The second-generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class is now available in South Africa. With an all-new look, a new range of petrol and diesel engines and a wider range of features, the new B-Class is clearly aimed at a younger age group than the model it replaces.
A more low-slung, purposeful stance and strong flowing character lines under the car’s belt line define the new look. The overall design shares many parallels with such models as the E-Class and the recently reveal M-Class, being mildly angular with smoothed out corners hinting at the vehicle’s solidity.
Inside, the new B-Class majors in interior space. With 976 mm of legroom for the rear passengers, Mercedes claims that the B-Class offers more aft sprawling space than the E- and S-Class. Another optional feature that optimizes interior space is the Easy-Vario-Plus system, which allows greater interior configurability (140 mm fore/aft rear seat adjustment and a front passenger seatback that folds flat onto the cushion) to accommodate larger loads. Three equipment packages are available – Sports, Exclusive and Night – so, owners are able to individualise their B-Class.
There are four B-Class models on offer with two petrol and two diesel units to choose from. Power ranges between 80- to 115 kW with torque between 200- and 300 N.m. The top of the range B200 BE sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 8,6 seconds and has a top speed of 220 km/h. Fuel consumption and emission figures stand at 5,9-litres/100 and 138 grams of CO2 respectively. These engines can be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or a 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission.
Mercedes-Benz claims that the new B-Class is more agile than the first-generation. This is a result of the lowered centre of gravity, the new four-link rear axle and the upgraded ESP system.
Safety standards are high thanks to various features such as attention assist, brake hold function, hill hold function, driver assist systems and an array of airbags. Mercedes-Benz’s Pre-safe preventative occupant system features reversible belt tensioning, the closing of side windows and the 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”.
“Our B-Class customers will benefit from this quantum leap in terms of exemplary low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined with driving enjoyment, ample space and the highest standard of safety levels available in this class,” says Eckart Mayer, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz South Africa.
Prices:
B 180 R299 600
B 200 R319 600
B 180 CDI R325 000
B 200 CDI R358 000
The new B-Class comes with Mercedes’s MobiloDrive 6 years / 120 000 km maintenance contract as standard.
For more details, you can download the full specification sheet by clicking on the documents tab in the top right-hand corner of the image block. Also, keep your eyes on CARmag.co.za for a full driving impression.