New generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class
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Mercedes-Benz
28th August, 2011
- Agile: space and dynamics abound
- Efficient: drive system with new engines and dual clutch transmission
- Safe: radar-based collision warning system as standard, PRE-SAFE® featuring for the first time
- Sensational: outstanding aerodynamics set a new benchmark in the segment
Substantially more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and spacious as ever – the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class is
a winner on all fronts. The vehicle's lower height and more upright seat position provide for a first impression that
hints at the compact sports tourer's dynamic credentials.
With a new four-cylinder petrol engine featuring direct injection and turbocharging, a new diesel engine, a new
dual clutch transmission, a new manual transmission and new assistance systems, the front-wheel-drive car also rings
in a new technological era for compact cars from Mercedes-Benz.
"No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments introduced in one fell
swoop," stresses Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of
Development, Mercedes-Benz Cars. "Future B-Class customers will benefit from this quantum leap in terms of
exemplary low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined with driving pleasure, plenty of space and the highest
standard of safety that has ever been available in this class."
The world premiere of the new B-Class will take place at the Frankfurt Motor Show (15th to 25th September 2011) in
Germany. It will be making its way to European dealers in November 2011.
The exterior design: perfect space in a most attractive guise
The new B-Class (length/width/height: 4,359/1,786/1,557 millimetres) is a typical Mercedes sports tourer, offering
plenty of space combined with 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-emphasising design, with 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 with horizontally offset meander and a large tailgate with 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 with the new spotlight element confirm the brand's unmistakable premium credentials
which shine through in the compact segment, too.
Outstanding aerodynamics: astounding cd value despite station wagon rear end
An outstanding drag coefficient of cd = 0.26 places the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class at the forefront of its market
segment. 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
with 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 with 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 1,557 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 1,047 mm at the front (without sliding roof), the
B-Class is among the most spacious cars in its segment in this discipline, too. 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 (976 mm) 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 reorganisation
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 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 Mercedes-Benz 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-like 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.
The drive: designed for maximum efficiency
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, with production taking place at the plants in
Stuttgart-Untertürkheim and -Hedelfingen, Rastatt/Baden, Gaggenau/Baden and Kölleda/Thuringia. The simultaneous
development process enabled perfect coordination of engines and transmissions, e.g. with 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 with 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 with 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 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 litres, as the B 180 rated at 90 kW and the B 200
with an output of 115 kW. Their maximum torque of 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 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 of power, while the B 200 CDI has an output of 100
kW. The maximum torque stands at 250 Nm from 1,400 rpm for the 80 kW variant and 300 Nm from 1,600 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 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.
The chassis and suspension: refined sportiness now for the sports tourer, too
"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 Programme. A sports suspension is optionally available for further
enhanced agility. The centre of gravity has been lowered by a further 20 mm and the suspension additionally features
sports dampers with amplitude-selective damping and a Direct-Steer system to emphasise the car's sporty character.
Steering: mechanical with electric assistance
The electromechanical steering of the B-Class has been redesigned. The electric motor of the servo assistance
system is now located directly on the steering gear as a dual pinion EPS system, thereby optimising the package as a
whole. A Direct-Steer system is available in combination with the sports package.
The steering ratio becomes noticeably more direct at greater steering angles, enhancing the vehicle's handling and
agility substantially.
The electromechanical steering system makes an important contribution to the vehicle's overall efficiency, as the
steering assist function only requires energy when steering actually takes place.
New assistance and braking system reduces the risk of rear-end collisions
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.
The democratisation of safety also encompasses an array of other assistance systems which have been adopted into
the B-Class from the larger model series. These include:
- Adaptive Headlamp Assist
- Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist
- ATTENTION ASSIST (standard)
- Speed Limit Assist (speed limit sign recognition)
- Active Parking Assist
- Brake HOLD function (standard with 7G-DCT)
- Hill Hold function
- LINGUATRONIC
- Reversing camera
- DISTRONIC PLUS
Premiere in the compact class: PRE-SAFE®
The PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system which features in the B-Class is available for the first time
in this vehicle category. This represents a further step in the ongoing democratisation of this innovation, which was
premiered in the S-Class in 2002. Core features of PRE-SAFE® are reversible belt tensioning, the closing of side
windows and sliding 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. PRE-SAFE® is
always activated in response to critical longitudinal and lateral dynamics and may also be triggered upon intervention
by certain assistance functions.
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The scope of restraint facilities takes special account of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class' use as a family car. Great
importance has been attached to the safety of the rear occupants. Belt tensioners, belt-force limiters and belt
height adjusters come as standard on the outer seats. Rear sidebags are optionally available. Integrated child
seats and automatic child seat recognition are available as in the predecessor. Driver and co-driver are provided
with new pelvis bags which are able to cover the pelvis and the entire upper part of the body. For head protection, a
windowbag is fitted as standard.
COMAND Online multimedia system with internet access
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.
All set for the future: 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.
Australian availability
The Next Car team anticipate an Australian release of the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class during the second
quarter 2012. Stay tuned for news on the local specifications and prices (in due course).
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