For an easy reach of all the articles included in the "The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class: Heralding a new era in the compact class" press kit, we have compiled all the useful links in a single post. Roll down and start reading. Enjoy!

1. The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class: Heralding a new era in the compact class

2. The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class: The design - Perfect space in a most attractive guise


3. The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class: The interior - Segment-leading legroom

4. The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class: The model range - Compact class for experts

5. The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class: Under the microscope - The new air conditioning systems

6. The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class: Aerodynamics - Taking the drag out of aerodynamics

7. The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class: The driving assistance systems - Greater safety in the compact class

8. The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class: Under the microscope - Radar-based collision warning system

9. The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class: Passive safety - Of skate runners and vampire teeth

10. The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class: The drive - High tech under the bonnet

11. The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class: The chassis and suspension - Refined sportiness for the sports tourer

12. The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class: Under the microscope - Getting home safely with a flat tyre

13. The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class: The new generation of multimedia - Low-price navigation and mobile internet

14. The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class: Under the microscope - A successful player in the premium compact vehicle segment

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Mercedes-Benz is already a successful premium manufacturer of compact vehicles with its A- and B-Class. Over 2.8 million A- and B-Class models have rolled off the production line since the launch of the A-Class in 1997 and the B-Class in 2005.


The launch of the B-Class from Mercedes-Benz in 2005 laid the foundations for a new, future-viable market segment, attracting more than 700,000 delighted customers worldwide. The B-Class continues to enjoy great popularity in the year of the model change. 73,046 vehicles were delivered to customers between January and the end of August this year. This corresponds to a growth rate of 7.6 percent.

In Germany, the largest market for the B-Class, sales rose by 5.6 percent over the same period. The second-largest market for the B-Class is China, where it was launched with great success in 2009. This year alone has seen sales rise since January in the order of 46.8 percent, to 9738 units.

Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

From radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST to the Audio 20 CD multimedia unit with colour screen, Bluetooth connectivity and USB port, the B-Class offers a host of extra safety and comfort features as standard, even in its basic version.


Four equipment packages (Chrome, Sports, Exclusive and Night package) enable individualisation of the vehicle's exterior and interior. Beyond this, the customer can choose from a range of optional extras, some of which have been the reserve of higher vehicle classes to date. These include the dashboard in ARTICO man-made leather, front seats with memory function and the PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant safety system (see "Passive safety" section), for example.

Something for everyone: four equipment packages

A B-Class upgraded with the Chrome package is identifiable from the outside by virtue of three slats in brilliant silver on the radiator grille and chrome applications in the front and rear bumpers. Additional exterior features are daytime driving lights with chrome ring, the beltline trim strip in chrome, the electroplated load sill protector and the oval stainless steel tailpipe trim. Inside, the Chrome package includes the Matrix-look trim, air outlet vents with nozzle ring and cross in silver chrome, chrome rings for the rotary light switch, the central operating unit and the controller on the centre console, and a shift/selector lever with applications in silver shadow. The armrests in the doors and the centre armrest feature contrasting stitching.

The Sports package offers significantly more sportiness. Here the radiator grille features double slats in brilliant silver with chrome applications, while the front bumper incorporates a diamond-pattern air intake grille with chrome applications. Chrome also features on the rear bumper (chrome applications on the outsides), the daytime driving light (chrome ring) and the beltline trim strip. 17-inch light-alloy wheels in 5-spoke design come as standard. The front brake discs are perforated and the front callipers feature "Mercedes-Benz" lettering. The sports suspension with selective damping system and the Direct-Steer system with variable power assistance and steering ratio provide for more dynamic handling, but can be deactivated as appropriate.

Inside, the Sports package includes seats in ARTICO man-made leather / Den Helder fabric with contrasting stitching, honeycomb-pattern trim, air outlet vents with ring and cross in silver chrome, high-gloss black rotary light switch with ring in silver chrome, 3-spoke perforated leather multifunction sports steering wheel with 12 function buttons, leather shift/selector lever with applications in chrome, front and rear door sill panels in extruded stainless steel and sports pedals in stainless steel look with rubber studs.

