New Mercedes-Benz B-Class has gone the way of the younger brother

2 October 2018

On kompakten debut of new engines and "robot"

Formally, Mercedes-Benz B-Class can be considered the most boring car in the lineup of the German company. First, it's a compact MPV, which in itself is a family format. Secondly, according to the technique it needs to be as close as possible to A-Class, so that the filling not be called interesting. But in spite of that, the new B-Class presented a few surprises.

Yes, the novelty imitates a younger brother and stylistically, and technically. It is built on the same MFA platform upgraded, and the interior of the two cars and it appeared to be identical (if not to take the difference in size).

But at the same time, the B-class has a few new solutions. First, this is a fresh diesel unit OM 654q. It is similar to the two-litre OM 654 motor, but if the one developed for longitudinal installation, the OM 654q adapted for machines with a transverse power unit.

This engine will be available in two versions: B 200 d (150 HP and 320 N·m) and B 220 d (190 HP and 400 N·m). Both will be sold with a new eight-speed robotized transmission 8G-DCT. Earlier A - and B-Classes used only the last "robot" with seven speeds. Most likely, the new motors and the "box" will soon start to be offered for other models, the company built on this platform: A-Class, CLA and GLA.

It is noteworthy that the old "robot" 7G-DCT was saved: he will be supplied a version of B 180 (136 horsepower and 200 N·m), B 200 (163 HP and 250 N·m) and B 180 d (116 HP and 260 N·m).

A curious fact: the most powerful of all the announced variants (B and 220 d) to be one of the most economical. The manufacturer claims that in combined cycle, this car will consume only 4.4–4.5 liters per hundred kilometers. A little less (4,1–4,4 liters per "hundred") and then much less dynamic B 180 d.

Of course, got the compact MPV and advanced technology from the older Mercedes cars. So, the car can travel in probesprogram mode at speeds up to 210 km/h With up to 130 km/h advanced electronics will not even need road markings: it can define the boundaries of the roadway. A positive thing from the point of view of security in city traffic would be the inclusion of the auto-brake system already in its basic version, the B-Class.

The first deliveries of the new model on the European market is scheduled for February 2019.