Order books open for new Mercedes

MERCEDES-BENZ has announced pricing and specifications for its new B-Class range and the entry level E-Class hybrid, all of which are due to become available from dealerships next spring.

The new B-Class will be available with a choice of four engines and come in two levels of trim – Sport and AMG Line – with prices starting from £26,975.

The B 180 and B 200 both use a 1.3-litre petrol engine with outputs of 134 and 161hp respectively. Both are capable of delivering up to 51.4 mpg on the combined cycle, while the

B 180 emits 125 g/km of CO2 and the B 200 126 g/km CO2.

The diesel-engined B 200d and B 220d models come with two-litre motors rated at 148 and 320hp, both with a combined fuel consumption of 64.2 mpg. The B 200d emits 115 g/km of CO2, while the B 220 emits 116 g/km of CO2.

Diesel versions come as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the B 180 and B 200 use a sevenspeed auto.

The Sport trim line comes as standard with a voice-activated multimedia system, seven-inch cockpit display and seven-inch touchscreen media display, reversing camera, 17-inch ten-spoke alloys, hard-disk navigation, active lane keeping and speed limit assist systems, DAB radio, keyless-starting, automatic two-zone climate control, LED headlights and fabric upholstery.

AMG-Line models are equipped with 18-inch alloys, a three-spoke multifunction sport steering wheel in nappa leather, sports seats, AMG bodystyling and microfibre upholstery with red stitching.

Dealers have now opened their order books for the new B-Class and also for the new entry level E 300SE hybrid which is priced from £47,450 and is powered by a 211hp turbocharged two-litre petrol engine and a hybrid module with 122 hp of electric power.

It can hit 60mph from rest in under 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph while being capable of 134.5mpg on the combined cycle and with CO2 emissions of a mere 46 g/km.