Mercedes-Benz’s compact vehicle family has just
gotten bigger, with the introduction of the all-new B-Class. Unveiled at the 2018 Paris Auto
Show, the German firm’s rival to the likes of the BMW 2-Series Active/Gran
Tourer carries Mercedes’ latest design language and looks more mature than the
predeccesor. It has shorter overhangs, a lowered roofline, more muscular
body and, of course, redesigned front and rear ends.
These features are joined by the optional LED
headlights with LED DRLs, a large roof spoiler and wheel choices that span
between 16 and 19 inches. Thanks to the new design, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class has
best-in-class airflow, claims the automaker, with aerodynamics engineers said
to have reduce wind noise too, thanks to some extensive detail work.
Moving inside, drivers will sit 90 mm higher
than in the latest A-Class. This results in good all-round visibility, enhanced
by the optimized cross-sections of the roof pillars, which obscure less of the
surroundings. The dashboard panel is almost identical to the one found in the
compact hatchback and sedan, with the dual-screen layout, five round air vents
and ambient lighting.
Front elbow width, rear headroom and legroom have
been increased thanks to the car’s slightly larger footprint and 30 mm longer wheelbase. Boot space has also gone up a bit, varying between 455
and 705 liters with the rear seats up, and 1,540 liters with the rear seats folded down. The multicontour seats with
massage, heating and ventilation functions are on the options list, alongside
other equipment that will be detailed later this year for every trim level.
Some of the functions of the S-Class flagship have
been brought to the B-Class too, with Mercedes claiming the minivan can drive
semi-autonomously in certain situations. Powering it the 2019
Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a new/updated range of engines, all of which comply
with the Euro 6d-TEMP limits. The 1.5-liter dCi is still here, making 115 PS and 260 Nm of torque, joined by a 2.0-liter diesel
with two outputs: 150 PS and 188 PS.
Two four-cylinder petrol engines are also available,
both of them with 1.33 liters in displacement, making 136 PS and 163 PS. The larger diesel can be had with a
new dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission, and Mercedes-Benz says
other engines will follow, as well as a 4Matic all-wheel drive system variant.
Sales of the new B-Class will start on December 3,
with the first customer deliveries due two months later.
