Now though the brand has introduced its latest offering in the form of the new B-Class. Here is what you need to know.
The styling
The B Class remains a stylish compact tourer which places a large emphasis on practicality and usability. It remains unmistakably Mercedes especially when viewed from the front. The new B-Class, when ordered with LED headlamps features a daytime running light signature called ‘double torch’. The cars sportiness is further enhanced when the optional Multibeam LED headlamps are added. These allow for fast, electronically controlled adjustment to suit the current traffic conditions.
The side profile places emphasis on the large cabin area with large side windows and a high roofline, it is however at the rear where we see more drastic changes. The overall width of the vehicle is accentuated by two-part lamps as well as reflectors which have been integrated into the bumper.
There is also a distinctive black bumper bottom section with an integrated diffuser look and chrome trim strip. The large roof spoiler, along with high-gloss black spoilers on the sides of the rear window doesn’t only look good but improves the car’s aerodynamics as well.
The interior
The interior of the new B-Class looks very similar to that of the current A-Class which has been getting praise the world over. It features a sculptured facia with very little in the form of clutter. In front of the driver, you will find two 10.25-inch digital displays; one acts as the digital instrument cluster and the other as the infotainment screen.
The vehicle is also offered with the brand’s latest MBUX multimedia system. The system features improved graphics, “Hey Mercedes” voice control, a standard touch screen and functions such as MBUX Augmented Reality. There are also five round air vents which feature a high-grade turbine-like look with finely styled air ducts which have drawn inspiration from the world of aviation. The seats offer a flatter and, therefore, more comfortable seating position as well as a larger adjustment range, which also increases headroom.
Practicality
The rear seat backrest now comes as standard with a 40:20:40 split. With the rear seats folded down and luggage loaded to the roof, the luggage compartment, which is flat thanks to the adjustable load compartment floor, can accommodate up to 1 540-litres behind the front seats. There’s also what the brand calls an ‘Easy-Pack tailgate’ which is optionally available. It can be conveniently opened or closed automatically at the press of a button, even using a foot movement in combination with optional hands-free access.
Engines
The new B-Class is powered by a range of new engines, here in South Africa we will receive two derivatives, a B 200 which is powered by a 1.3-litre 120 kW/ 250 N.m turbocharged petrol engine and a B 200d, which gets a new 2.0-litre diesel which develops around 110 kW/ 320 N.m. The diesel model also gets a new eight-speed 8G-DCT gearbox, whereas the petrol makes do with a 7G-DCT transmission.
Pricing
B 200 R 526 900.00
B 200d R 559 100.00
