New Mercedes-Benz B-Class aims for younger image
Hatch- cum- MPV enters its third generation with sportier looks and new drivetrain tech.
Hasn’t it disappeared from Thai showrooms already? Mercedes-Benz has used this month’s Paris motor show to premiere the all- new B-Class in third-generation form. The B-Class becomes the third body style in the brand’s next-generation family of small cars to get completely redesigned after the A-Class hatchback and sedan, both of which have yet to arrive on Thai shores. Yes, the B-Class disappeared from Thai showrooms in second-gen form a couple of years ago, due to poor reception from potential buyers. With its tall five- seat body, the hatch-cum-MPV couldn’t really convert either sedan or SUV punters.
That’s why the third-gen model boasts a sportier feel in a bid to inject some life into it. Despite still looking conventional overall, the B-Class is now lower (yet taller than the A-Class) and wider. Plus, 19-inch wheels are an option. Just to make sure that space and versatility remain two key ingredients for the B-Class, the wheelbase has grown by 30mm, to 2,729mm, helping accommodate rear seats that can slide (coming in mid-2019, according to Mercedes). Rear seats can fold down in 40:20:40 fashion. The cabin itself is adorned with the latest fascia technology first employed in the A-Class, including digital screens, MBUX voice control and other stuff operating a bigger range of driver-assist systems. What’s the new drivetrain like?
The new B-Class uses a family of four-cylinder engines developed with Renault. The B180 and B200 utilise a 1.3-litre petrol (known as M282) developing 136hp and 163hp accordingly, while the OM608-coded 1.5litre diesel appears with 116hp for B180d. All get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The new developments come in the form of the B200d and B220d featuring the new OM654q 2.0-litre block generating 150hp and 190hp respectively and an eight-speed dual-clutcher. The design is specific to Euro 6 emission standards and is capable of more than 22 km/L in both variants. It doesn’t sound sales-friendly for the Thai market … Probably not, for a couple of reasons. First is the new diesel engine, which would translate to high retail prices because of its newness. Also, diesel in Thai pumps is still on Euro 4. The petrol-powered models seem to stand a better chance.
But whether the Thai Mercedes representative will reconsider sales of the B-Class hinges on the body silhouette itself.
Despite witnessing the demise of the B-Class in the Thai luxury market, BMW pressed ahead with sales of the 2 Series Active/Gran Tourer, only to find itself in the same position as its arch rival late last year.
There’s a good chance that the rumoured GLB (and the all-new replacement of today’s GLA) will be considered for Thai showrooms. The GLB is understood to feature butch SUV looks and the practicality of an MPV.