Mercedes-Benz Presenting The New B-Class, Heralding A New Era

Heralding a new era in the compact class. The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is substantially more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and spacious as ever. Learn more about the latest Mercedes-Benz B-Class developments. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) March 16, 2012 - 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…

• Agile: space and dynamics abound
• Efficient: drive system with new engines and dual clutch transmission
• Safe: PRE-SAFE® and kneebag featuring for the first time
• Sensational: outstanding aerodynamics set a new benchmark in
the segment

With a new four-cylinder engine featuring direct injection and turbocharging, a new dual clutch transmission and new assistance systems, the front-wheel-drive car also rings in a new technological era for compact cars from Mercedes-Benz. "No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments introduced in one fell swoop," stresses Mr. Reiner Hoeps, Chief Operating Officer of Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited. "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."

The exterior design: perfect space in a most attractive guise

The new B-Class offers 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 window, two-piece tail lights with horizontally offset meander and a large tailgate with low loading sill. Refined details such as the exquisitely designed headlamps with the new spotlight element confirm the brand's unmistakable premium credentials which shine through in the compact segment, too.

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 order to facilitate boarding, while maintaining a clear overview of the vehicle's contours.

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) which even surpasses that of the S- and E-Class.

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 definition of quality and aesthetics. The dashboard is available in ARTICO man-made leather finish and features stitching, for example. Two equipment packages (Sports and Exclusive 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 (5.8- and 7-inch) 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 incorporates 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 engines as well as new automatic transmissions. All transmissions and engines have been developed in-house. 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 transmission is 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 engines mark the launch of a completely new engine series. The combustion process is based on 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 122 hp and the B 200 with an output of 156 hp. Their maximum torque of 200 and 250 Nm respectively is available from an engine speed of 1250 rpm.

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 chassis and suspension: refined sportiness now for the new B-Class

"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.

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' 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. For head protection, a windowbag is fitted as standard.

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:

• ATTENTION ASSIST
• Active Parking Assist
• Brake HOLD function
• Hill Hold function
• Reversing camera
• Driver's kneebag
• Adapative Brake

The new B-Class is available in Hong Kong and Macau now.

About Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited

Established in 1986 and based in Hong Kong, Mercedes-Benz China Limited (MBCL) was the wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG and the franchise-holder for all imported passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle products under the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brand names in the Northeast Asia region (China, Hong Kong and Macau). In 2005, MBCL moved all P.R. China operations to Beijing for further business development. On January 1, 2006, Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited (MBHK) was established to take over the wholesale business for the Hong Kong and Macau markets.

Internet address:
All press information is available on the Mercedes-Benz website for the Hong Kong market at www.mercedes-benz.com.hk. Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the Internet at: www.media.daimler.com.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited
Samson Leung, tel: +852 2594 8733, samson.leung ( @ ) daimler dot com
Victoria Chu, tel: +852 2594 8861, victoria.chu ( @ ) daimler dot com

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