New Mercedes B-Class starts at £26,975 04 | 12 | 2018

    MERCEDES-BENZ HAS confirmed its new B-Class will start at £26,975 for the entry-level B180 Sport. The range will top-out at £32,375 for the B220d in AMG Line spec. (Related: Mercedes expands A-Class range)

    In total buyers have the choice from four engines — two petrols and two diesels — in the new B-Class. The entry-level B180 gets a 132bhp 1.3-litre turbo developing 200Nm, and emits between 124g/km and 128g/km of CO2. The same 1.3 powerplant is fitted to the B200, but delivers 159bhp.

    The new B-Class introduces Mercedes’ latest 2.0-litre diesel, which is available in two states of tune. The 146bhp/320Nm is fitted to the B200d, while the B220d gets 185bhp/400Nm. (Related: New 302bhp Mercedes-AMG A35)

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    The B180 and B200 petrols get seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearboxes, both the B200d and B220d are fitted with an eight-speed dual-clutch auto. The range will be further supplemented during 2019 with the addition of a  four-wheel drive model. Expect it to be available only with the more powerful diesel engine.

    Across the range, only two trim levels will be available: Sport and AMG Line. Sport gets 17in alloys, LED headlights, keyless go, lane-keeping assist,  a seven-inch infotainment display with MBUX stereo, plus voice recognition as standard.

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    The range-topping AMG Line adds an AMG body kit and a sport steering wheel trimmed in nappa leather, sports seats, 18in AMG alloys and a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen.

    As you might expect, there are a number of optional equipment packages delivering a range range of technology and driver assistance additions.

    Based on the same platform as the new A-Class, this new B-Class has been designed to offer a higher level of practicality. Designers have also tried to steer its looks away from that of a boxy MPV. In essence, it now looks like a slightly taller A-Class with a steeper rear hatchback.

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    Its wheelbase is around 30mm longer, at 2729mm, than that of the A-Class, and despite its different external shape, the B-Class matches the closely matches the interior space of its stablemate. A further addition, scheduled to be available by mid-2019, will be a sliding second row of seats. These will be able to be moved back and forward to increase bootspace or rear legroom.

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    With the rear seats in place, boot capacity can then be moved between 455 litres and 705 litres. Fold the second row down completely, and that leaps to 1540 litres.

    Also scheduled for mid-2019 is a fold-flat front passenger seat back. Mercedes say this has been designed to help accommodate longer items. Another option is a powered tailgate, which can extend to gesture activation using a foot waved below the rear bumper.

    Related: Mercedes ace Hamilton seals fifth F1 world title

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    Jim McGill

     

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