In contrast to the Sports package, the Night package offers the following special exterior features:

- radiator grille with double slats in high-gloss black with chrome applications
- bumpers without chrome applications
- roof trim strip in high-gloss black
- beltline trim strip in high-gloss black
- heat-insulating dark-tinted glass as of B-pillar
- 18-inch light-alloy wheels in 5-twin-spoke design, painted black with high-sheen finish, with 225/40 R 18 tyres

The Exclusive package which is available in addition to the Chrome, Sports or Night package does full justice to its name, featuring a highly stylish interpretation of the compact class with contrasting stitching, dashboard and door centre panels in ARTICO man-made leather and brown silk matt burr walnut trim. The scope of equipment includes a 3-spoke leather steering wheel with 12 function buttons, comfort locking system (infrared), electric 4-way lumbar support on the front seats and heated seats.

Plenty of lateral support and a pleasant seat climate: the seats

The front seats of the B-Class feature comfortable upholstery and ergonomic contours. Attractive seat covers exude high-class appeal. Characteristic features of the standard front seats are high seat comfort with excellent lateral support due to high backrests and pronounced side bolsters, a pleasant seat climate resulting from high air permeability and high moisture absorbency, and a reduced risk of whiplash injury thanks to newly developed head restraints. The Seat Comfort package allows 6-way adjustment of the driver's and front passenger's seat.

The rear seats make a major contribution to the high variability of the B-Class. The rear seat modules offering separate fore/aft adjustment are a special highlight in conjunction with the optional EASY-VARIO-PLUS system (see Interior section).

The standard rear seat bench offers the following features:

- generous legroom for a high standard of comfort in all seats
- rear seat backrests can be folded down with a 1/3 to 2/3 split, forming an almost flat load compartment floor in lowered position
- middle head restraint is designed for minimal interference with visibility to the rear
- ISOFIX child seat anchorage points with TopTether on the outer rear seats

Other optional extras

The B-Class is optionally available with bi-xenon lights instead of halogen lights. The latter are furthermore optionally combinable with the Intelligent Light System (ILS). ILS, which is familiar from other Mercedes model lines, comprises bi-xenon headlamps with variable light distribution and dynamic headlamp range for country roads, motorways and dense fog, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, active light function, LED daytime driving lights and headlamp cleaning system.

A swing-away trailer coupling is available for the B-Class for the first time. The control unit for the swivel system is readily accessible on the left of the luggage compartment. After mechanically releasing the trailer coupling on the control unit, ball neck and socket can be swivelled into towing or rest position. In rest position, they are both accommodated out of sight behind the bumper.

The range of optional extras further includes front seats with memory function, automatically dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors, and electrically operated panoramic glass sunroof with tilting/sliding function and a stowage facility package. The latter comprises a spectacles compartment in the overhead control panel, a stowage box under the front seats, parcel nets on driver and front passenger seat backrest, a collapsible box in the luggage compartment floor and folding tables on the front seat backrests.

A reversing camera is optionally available. This is activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged. It supports the driver during lengthways and crossways parking manoeuvres by means of static and dynamic guide lines indicating the vehicle's line of travel and clearances. Active Parking Assist offers even greater comfort here (see section "Driving assistance systems").

Substantially more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and spacious as ever – the new B-Class from Mercedes-Benz is a winner on all fronts. The vehicle's lower height and more upright seat position provide for a first impression that hints at the compact sports tourer's dynamic credentials. The second generation of the B-Class car heralds a new compact class era at Mercedes-Benz in terms of both design and technology. The entire drive programme is completely new: four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with direct injection and turbocharging, dual clutch transmission and manual transmission. Several new assistance systems support the driver.


"No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments introduced in one fell swoop," stresses Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "Future B-Class customers will benefit from this quantum leap in terms of exemplary low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined with driving pleasure, plenty of space and the highest standard of safety that has ever been available in this class."

