Photo: CarPix
A big motor show is coming up in just a few weeks, and we suspect Mercedes-Benz has a lot of presenting to do, including this all-new B-Class. The amount of camouflage on this test prototype is minimal at best, revealing a sleek but not very emotional design.
The "touring" market isn't as big as it used to, and it continues to shrink. However, the B-Class is easily the most popular premium model, and Mercedes isn't ready to give up on that slice of the pie.
This is the same prototype we saw a few days ago in the company of the A-Class sedan and CLA. While each has a unique headlight design, there is also a common design denominator. For example, the B-Class has lost its sharp side character lines, which it borrowed from the W222 S-Class.
Despite looking all-new, we believe that a lot of the chassis has been carried over from the previous generation as Ford did with the Fiesta. That would explain why the greenhouse is mostly the same. However, all the tech from the A-Class will be integrated into this car, including that all-important MBUX infotainment system.
While you can get a posh badge and features from the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, on this will have large twin screens on the dashboard.
It will be interesting to see if a cheaper solid rear axle setup is also engineered for the B-Class. But in most other regards, the configuration will be the same, this includes engines with a mild hybrid assist, a 1.5-liter diesel and 1.3-liter petrol engine from Renault, maybe even a plug-in.
The most powerful engine will continue to be the B 250, though diesels will make more sense. Mercedes plans to launch two new 2-liter units with 150 and 190 HP, respectively. In almost all cases, customers will go for the automatic gearbox while AWD will suit only some.
This is the same prototype we saw a few days ago in the company of the A-Class sedan and CLA. While each has a unique headlight design, there is also a common design denominator. For example, the B-Class has lost its sharp side character lines, which it borrowed from the W222 S-Class.
Despite looking all-new, we believe that a lot of the chassis has been carried over from the previous generation as Ford did with the Fiesta. That would explain why the greenhouse is mostly the same. However, all the tech from the A-Class will be integrated into this car, including that all-important MBUX infotainment system.
While you can get a posh badge and features from the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, on this will have large twin screens on the dashboard.
It will be interesting to see if a cheaper solid rear axle setup is also engineered for the B-Class. But in most other regards, the configuration will be the same, this includes engines with a mild hybrid assist, a 1.5-liter diesel and 1.3-liter petrol engine from Renault, maybe even a plug-in.
The most powerful engine will continue to be the B 250, though diesels will make more sense. Mercedes plans to launch two new 2-liter units with 150 and 190 HP, respectively. In almost all cases, customers will go for the automatic gearbox while AWD will suit only some.
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