The Mercedes-Benz B-Class, a car we took for dead, has just emerged for testing in Stuttgart. This is an all-new generation underneath that camouflage, though one that has a lot in common with the old one.
The 2019 B-Class is also the first Mercedes in a long time to break down in front of the camera. The mirrors being repeatedly folded is a sign of the engine being shut on and off or a malfunction. We also see that the engine is stalling (or being stalled by a driver who can't use the clutch).
The proportions are typical of a "tourer", boasting a taller greenhouse compared to a regular hatchback. Everybody thinks family cars are dorky and SUVs are cool. But actually, we found that the B-Class has space aplenty and drives better than most FWD crossovers.
It's a little early to talk about the design since the front end is obscured by a massive piece bolted to the hood and a fake grille. But we're surprised to say that it looks old-fashioned, especially after seeing the angular headlights of its sister car, the A-Class.
Of course, it's possible that this B-Class is just a significant refresh of the old car, just like Mercedes did with the GLE or GLS. We have no problem with that decision as long as the interior doesn't have all those old-fashioned buttons.
There is one major areas where the B-Class falls slightly short of its BMW 2 Series Active Tourer rival: its engine lineup. Mercedes-Benz will have to install an all-new 2.0-liter diesel and a plug-in hybrid to keep up with its Bavarian rival.
Remember, the B-Class is one of the best-selling cars in Germany, where they do lots of high-speed motorway miles. So tiny gasoline mills and EVs are slightly less relevant here. Mercedes is also going to make a dedicated EV, the EQ A so that the electric B wasn't killed off for nothing. Mild-hybrid versions are also possible.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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