Fuel consumption: up to 21 percent less than its predecessor

The fuel consumption of the new B-Class undercuts its predecessor by up to 21 percent. All the engines have been developed in-house. Both diesel models (B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and B 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY) now run on 4.4 litres per 100 km (114 and 115 g CO2/km respectively ) – their predecessors required 5.2 litres per 100 km. The B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY attains a CO2 value of 115 g/km with automatic transmission – an improvement of 21 percent on its predecessor (146 g/km). The petrol-engine variants have also made great strides: despite a substantial improvement in performance, the B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY and B 200 BlueEFFICIENCY now run on 5.9 litres per 100 km (137 and 138 g CO2/km respectively), undercutting their predecessors by up to twelve percent.
The new B-Class (length/width/height: 4359/1786/1557 millimetres) will be making its way to European dealers in November 2011.

The exterior design: perfect space in a most attractive guise

The new B-Class is a typical Mercedes sports tourer, offering plenty of space combined with impressive dynamic performance as a hatchback saloon. The characteristic lines of the exterior design indicate both of these attributes: front and rear sport a width-emphasizing design, with a wide, prominent grille and headlamps extending along the sides at the front while the rear end features a wide rear window, two-piece tail lights with horizontally offset meander and a large tailgate with low loading sill.

The new sportiness and the outstanding aerodynamics are particularly evident in the side line: the bonnet flows seamlessly into the A-pillar and the roof line descends sleekly to the striking roof spoiler. The roof features a swage line which lends the vehicle a longer appearance. The pronounced wheel arches offset by dynamic feature lines under the beltline are a sporty interpretation of the current design line from Mercedes-Benz. The bottom edge of the body features dynamic side skirts which lend the vehicle add a light touch to the vehicle's appearance. Refined details such as the modern-look headlamps with the new spotlight element confirm the brand's unmistakable premium credentials which shine through in the compact segment, too.

Outstanding aerodynamics: astounding cd value despite station wagon rear end

An outstanding drag coefficient of cd = 0.26 places the new B-Class at the forefront of its market segment. Apart from the aerodynamic exterior design, numerous optimisation measures on points of detail such as the air flow around the front wheels, the underbody design and the cooling air flow are also crucial contributory factors to this excellent aerodynamic performance. Patents are pending for innovative details such as the serrated wheel arch spoiler. With the optional ECO Technology package which will be available in due course, the B-Class is even on a par with the world-class aerodynamic credentials of the E-Class Coupé, attaining a drag coefficient of cd = 0.24 which is nothing short of sensational for a vehicle with a station wagon rear end.

New concept: lower overall height but more space inside

The new vehicle concept underscores the dynamic aspirations of the new B-Class. The most striking aspect is the reduced height: at 1557 millimetres, the new model crouches almost five centimetres lower on the road than its predecessor. The seat height in relation to the road has also been reduced (minus 86 mm).

In response to requests from many customers, the sitting position is more upright, however. At the same time, the headroom has been further improved. With maximum headroom of 1047 mm at the front (without sliding roof), the B-Class is among the most spacious cars in its segment in this discipline, too. The ergonomically expedient more upright sitting position in combination with a lowering of the vehicle's floor at the rear leads to a segment-leading degree of legroom (976 mm).

The B-Class is optionally available with the so-called EASY-VARIO-PLUS system. This enables simple reorganisation of the interior so as to enable the transportation of bulky items. Features of the EASY-VARIO-PLUS system include fore/aft adjustment of the rear seats by up to 140 millimetres (thereby increasing the luggage compartment volume from 486 to 666 litres) and a front passenger seat whose backrest can be folded forward onto the seat cushion.

The interior design: superior quality in a new dimension

High-quality materials and finely structured surfaces, stylish details, precision workmanship and a new spaciousness – the interior of the B-Class defines a whole new benchmark in the compact segment.

Many features have been the reserve of higher classes of vehicle to date and embody Mercedes-Benz's special understanding of quality and aesthetics. The dashboard is optionally available in ARTICO leather finish with stitching, for example. Four equipment packages (Chrome, Sports, Exclusive and Night package) enable individualisation according to personal tastes.

