Photo: SB-Medien
The 2019 B-Class could become our favorite tourer after its imminent debut. Our spies were able to capture the model in detail with very little in the way of obscuring camouflage.
The 2019 B-Class has a lot of good things from new A-Class and a some from the older B. For example, this prototype clearly retains the entirely independent rear suspension arms, great for balancing comfort and handling.
The 2019 A-Class, meanwhile, offers a semi-rigid rear axle on most configurations, as this is cheaper to make. But the 2019 B-Class is engineered from the older platform and dressed up in all the latest tech.
This includes the now famous MBUX infotainment system, which does a lot of cool things including music streaming. But really, you just want the S-Class look in a smaller, cheaper car. The placement of the controls, air vents and even the steering wheel is taken from the A-Class.
Since the two hatchbacks are made at the same factory, we also expect shared engines, and there's a whole bunch of them. The range kicks off with the 1.3-liter unit, which will be available with 109, 136 and 163 HP outputs.
The same unit will also be combined with a powerful rear-mounted electric motor to create two B-Class plug-in hybrids. Right now, the only diesel we can guarantee is the B 180 d with 116 HP. However, new 2-liter engines are rumored to become available in 2019.
High-powered models (from about 180 HP) will have 4Matic AWD availability, while the 7-speed DCT will be spread almost across the entire range.
This test prototype appears to be equipped with the AMG Line body kit since it has those fake exhausts, a larger front grille, and sexy alloy wheels. Just like the model we tested a few years back, it sits quite low to the ground in contrast with the more common family car, the crossover.
The 2019 A-Class, meanwhile, offers a semi-rigid rear axle on most configurations, as this is cheaper to make. But the 2019 B-Class is engineered from the older platform and dressed up in all the latest tech.
This includes the now famous MBUX infotainment system, which does a lot of cool things including music streaming. But really, you just want the S-Class look in a smaller, cheaper car. The placement of the controls, air vents and even the steering wheel is taken from the A-Class.
Since the two hatchbacks are made at the same factory, we also expect shared engines, and there's a whole bunch of them. The range kicks off with the 1.3-liter unit, which will be available with 109, 136 and 163 HP outputs.
The same unit will also be combined with a powerful rear-mounted electric motor to create two B-Class plug-in hybrids. Right now, the only diesel we can guarantee is the B 180 d with 116 HP. However, new 2-liter engines are rumored to become available in 2019.
High-powered models (from about 180 HP) will have 4Matic AWD availability, while the 7-speed DCT will be spread almost across the entire range.
This test prototype appears to be equipped with the AMG Line body kit since it has those fake exhausts, a larger front grille, and sexy alloy wheels. Just like the model we tested a few years back, it sits quite low to the ground in contrast with the more common family car, the crossover.
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