4Matic all-wheel drive on some.
While already confirmed for Europe as mentioned, it remains to be seen whether the B-class would become available in South Africa, but expect mid-2019 if approved.
