Mercedes B-Class: Official details

By Paul Bond

04th July 2011

Mercedes has revealed that its new small car range - starting with the B-Class – has been designed to be as future proof as possible, and the brand plans to release a dedicated ‘eco’ version, as well as offering four-wheel drive and a range of alternatively powered models after the initial launch.

The unique sandwich chassis architecture of old has been abandoned, and this has allowed the engineers to lower the B-Class’s centre of gravity by up to 30mm. Although this might not sound like much, it should provide a much sportier drive than before, without sacrificing the comfort that Mercedes are famed for.

What’s more, beneath the passenger cell, an ‘energy space’ has been engineered into the space between the floor and the under tray, which can be used to store batteries, natural gas tanks and fuel cells in the planned electric, hydrogen and hybrid variants, which are all due out in 2013/14.

The B-Class uses a sophisticated new multi-link rear suspension setup that’s designed to accommodate permanent four-wheel drive. These 4matic models would be will available as an option on the more powerful engines in the range, but will also feature on storming AMG models, and the forthcoming SUV.

The conventional engines at launch also feature a host of innovations, with an entirely new petrol and heavily revised diesel engine to choose from. According to company insiders Mercedes is also looking to utilize its partnership with Renault to offer a range of smaller capacity and even three-cylinder engines to provide the most efficient range possible.

The new petrol powerplant is a direct injection 1.6-litre turbo, and will be available in two different states of tune - with either 123bhp or 154bhp - although a lager capacity turbo unit will join the range later next year.

Particular attention has been given to providing the highest possible torque at the lowest revs – so peak shove arrives at a remarkably low 1,250rpm, and the new unit won’t be limited to the compact cars either, and is set to be introduced on both the C and E-Class saloons mid-way though 2012.

The diesel is a smaller, lighter version of the 2.1-litre unit from the current C-Class range, but this time displacing 1.8-litres, with either 108 or 134bhp. Mercedes engineers claim that it has been optimized for maximum efficiency, and that “even the standard diesel engines will offer the same fuel efficiency as the BlueMotion Golf”.

Less economically-minded buyers will be able to choose a more dynamic “Sport” package, which will offer fundamentally different driving characteristics, with a quicker steering rack, 20mm lower suspension, and passive dampers which can adjust to varying road conditions for greater agility.

The B-Class will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show, and although European Sales will start this Autumn, it won’t reach the UK until spring next year.