By: Jesse Adams
Mallorca, Spain - Mercedes’ timing is impeccable. With an intruder about to break into the segment its B-Class has had all to itself since its original launch in 2005, the brand from Stuttgart has put up its defences with a freshened version of the premium compact MPV.
In facelift terms the new B-Class represents a minor one, but it’s enough to detract at least a little attention from the fact that BMW is about to release its 2 Series Active Tourer into the same league. The new B sticks to its family-oriented upright posture (in comparison to the lower, sportier CLA- and A-Class it shares its chassis with), but exterior details have been shaved and smoothed with new front and rear bumpers. The front grille slats have also been simplified and new head, tail and daytime running lights now feature LED tech. Full LED headlights are standard on range-topping B250 models, but are a R10 000 option on all other variants.
Inside there’s a fancier new instrument cluster with black dials and red needles, and the full colour head-unit display atop the dashboard, which comes standard as a 7” piece, can now be had in a bigger 8” size as an R1 800 option. There’s also a new 12-colour switchable ambient lighting system which illuminates door panels and footwells in anything from plain white to bright pink to army green.
NEW SAFETY GADGETS
The current B-Class, which was introduced in SA in 2011, was the first to get Merc’s radar-based Collision Prevention Assist (CAP) feature, and now it also comes with CAP Plus as well. Collision Prevention Assist can detect a slower car in your lane and slow autonomously to reduce risk of rear-end crashes, but the Plus part means it can now slow to a stop without brake pedal input and completely avoid contact at speeds up to 40km/h. Attention Assist, which monitors drivers’ drowsiness and attention levels, has also been upgraded to work at speeds up to 200km/h. Both come as standard equipment in the new B.
New Style, Urban and AMG Line trim package options make first appearances in the B-Class: Style includes fabric upholstery, silver accents on the steering wheel and gearlever, and chrome inserts on the radiator grille; Urban gets bigger 17” alloy wheels, man-made leather seats, and a leather multifunction steering wheel; and top AMG Line comes with 18” wheels, twin tail pipes, flat-bottomed steering wheel, and contrasting red stitching in the doors.
AMG Line, a R17 000 option in all but 250 models (standard here), also comes with lower suspension, Mercedes-Benz branded brake callipers, and a sportier Direct-Steer steering system.
Engine-wise the B-Class lineup is unchanged with existing 115kW/250Nm B200, 100kW/300Nm B200 CDI, 125kW/350Nm B220 CDI, and 155kW/350Nm B250 versions all carrying on as before.
The new B-Class arrives in SA late in January.
Pricing:
B200 – R388 300
B200 CDI – R404 200
B220 CDI – R448 000
B250 – R464 800