In the interior, the large, three-dimensional trim covering the entire dashboard first strikes the eye. It is available in four variants, covering a broad spectrum from modern through sporty to classic. Common to all versions is a high-class appeal combining an attractive look and feel with easy care and durability.

The three large round vents in the middle and their uniquely designed cruciform nozzles add a sporty attribute to the interior's emotional design idiom. The display, which is available in two sizes (147 and 178mm) appears to hover over the vents. With its stylish design – the trim frame with galvanised finish contrasting with the piano black of the front panel – and slender lines, the colour display (TFT) is a highly attractive feature in the cockpit.

The 3-spoke steering wheel, which always features a silver chrome insert in the middle spoke, the instrument cluster with four analogue round dials and suspended pointers in 6 o'clock position and the seats with contrasting stitching underscore the sporty character.

The drive: designed for maximum efficiency

The new B-Class features new petrol and diesel engines as well as new manual and automatic transmissions. All transmissions and engines have been developed in-house, with production taking place at the plants in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim and -Hedelfingen, Rastatt/Baden, Gaggenau/Baden and Kölleda/Thuringia. The simultaneous development process enabled perfect coordination of engines and transmissions, e.g. with regard to implementation of the ECO start/stop function which features as standard on all B-Class models.

Common features of the new drive systems are the use of state-of-the-art

technologies for maximum efficiency, very smooth running, high tractive power right from low revs, sustainability in terms of impending emissions standards and low weight. For the purposes of transverse installation the engines, all of which are turbocharged, and the two transmissions are very compactly designed, providing the B-Class with an exemplary small turning circle for a front-wheel drive vehicle of eleven metres. The engine and transmission suspension disposes of a four-point mounting system comprising engine mount, transmission mount and two self-aligning supports. This suspension system has been designed specifically to meet the requirements of the high-torque engines with regard to minimum noise levels. The hydraulic damping integrated in the transmission mount is a key contributory factor to the exceptionally high ride comfort.

The new four-cylinder petrol engines (internal designation M270) mark the launch of a completely new engine series. The combustion process is based on the third-generation Mercedes-Benz direct injection system which was introduced last year with the BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 engines. Its use in the B-Class marks this technology's debut in the compact segment. The new four-cylinder engines have been designed for both transverse and longitudinal installation. In the new B-Class they are initially available with a displacement of 1.6 litres, as the B 180 rated at 90 kW (122 hp) and the B 200 with an output of 115 kW (156 hp). Their maximum torque of 200 and 250 Nm respectively is available from an engine speed of 1250 rpm.

The new four-cylinder diesel engine is a further development of the OM651 deployed in the C- to the S-Class, a common rail direct-injection engine of the third generation. With its displacement scaled down to 1.8 litres and numerous optimised points of detail, this is the first time that the compression-ignition engine has been mounted transversely in a Mercedes-Benz car. The B 180 CDI generates 80 kW (109 hp) of power, while the B 200 CDI has an output of 100 kW (136 hp). The maximum torque stands at 250 Nm from 1400 rpm for the 80 kW variant and 300 Nm from 1600 rpm for the 100 kW variant.

Overview of B-Class engines[1]

Another Mercedes-Benz premiere is the new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission in the B-Class. This transmission is extremely compact, extremely variable with regard to adaptation of the engine speed thanks to seven gears, features an electric oil pump for start/stop capability, shifts gear without any interruptions in tractive power and combines the comfort of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual transmission.

The new 6-speed manual transmission designed along similarly compact lines as a three-shaft transmission is a close relative of the DCT. Extremely easy gear shifting, low shift forces, low internal friction and a low weight are among its most important characteristics.

[1] Germany: May differ from country to country

The chassis and suspension: refined sportiness now for the sports tourer, too

"Fascinatingly agile" is the assessment of all test drivers who have put the new B-Class through its paces to date. Three factors are instrumental to the substantially enhanced dynamic performance in comparison to its predecessor, which does not come at the cost of any compromises on comfort: the lowered centre of gravity, the new four-link rear axle and the upgraded ESP®Electronic Stability Programme. A sports suspension is optionally available for further enhanced agility. The centre of gravity has been lowered by a further 20 mm and the suspension additionally features sports dampers with amplitude-selective damping and a Direct-Steer system to emphasize the car's sporty character.

