Mercedes-Benz B-Class 2nd generation released
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Mercedes-Benz B 200 CDI
Mercedes-Benz B 200 CDI
Model |
Manufacturer's List Price* |
B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY |
$38,950* |
B 200 BlueEFFICIENCY |
$43,950* |
B 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY |
$43,950* |
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4th May, 2012
Substantially more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and spacious as
ever – the new second-generation B-Class from Mercedes-Benz is here in Australia now. The vehicle's lower height and more
upright seat position provide for a first impression that hints at the compact tourer's credentials.
The new 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: two four-cylinder petrol engines and one diesel engine, each with direct
injection and turbocharging, and standard dual clutch transmission. Several new assistance systems support the driver.
"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."
Fuel consumption: up to 21 per cent less than its predecessor
The fuel consumption of the new B-Class undercuts its predecessor by up to 21 per cent. All the engines have been
developed in-house. The B 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY diesel model now runs on 4.7 litres per 100 km (122 g CO2/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 6.1 litres per 100 km (141 grammes CO2/km respectively), undercutting
their predecessors by up to twelve per cent.
The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class measures in at: length/width/height: 4,359/1,786/1,557 millimetres.
The exterior design: perfect space in a most attractive guise
The new B-Class is a typical Mercedes '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
features a width-emphasising 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 sportiness and the outstanding aerodynamics are particularly evident in the side line: the bonnet flows
seamlessly into the A-pillar and the roof line descends sleekly to the striking roof spoiler. The roof features a swage
line which lends the vehicle a longer appearance. The pronounced wheel arches offset by dynamic feature lines under the
beltline are a sporty interpretation of the current design line from Mercedes-Benz. The bottom edge of the body features
side skirts. Refined details such as the modern-look headlamps with the new spotlight element confirm the brand's
unmistakable premium credentials which shine through in the compact segment, too.
Outstanding aerodynamics: astounding cd value despite station wagon rear end
An outstanding drag coefficient of cd = 0.26 places the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class at the forefront of its market
segment. Apart from the aerodynamic exterior design, numerous optimisation measures on points of detail such as the air
flow around the front wheels, the underbody design and the cooling air flow are also crucial contributory factors to this
excellent aerodynamic performance. The new B-Class is even on a par with the world-class aerodynamic credentials of the
E-Class Coupé, attaining a drag coefficient of cd = 0.24 which is nothing short of sensational for a vehicle with a
station wagon rear end.
New concept: lower overall height but more space inside
The new vehicle concept underscores the dynamic aspirations of the new B-Class. The most striking aspect is the
reduced height: at 1,557 millimetres, 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 (minus 71 mm).
In response to requests from many customers, the sitting position is more upright, however. At the same time, the
headroom has been further improved. With maximum headroom of 1,047 mm at the front (without sliding roof), the B-Class
is among the most spacious cars in its segment in this discipline, too. The ergonomically expedient more upright sitting
position in combination with a lowering of the vehicle's floor at the rear leads to a segment-leading degree of legroom
(976 mm).
The interior design: superior quality in a new dimension
High-quality materials and finely structured surfaces, stylish details, precision workmanship and a new spaciousness –
the interior of the B-Class defines a whole new benchmark in the compact segment.
Many features have been the reserve of higher classes of vehicle to date and embody Mercedes-Benz's understanding of
quality and aesthetics. Six equipment packages (Vision, COMAND, Sports, Night, Exclusive and Driving Assistance package)
enable individualisation according to personal tastes.
In the interior, the large, three-dimensional trim covering the entire dashboard first strikes the eye. It is
available in three 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 178 mm) 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.
The 3-spoke steering wheel, which always features a silver chrome insert in the middle spoke, the instrument cluster
with four analogue round dials and suspended pointers in 6 o'clock position and the seats with contrasting stitching
underscore the sporty character.
The drive: designed for maximum efficiency
The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class features new petrol and diesel engines as well as a new automatic transmission (no
manual available). All transmissions and engines have been developed in-house, with production taking place at the plants
in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim and -Hedelfingen, Rastatt/Baden, Gaggenau/Baden and Kölleda/Thuringia. The simultaneous
development process enabled perfect coordination of engines and transmissions, e.g. with regard to implementation of the
ECO start/stop function which features as standard on all new B-Class models.
Common features of the new drive systems are the use of state-of-the-art technologies for maximum efficiency, very
smooth running, high tractive power right from low revs, sustainability in terms of impending emissions standards and low
weight. For the purposes of transverse installation the engines, all of which are turbocharged, and the two transmissions
are very compact, providing the B-Class with an exemplary small turning circle for a front-wheel drive vehicle of eleven
metres. The engine and transmission suspension disposes of a four-point mounting system comprising engine mount,
transmission mount and two self-aligning supports. This suspension system has been designed specifically to meet the
requirements of the high-torque engines with regard to minimum noise levels. The hydraulic damping integrated in the
transmission mount is a key contributory factor to the exceptionally high ride comfort.
The new four-cylinder petrol engines (internal designation M270) mark the launch of a completely new engine series.
The combustion process is based on the third-generation Mercedes-Benz direct injection system which was introduced last
year with the BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 engines. Its use in the B-Class marks this technology's debut in the compact segment.
The new four-cylinder engines have been designed for both transverse and longitudinal installation. In the new B-Class
they are initially available with a displacement of 1.6 litres, as the B 180 BE rated at 90 kW and the B 200 BE with an
output of 115 kW. Their maximum torque of 200 and 250 Nm respectively is available from an engine speed of 1,250 rpm.
