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Interior Design
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 segment.
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 with 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 with
galvanised finish contrasting with 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 steering wheel, which always incorporates a silver
chrome insert in the middle spoke, the instrument cluster with four analogue
round dials and suspended pointers in 6 o'clock position and the seats with
contrasting stitching underscore the sporty character.
Lower 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 61.3 inches (1557 millimeters), the new model crouches lower on the road than
its predecessor. The seat height in relation to the road has also been reduced
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. The ergonomically expedient more upright sitting position
in combination with a lowering of the vehicle's floor at the rear leads to a
segment-leading degree of legroom which even surpasses that of the S- and
E-Class.
The B-Class is optionally available with the so-called
EASY-VARIO-PLUS system. This enables simple reorganization of the interior so as
to enable the transportation of bulky items. Features of the EASY-VARIO-PLUS
system include fore/aft adjustment of the rear seats by up to 5.5 inches (140
millimeters) (thereby increasing the luggage compartment volume from 488 to 666
liters) and a front passenger seat whose backrest can be folded forward onto the
seat cushion.
Petrol and Diesel Engines: 109 hp - 156 hp
The new B-Class features new petrol and diesel engines as well as new manual and
automatic transmissions.
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 with the BlueDIRECT V6 and V8
engines. Its use in the B-Class marks this technology's debut in the compact
segment. The new four-cylinder engines have been designed for both transverse
and longitudinal installation. In the new B-Class they are initially available
with a displacement of 1.6 liters, as the B 180 rated at 122 hp and the B 200
with an output of 156 hp. Their maximum torque of 148 and 184 lb-ft (200 and 250
Nm) respectively is available from an engine speed of 1,250 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 liters and numerous
optimized 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 109 hp of power, while the B 200 CDI has an output of 136 hp. The
maximum torque stands at 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) from 1,400 rpm for the 109 hp
variant and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) from 1,600 rpm for the 136 hp variant.
Another Mercedes-Benz premiere is the new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission in the
B-Class. This transmission is extremely compact, extremely variable with 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 with the efficiency of a
manual transmission.
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.
Chassis and
Suspension
"Fascinatingly agile" is the assessment of all test
drivers who have put the new B-Class through its paces to date. Three factors
are instrumental to the substantially enhanced dynamic performance in comparison
to its predecessor, which does not come at the cost of any compromises on
comfort: the lowered centre of gravity, the new four-link rear axle and the
upgraded ESP Electronic Stability Program. A sports suspension is optionally
available for further enhanced agility. The centre of gravity has been lowered
by a further 0.8-inch (20 mm) and the suspension additionally features sports
dampers with amplitude-selective damping and a Direct-Steer system to emphasize
the car's sporty character.
Assistance and Braking Systems
As a world first in the compact segment, the B-Class features a radar-based
collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist as standard, which lowers
the risk of rear-end collisions. The COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system outputs
a visual and acoustic warning to alert a possibly distracted driver to
identified obstacles, and prepares Brake Assist for the most precise possible
braking response. This is initiated as soon as the driver emphatically operates
the brake pedal.
In contrast to systems currently on the market in the
compact class, the new COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST brake assist feature is not
merely a system intended to minimise minor damage in urban traffic. Rather, this
innovative solution is aimed at protecting motorists from typical rear-end
collisions in dangerous traffic situations. Mercedes-Benz expects the new safety
system to have a significant positive effect on accident statistics.
COMAND Online Multimedia System
Internet access, the convenient
LINGUATRONIC voice control system, two navigation solutions tailored to
different budgets, connection for mobile audio devices and an intuitive
operating concept - the information and communication systems in the B-Class
offers excellent user-friendliness and a superior level of functionality which
has been the reserve of higher categories of vehicle to date. It is the new
multimedia generation from Mercedes-Benz which delivers these standards. The
operating concept featuring the turn/push control in front of the armrest and
the control knob on the head unit is also familiar from other Mercedes model
series.
The COMAND Online multimedia system offers internet access.
Customers can either surf the web as they wish while the car is stationary or
call up a Mercedes-Benz app whose particularly fast page loading and simple
operation make it suitable for use while driving. Integrated apps include Google
Local Search and Weather, and the facility for downloading a route which has
previously been configured on a PC using Google Maps and transmitted to the car.
Modular "Energy Space" Concept
The modular "Energy Space" concept means that the new
B-Class is already designed to accommodate versions with an alternative drive:
appropriate interfaces in the body shell enable the main floor panel to be
modified and a step to be produced for the versions with alternative drive. An underfloor compartment covering part of the area under the
rear bench seat offers space for alternative energy accumulators.
Mercedes-Benz B200 CDI: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications