Official: The New Mercedes-Benz B-Class

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Just ahead of its premier at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz today unveiled their new compact sports-tourer B-Class. The vehicle’s highlight is its 4-cylinder gasoline engine with turbocharging and direct injection, which made its performance far better than its predecessor. Other than that, the vehicle has dual-clutch gearbox and a six-speed manual transmission a lot of assistance systems.Read the entire vehicle overview and see the entire picture gallery after the jump!

Meanwhile, the interior design of the new generation B-Class is of
top quality. Superior quality materials were used, which speaks sporty and
classic all-in-one.

The multimedia feature of the car is also very
modern. With the voice control system called LINGUATRONIC, riders of
this car will decrease the chance of getting lost. There is also an
Internet connection where the passengers can browse using Google Local
Search and Google Maps and they can also check the weather. All these
using COMAND Online, which is the name for the car’s Internet access.

The company has not announced the price of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class yet.

So, what do you think? Does the new B-Class get an A+? Voice your opinion here!

Official Press Release:

Substantially more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and
spacious as ever – the new B-Class from Mercedes-Benz 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 (length/width/height:
4359/1786/1557 millimetres) will take place at the Frankfurt
International Motor Show (13 to 25 September 2011). 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 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-emphasizing 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 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 Coupe, 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 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 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 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
individualization 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 galvanized 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-Unterturkheim and -Hedelfingen, Rastatt/Baden, Gaggenau/Baden
and Kolleda/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 (122 hp) and the B 200 with 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 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 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 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 emphasize 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
optimizing 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 democratization 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 available for the first time

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.

The scope of restraint facilities takes special account of the
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.