Mercedes B-Class

Expert Review by Maxabout

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Mercedes-Benz India has launched the much-awaited B-Class Diesel in Indian market today (11th July, 2013). It is available for INR 22.60 lakhs (ex-showroom). It is powered by the same diesel engine which powers the A-Class diesel. It is a 1796cc CDI BlueEFFICIENCY diesel engine which generates maximum power of 108 Bhp at 3200 rpm with maximum torque of 250 Nm at 1400 rpm. Mercedes has sold 500 units of B-Class in India till date (June, 2013).

Mercedes B-Class Exterior

The Mercedes Benz B-Class is a hatchback yet its impact design should not be underrated. This new car model from Mercedes-Benz comes with an all-new chassis that is quite small in architecture which can possibly shore up the all-new A-Class models. It is a four-door grand tourer which can be classified as a compact sports utility vehicle that comes with sophistication. The all-new Mercedes-Benz B-Class has been designed with a sporty look which is the fad among latest Benz models. It is highlighted by noticeable wheel arches, long-drawn-out grille and lateral feature lines. It comes with detailed moulding around the front wheels plus a carefully crafted body that is sleek and absolutely eye-catching.

Mercedes B-Class Interior

As people would expect from all Benz models, it has been made using high-quality materials. Together with these materials are world renowned car experts who have designed and fitted all these pieces together to create a finely structured masterpiece that has stylish details and precision. The inside of the B-Class defines a whole new standard in the compact vehicle segment. You can say bye-bye to the old high-roof look with this all-new model. The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is created 5.0 centimetres lower than its precursor which means there is more interior space. As the B-Class debuts in this car segment, Mercedes-Benz’s unveils the revolutionary pre-safe system, a feature which can detect possible tensions and impact on all seat belts, can close the windows and sunroof as well as move the front passenger seat to an ergonomic position. Many features have been the fall-back of advanced classes of vehicles up to the present time and represent

Mercedes-Benz's distinct definition of quality and style. Customers can have the dashboard in faux leather Artico finish plus stitching. Some packages include certain designs, such as the Sports, Chrome, Night and Exclusive which enable customers to choose or add stuff according to their personal tastes. The interior comprises of three-dimensional neat layer and a dashboard that can make anyone fall in-love at first sight. It comes in four different variants, covering an expansive spectrum from contemporary through active to archetypal. All versions have an elegant appeal uniting Mercedes-Benz B-Class’s attractive style and feel with easy handling and resilience. The three big round vents located at the middle plus the distinctly designed cruciform control valves add an energetic quality to the interior's ambience and design. The display is available in two sizes which are 5.8 inches and 7 inches. It appears to go over the vents with its sophisticated design.

The trim frame that comes with a fired up finish contrasts with the piano black colour of the front panel that goes with thin lines and a TFT colour display that is extremely striking. The 3-spoke steering wheel, which always fits in a silver chrome addition in the middle shaft, the gadget group with four analogue round controls and the seats with complementary needlework highlight its athletic appeal. The new concept of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class emphasizes the dynamic goal of Mercedes-Benz for their new line of vehicles. The most remarkable aspect of this model is the reduced height which is at 1557 millimetres, which means that the new B-Class model goes down almost five centimetres lower on the road than the earlier version. The seat height with respect to the road has is now more compact with a reduction of 86 millimetres in order to provide ease to passengers when it comes to boarding, while keeping a clear impression of the vehicle's curves. As part of the vehicles improvement, the sitting position is more vertical and the headroom has been improved as well. The maximum headroom of Mercedes-Benz B-Class is at 1047 millimetres at the front without the sliding roof, which makes this car one of the most spacious vehicles in its segment despite being compact.

The ergonomically convenient more vertical sitting position in combination with lowering the car's floor at the back gives it a segment-leading grade of legroom of 976 millimetres which even goes beyond what is offered in the S and E-Class. The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is also available with the self-styled easy-vario-plus system which allows customers to reorganize the interior in their own simple way. Some of the features included in the easy-vario-plus system are fore or after adjustment of the back seats by up to 140 millimetres to expand the luggage cabin volume from 486 litres to 666 litres and folding the front traveller seat’s backrest forward against the seat cushion.

Engine and Gearbox

As expected, the aerodynamics of this vehicle got special attention from car critiques. This all-new vehicle from Mercedes-Benz is one of the world’s most sweptback premium hatchbacks with a drag Cd of 0.26. Outside India beneath the hood is a new range of squarely mounted diesel and petrol engines. They are mounted at the front instead of under the floor unlike the older models. It comes in different forms such as a 136 brake horse power turbocharged 1.8 litre rail diesel in the B200 capacitor discharge ignition, a less forceful 107 brake horse power version which is essentially the same engine but with lesser boost pressure in the B180 capacitor discharge ignition. Other models also come in turbocharged 1.6 litre direct injection petrol engine that makes 120 brake horsepower in the B180 and, with a little improvement, 154 brake horsepower in the B200. Transmissions can be a 7G-DCT dual-clutch or a six-speed manual offering both manual and automatic modes. In India it is available in petrol and diesel, the petrol model is powered by 1595cc engine which generates maximum power of 121 Bhp at 5000 rpm with maximum torque of 200 Nm at 4000 rpm. The diesel engine is a 1796cc CDI BlueEFFICIENCY diesel engine which generates maximum power of 108 Bhp at 3200 rpm with maximum torque of 250 Nm at 1400 rpm.Safety Features

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class has been installed with a number of safety features such as dual front airbags, head-protecting side curtains, side airbags, electronic brake force distribution ABS or anti-lock braking system, intelligent seat belt reminders and electronic stability control. All of these features are fitted to help prevent serious injuries in case of an accident. There are other advanced safety features available in this model which can be upgraded as well.

Shades

This vehicle also comes in different shades: Nocturnal Black, Cosmos Black Metallic, Atoll Blue Metallic, Saturn Red Metallic, Jupiter Red, Comet Grey Metallic, Horizon Blue Metallic, Polar Silver Metallic and Calcite White.