The new four-cylinder diesel engine is a further development of the OM651 deployed in the C- to the S-Class, a common
rail direct-injection engine of the third generation. With its displacement scaled down to 1.8 litres and numerous
optimised points of detail. The B 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (BE) has an output of 100 kW and the maximum torque stands at
300 Nm from 1,600 rpm.
Overview of B-Class engines
|
Model |
Cylinders/Fuel |
cc |
kW at rpm |
Nm at rpm |
l/100 km combined
ADR 81/02
|
CO2
g/km
|
|
B 180 BE |
4 in-line/petrol |
1,595 |
90 at 5,000 |
200 @ 1,250-4,000 |
6.1 |
141 |
|
B 200 BE |
4 in-line/petrol |
1,595 |
115 at 5,300 |
250 @ 1,250-4,000 |
6.1 |
141 |
|
B 200 CDI BE |
4 in-line/diesel |
1,796 |
100 at 3,600-4,400 |
300 @ 1,600-3,000 |
4.7 |
122 |
BE = BlueEFFICIENCY
Another Mercedes-Benz premiere is the new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission in the B-Class. This transmission is
compact, extremely variable with regard to adaptation of the engine speed thanks to seven gears, features an electric oil
pump for start/stop capability, shifts gear without any interruptions in tractive power and combines the comfort of an
automatic with the efficiency of a manual transmission.
The chassis and suspension
Three factors are instrumental to the enhanced dynamic performance in comparison to its predecessor, which does not
come at the cost of any compromises on comfort: the lowered centre of gravity, the new four-link rear axle and the
upgraded ESP® Electronic Stability Programme. A sports suspension is optionally available for further enhanced agility.
The centre of gravity has been lowered by a further 20 mm and the suspension additionally features sports dampers with
amplitude-selective damping and a Direct-Steer system to emphasise the car's sporty character.
Steering: mechanical with electric assistance
The electromechanical steering of the B-Class has been redesigned. The electric motor of the servo assistance system
is now located directly on the steering gear as a dual pinion EPS system, thereby optimising the package as a whole. A
Direct-Steer system is available in combination with the sports package. The steering ratio becomes noticeably more
direct at greater steering angles, enhancing the vehicle's handling and agility substantially.
The electromechanical steering system makes an important contribution to the vehicle's overall efficiency, as the
steering assist function only requires energy when steering actually takes place.
New assistance and braking system reduces the risk of rear-end collisions
As a world first in the compact segment, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class features a radar-based collision warning system
with Adaptive Brake Assist as standard, which lowers the risk of rear-end collisions. The COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
system gives a visual and acoustic warning to alert a possibly distracted driver to identified obstacles, and prepares
Brake Assist for the most precise possible braking response. This is initiated as soon as the driver operates the brake
pedal.
In contrast to systems currently on the market in the compact class, the new COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST brake assist
feature is not merely a system intended to minimise minor damage in urban traffic. Rather, this innovative solution is
aimed at protecting motorists from typical rear-end collisions in dangerous traffic situations. Mercedes-Benz expects
the new safety system to have a significant positive effect on accident statistics.
The democratisation of safety also encompasses an array of other standard assistance systems which have been adopted
into the B-Class from the larger model series. These include:
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Self-Catering Holiday
Accommodation in
Denmark, WA
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- ATTENTION ASSIST (standard)
- Active Parking Assist (standard)
- Brake HOLD function (standard)
- Hill Hold function (standard)
- LINGUATRONIC (standard)
Premiere in the compact class: PRE-SAFE® available for the first time
The PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system which features in the Mercedes-Benz B-Class is available for the
first time in this vehicle category. This represents a further step in the ongoing democratisation of this innovation,
which was premiered in the S-Class in 2002. 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 with memory function to an ideal position for maximum effectiveness of the restraint systems. PRE-SAFE® is
always activated in response to critical longitudinal and lateral dynamics and may also be triggered upon intervention by
certain assistance functions.
The scope of restraint facilities takes special account of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class's use as a family car. Great
importance has been attached to the safety of the rear occupants. Belt tensioners, belt-force limiters and belt height
adjusters come as standard on the outer seats. Rear sidebags are also standard. Integrated child seats and automatic
child seat recognition are available as in the predecessor. Driver and co-driver are provided with new pelvis bags which
are able to cover the pelvis and the entire upper part of the body. For head protection, a windowbag is fitted as
standard.
COMAND On-line multimedia system with internet access
Internet access, the convenient LINGUATRONIC voice control system, two navigation solutions tailored to different
budgets, connection for mobile audio devices and an intuitive operating concept – the information and communication
systems in the B-Class offers excellent user-friendliness and a superior level of functionality which has been the
reserve of higher categories of vehicle to date. It is the new multimedia generation from Mercedes-Benz which delivers
these standards. The operating concept featuring the turn/push control in front of the armrest and the control knob on
the head unit is also familiar from other Mercedes model series.
The COMAND On-line multimedia system offers internet access. Customers can either surf the web as they wish while the
car is stationary or call up a Mercedes-Benz app whose particularly fast page loading and simple operation make it
suitable for use while driving. Integrated apps include Google™ Local Search and Weather and the facility for
downloading a route which has previously been configured on a PC using Google Maps and transmitted to the car.
All set for the future: modular "ENERGY SPACE" concept
The modular "ENERGY SPACE" concept means that the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class is already designed to accommodate
versions with an alternative drive: appropriate interfaces in the body shell enable the main floor panel to be modified
and a step to be produced for the versions with alternative drive. An underfloor compartment covering part of the area
under the rear bench seat offers space for alternative energy accumulators.
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory
charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are
subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.
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