Photo: original image by autoevolution
With over 125 years of experience behind them, it's no wonder that Mercedes makes some of the best vehicles on the market. However, most people don't expect to look for a great Merc in the MPV segment, or as the Germans like to call it, the Tourer segment. In 2011, a brand new B-Class model (codenamed W246) was introduced on the market, the first car built on their new MFA platform shared with the CLA coupe and GLA crossover. It's one of the best selling vehicle (overall) in its domestic market and a very good alternative to the cheaper models from French and German makers.
Not surprisingly, the B-Class is also the first of the new generation of Mercedes compacts to receive a mid-life facelift. The updated model has been officially revealed today at the Paris Motor Show and is already on sale in Germany. The updates give the vehicle a sportier and more premium image and ensure the engines are on par with what BMW offers in their new 2 Series Active Tourer, a direct competitor.
Mercedes definitely doesn't leave you wanting for choice when it comes to powertrains either. The B-Class facelift comes with no less than 7 diesel versions ranging from the basic 90 horsepower B 160 CDI and going all the way up to the 177 horsepower B 220 CDI 4Matic that costs over €38,000, which is the red car in our photos.
Add to that six petrol versions with up to 211 PS, a natural gas model and soon an EV as well and you begin to understand why there's a B-Class for basically any type of motorist. In only three years on the market, the over 350,000 examples of the B-Class have been sold, Mercedes says.
The changes made to the engine range are minimal, but that's only because Mercedes has updated them every year. Starting with the B-Class facelift, you can order 4Matic all-wheel drive on the B200 CDI model, pushing all four wheels with 136 PS of 2.1-liter turbodiesel power.
Perhaps the biggest change on the inside of the car is not the larger free-standing head unit display (up to 8 inches), but the fact that the B-Class now comes with keyless go. Additionally, 12 colors are now available for the ambient lighting system.
Mercedes definitely doesn't leave you wanting for choice when it comes to powertrains either. The B-Class facelift comes with no less than 7 diesel versions ranging from the basic 90 horsepower B 160 CDI and going all the way up to the 177 horsepower B 220 CDI 4Matic that costs over €38,000, which is the red car in our photos.
Add to that six petrol versions with up to 211 PS, a natural gas model and soon an EV as well and you begin to understand why there's a B-Class for basically any type of motorist. In only three years on the market, the over 350,000 examples of the B-Class have been sold, Mercedes says.
The changes made to the engine range are minimal, but that's only because Mercedes has updated them every year. Starting with the B-Class facelift, you can order 4Matic all-wheel drive on the B200 CDI model, pushing all four wheels with 136 PS of 2.1-liter turbodiesel power.
What's different on the outside
The cosmetic updates are relatively small. The front end gets a new bumper with more pronounced air intakes and the radiator grille has two lovers holding the Mercedes emblem in place. Daytime running light have been integrated into the headlights and as an optional feature Mercedes offers LED High Performance headlamps for the first time. Around the back, designers not only gave the taillights a new look, but also tinted them for a sportier look.Perhaps the biggest change on the inside of the car is not the larger free-standing head unit display (up to 8 inches), but the fact that the B-Class now comes with keyless go. Additionally, 12 colors are now available for the ambient lighting system.
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