2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class news, pictures, and information

Compact sports tourer: the new B-Class from Mercedes-Benz - Heralding a new era in the compact class

The new B-Class is a typical Mercedes sports tourer, offering plenty of space combined wîth impressive dynamic performance as a hatchback saloon. The characteristic lines of the exterior design indicate both of these attributes: front and rear sport a width-emphasizing design, wîth 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 wîth horizontally offset meander and a large tailgate wîth 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 dynamic side skirts which add a light touch to the vehicle's appearance. Refined details such as the exquisitely designed headlamps wîth the new spotlight element confirm the brand's unmistakable premium credentials which shine through in the compact §egmènt, too.

Outstanding aerodynamics: astounding cd value despite station wagon rear end

An outstanding drag coefficient of cd = 0.26 places the new B-Class at the forefront of its market §egmènt. 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. Patents are pending for innovative details such as the serrated wheel arch spoiler. With the optional ECO Technology package which will be available in due course, the B-Class is even on a par wîth 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 wîth 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 1557 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 86 mm) in order to facilitate boarding, while maintaining a clear overview of the vehicle's contours.

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 1047 mm at the front (without sliding roof), the B-Class is among the most spacious cars in its §egmènt in this discipline, too. The ergonomically expedient more upright sitting position in combination wîth a lowering of the vehicle's floor at the rear leads to a §egmènt-leading degree of legroom (976 mm) which even surpasses that of the S- and E-Class.

The B-Class is optionally available wîth the so-called EASY-VARIO-PLÚS system. This enables simple reorganisation of the interior so as to enable the transportation of bulky items. Features of the EASY-VARIO-PLÚS system include fore/aft adjustment of the rear seats by up to 140 millimetres (thereby increasing the luggage compartment volume from 488 to 666 litres) and a front passenger seat whose backrest can be folded forward onto the seat cushion.

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 §egmènt.

Many features have been the reserve of higher classes of vehicle to date and embody Mercedes-Benz's special definition of quality and aesthetics. The dashboard is optionally available in ARTICO man-made leather finish and features stitching, for example. Four equipment packages (Chrome, Sports, Exclusive and Night 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 four 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 wîth 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 (5.8- and 7-inch) appears to hover over the vents. With its stylish design – the trim frame wîth galvanised finish contrasting wîth 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 §teering wheel, which always incorporates a silver chrome insert in the middle spoke, the instrument cluster wîth four analogue round dials and suspended pointers in 6 o'clock position and the seats wîth contrasting stitching underscore the sporty character.

The drive: designed for maximum efficiency

	Vital Stats
Engine : 1.6 L., 4-cylinder Power: 122 hp Torque: 147 ft-lbs
6-speed Manual, 7-speed Automatic

The new B-Class features new petrol and diesel engines as well as new manual and automatic transmissions. All transmissions and engines have been developed in-house, wîth production taking place at the plants in Stuttgart-Úntertürkheim and -Hedelfingen, Rastatt/Baden, Gaggenau/Baden and Kölleda/Thuringia. The simultaneous development process enabled perfect coordination of engines and transmissions, e.g. wîth regard to implementation of the ECO start/stop function which features as standard on all 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 compactly designed, providing the B-Class wîth 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 wîth 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 wîth the BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 engines. Its use in the B-Class marks this technology's debut in the compact §egmènt. The new four-cylinder engines have been designed for both transverse and longitudinal installation. In the new B-Class they are initially available wîth a displacement of 1.6 litres, as the B 180 rated at 90 kW (122 hp) and the B 200 wîth an output of 115 kW (156 hp). Their maximum torque of 200 and 250 Nm respectively is available from an engine speed of 1250 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, this is the first time that the compression-ignition engine has been mounted transversely in a Mercedes-Benz car. The B 180 CDI generates 80 kW (109 hp) of power, while the B 200 CDI has an output of 100 kW (136 hp). The maximum torque stands at 250 Nm from 1400 rpm for the 80 kW variant and 300 Nm from 1600 rpm for the 100 kW variant.

Another Mercedes-Benz premiere is the new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission in the
B-Class. This transmission is extremely compact, extremely variable wîth 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 wîth the efficiency of a manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The new 6-speed manual transmission designed along similarly compact lines as a three-shaft transmission is a close relative of the DCT. Extremely easy gear shifting, low shift forces, low internal friction and a low weight are among its most important characteristics.

The chassis and suspension: refined sportiness now for the sports tourer, too

The interior design of the new B-Class: Space at its most stunning