OK, so algebra isn’t my strong suit, but given NZ Company Vehicle has reviewed the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and C-Class – in that order – and the B-Class is now on sale here, the equation makes sense...
Mercedes-Benz’s B-Class has always rung something of a chord with me, and knowing that some of the technology found in the A-Class and C-Class is going to be seen in the B-Class, I’m really looking forward to a few days with the B-Class, assuming I can get my head around the contrived category of a sports tourer that is a sports tourer in name only. NZ Company Vehicle has one of these booked in for a full road test later, but for now, here’s what you need to know about the B-Class for 2019.
Mercedes-Benz has upped the ante with this iteration, delivering a sports tourer which is more dynamic in design, greatly improved in terms of technology and which has grown physically to give greater practicality. As expected, there is a great deal of A-Class tech in the new B-Class, so expect to see two 10.25-inch fully digital displays in the same ‘widescreen cockpit’ array. Five round air vents feature a high-grade turbine look and are inspired by the world of aviation. Naturally, the B-Class is fitted with the intuitive and interactive vehicle control system, MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), which allows dozens of voice commands, prefaced by the phrase ‘Hey Mercedes’ to adjust radio and multimedia settings, navigation and telephony functions and changes to in-cabin climate or lighting settings.
The MBUX system is complemented by ‘Mercedes me Connect’, the advanced connectivity network that allows the owner to remotely interact with their vehicle via Smartphone app. Drivers can access tyre pressures, fuel and fluid levels, brake pad condition and mileage right through to the vehicle’s exact location, whether it is parked or in motion.
There is only one B-Class model available; the B180, which is powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 100 kilowatts of power and 200 Newton-metres of torque, paired with a 7G DCT seven-speed automatic transmission. Combined fuel consumption, according to Mercedes-Benz, is just 5.7 litres per 100km. And it wouldn’t be a Mercedes-Benz without safety features. The B-Class then, has Active Parking Assist (with PARKTRONIC), Active Lane Keep Assist, Active Brake Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Blind Spot Assist with exit warning, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, electronically folding exterior mirrors, and the PRE-SAFE accident anticipatory system. There’s more, but then what would I have to write about in a few weeks’ time? I can give you the price though, at least as far as the manufacturers recommended retail price without ORC’s.
The price for the new Mercedes-Benz B 180 Sports Tourer is $57,800 and it is now on sale. And if you buy one before I drive it, please don’t write in to me with spoilers...