Steering: mechanical with electric assistance

The electromechanical steering of the B-Class has been redesigned. The electric motor of the servo assistance system is now located directly on the steering gear as a dual pinion EPS system, thereby optimising the package as a whole. A Direct-Steer system is available in combination with the sports package. The steering ratio becomes noticeably more direct at greater steering angles, enhancing the vehicle's handling and agility substantially.

The electromechanical steering system makes an important contribution to the vehicle's overall efficiency, as the steering assist function only requires energy when steering actually takes place.

New assistance and braking system reduces the risk of rear-end collisions

As a world first in the compact segment, the B-Class features a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist as standard, which lowers the risk of rear-end collisions. The COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system gives a visual and acoustic warning to alert a possibly distracted driver to identified obstacles, and prepares Brake Assist for the most precise possible braking response. This is initiated as soon as the driver emphatically operates the brake pedal.

In contrast to systems currently on the market in the compact class, the new COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST brake assist feature is not merely a system intended to minimise minor damage in urban traffic. Rather, this innovative solution is aimed at protecting motorists from typical rear-end collisions in dangerous traffic situations. Mercedes-Benz expects the new safety system to have a significant positive effect on accident statistics.

The democratisation of safety also encompasses an array of other assistance systems which have been adopted into the B-Class from the larger model series. These include:

- Adaptive Highbeam Assist
- Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist
- ATTENTION ASSIST (standard)
- Speed Limit Assist (speed limit sign recognition)
- Active Parking Assist
- Brake HOLD function
- Hill Hold function
- LINGUATRONIC
- Reversing camera
- DISTRONIC PLUS

Premiere in the compact class: PRE-SAFE® available for the first time

The PRE-SAFE®preventive occupant protection system which features in the B-Class is available for the first time in this vehicle category. This represents a further step in the ongoing democratisation of this innovation, which was premiered in the S-Class in 2002. Core features of PRE-SAFE®are reversible belt tensioning, the closing of side windows and sliding sunroof in case of critical lateral dynamics and adjustment of the fully electric front passenger seat with memory function to an ideal position for maximum effectiveness of the restraint systems. PRE-SAFE®is always activated in response to critical longitudinal and lateral dynamics and may also be triggered upon intervention by certain assistance functions.

The scope of restraint facilities takes special account of the B-Class's use as a family car. Great importance has been attached to the safety of the rear occupants. Belt tensioners, belt-force limiters and belt height adjusters come as standard on the outer seats. Rear sidebags are optionally available. Integrated child seats and automatic child seat recognition are available as in the predecessor. Driver and co-driver are provided with new pelvis bags which are able to cover the pelvis and the entire upper part of the body. For head protection, a windowbag is fitted as standard.

COMAND Online multimedia system with internet access

Internet access, the convenient LINGUATRONIC voice control system, two navigation solutions tailored to different budgets, connection for mobile audio devices and an intuitive operating concept – the information and communication systems in the B-Class offers excellent user-friendliness and a superior level of functionality which has been the reserve of higher categories of vehicle to date. It is the new multimedia generation from Mercedes-Benz which delivers these standards. The operating concept featuring the turn/push control in front of the armrest and the control knob on the head unit is also familiar from other Mercedes model series.

The COMAND Online multimedia system offers internet access. Customers can either surf the web as they wish while the car is stationary or call up a Mercedes-Benz app whose particularly fast page loading and simple operation make it suitable for use while driving. Integrated apps include Google™ Local Search and Weather and the facility for downloading a route which has previously been configured on a PC using Google Maps and transmitted to the car.

All set for the future: modular "ENERGY SPACE" concept

The modular "ENERGY SPACE" concept means that the new B-Class is already designed to accommodate versions with an alternative drive: appropriate interfaces in the body shell enable the main floor panel to be modified and a step to be produced for the versions with alternative drive. An underfloor compartment covering part of the area under the rear bench seat offers space for alternative energy accumulators.