Despite its sleeker exterior design, the all-new Mercedes B-Class is still easily
recognizable as a compact MPV, much like its predecessor. This new set of spy
images brings into focus details such as the massive grille, angular headlights
and pointy taillights – the latter seemingly resembling those found on the
latest A-Class hatchback.
The prototype is also wearing a beefy front spoiler,
although that might just be a fake cut-out, as we don’t expect any AMG-powered
versions of this car when it’s all said and done. The current B-Class doesn’t
exactly feature an ultra-modern cabin. Thankfully, previous spy images reveal a
more technologically-advanced interior design for the new car, boasting
high-end materials and Mercedes‘ popular dual-screen layout – said to be
offered in three different sizes.
The dashboard seems pretty much identical
to that of the latest A-Class, from the positioning of the displays, to the air
vents, climate control buttons and MBUX touch pad. As for powertrains, we expect
them to be shared with the 2019 A-Class, meaning a wide range of petrol and
diesel options, joined later on by an electrified unit.
The rest of the lineup will include the new
turbocharged 1.3-liter petrol unit that was jointly developed by Daimler and
Renault-Nissan, offered in 115, 140 and 160 hp guises. A bigger 2.0-liter
four-cylinder will be fitted in the more expensive B 220 and B 250 models,
offering 187 hp and 221 hp respectively.
Diesel-powered models will start with the B 180d,
which uses a 1.5-liter unit with 114 hp and is likely to be the fuel economy
champion in the range, up until a rumored electrified model shows up. The rest
of the diesel range will use Daimler’s latest 2.0-liter units. Base models will
be offered with a six-speed manual transmission, with the rest of them fitted with
a seven-speed automatic.
As with the current A-Class, the new B-Class is
expected to feature a rear beam axle in its more affordable versions, with a
full independent setup present only on models fitted with the adjustable
dampers and/or with the most powerful engine choices. Mercedes will either debut the
all-new B-Class by the end of this year or in early 2019. Our best case
scenario would have it show up at the Paris Motor Show this fall.
Cr : Carscoops
