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2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class.
2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class.
Motoring

The forgotten Mercedes-Benz

by Dom Tripolone
17th May 2019 4:18 PM

THE new version of the overlooked Mercedes-Benz B-Class has landed in Australia.

The small hatch-cum-people-mover - a genre more often spotted in Europe than Australia - brings space and practicality to the luxury small car segment.

The previous B-Class never set the sales charts on fire and was often one of the German brand's slowest sellers - the latest iteration aims to turn its fortunes around.

2Mercedes-Benz will sell just one variant of the new B-Class.
2Mercedes-Benz will sell just one variant of the new B-Class.

The bid for success is based on a simplified menu. Mercedes-Benz is launching the B-Class in Australia with only one version - a 1.3-litre turbo priced from $46,400 (before on-roads).

The little engine makes 100kW/200Nm and sips only a claimed 5.7L/100km.

Built on the same platform as the new A-Class hatch, the B-Class adds a higher seating position and increases cabin space, especially in the boot.

The B-Class has a giant boot.
The B-Class has a giant boot.

Boot space is rated at 455L - substantial for a small car - but expands to a mammoth 1540L with the rear seats folded. An automatic tailgate ensures easy access.

The B-Class gets the brand's latest MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment tech, in which the advanced artificial intelligence digital assistant responds to the prompt "Hey Mercedes". The interior is dominated by a dual-screen layout that runs across the dash.

B-Class: Hatch proportions with people-mover interior space.
B-Class: Hatch proportions with people-mover interior space.

Also new, the Mercedes-me Connect app assists with the vehicle's general upkeep, storing such vital data as tyre pressure, fuel and fluid levels and brake pad condition.

The B-Class comes with a solid suite of safety equipment and driver aids including autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors and seat belt pre-tensioners.

The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class features the continuous dual screen layout.
The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class features the continuous dual screen layout.

The new B-Class is on sale now.

Mercedes-Benz has also launched the A-Class sedan in Australia.

Mercedes-Benz is launching the first variant in the new A-Class sedan range.
Mercedes-Benz is launching the first variant in the new A-Class sedan range.

Only the A200 version will be available initially with a cheaper A180 to follow in August and the higher-powered A250 and A35 AMG to land later in the year.

The A200 is powered by a 1.3-litre turbo four-cylinder (120kW/250Nm) claiming fuel consumption of 5.7L/100km. The A200 is priced from $49,400 before on-roads.

The A180 is powered by a detuned version of the same engine (100kW/200Nm) claiming the same fuel economy. Prices start at $44,900.

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