The first official images of the all-new Mercedes B-class (based on the MFA platform) have been leaked. The car will be official launched at the Frankfurt motor show in September this year.
The first model to sit on the new front-wheel drive platform, the new B-class has been thoroughly re-engineered for extra interior space, greater refinement, better economy and improved safety credentials.
Inside, a high-quality dashboard carries design cues from the range-topping SLS. The altered dimensions have brought some crucial packaging changes. The front seats are now lower than before and have a more upright position. At 976mm, rear legroom is said to surpass that of the S-class saloon as well. Boot capacity is put at 666-litre, 121-litre more than the older car.
The front suspension is similar to the MacPherson strut set-up on the current-gen B-class, but is tuned for refined sportiness and a very tight turning circle. An all-new four-link independent design at the rear uses a controlled arm that flexes under hard cornering. It also gets a new electric steering system communicated with the ESP that mitigates torque steer as well as the effects of crosswinds and road cambers.
The Mercedes MFA platform that underpins the B-class will also be used for the new A-class, CLC, and GLC models. And the flexibility of the new B-class will allow Mercedes to sell the car globally, equipped with drivetrains to suit local markets.
At the time of its launch, the car will get all-new 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol units, one that makes 121bhp, 20.3kgm and the other 154bhp, 25.4kgm, with maximum torque in both available from just 1250rpm. These M270 range of petrol engines feature Mercedes’ third-gen direct-injection system and stop-start. The OM651 family of turbo-diesels will have a capacity of 1.8-litre. It will initially come in 107bhp, 26.13kgm and 134bhp, 30.5kgm states of tune. However, it is yet to be known what engines will make it to India.
The new Mercedes B-class based on the MFA platform is likely to be showcased at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi. And the car will hit Indian shores once a series of feasibility tests are carried out by the German carmaker.
The first model to sit on the new front-wheel drive platform, the new B-class has been thoroughly re-engineered for extra interior space, greater refinement, better economy and improved safety credentials.
Inside, a high-quality dashboard carries design cues from the range-topping SLS. The altered dimensions have brought some crucial packaging changes. The front seats are now lower than before and have a more upright position. At 976mm, rear legroom is said to surpass that of the S-class saloon as well. Boot capacity is put at 666-litre, 121-litre more than the older car.
The front suspension is similar to the MacPherson strut set-up on the current-gen B-class, but is tuned for refined sportiness and a very tight turning circle. An all-new four-link independent design at the rear uses a controlled arm that flexes under hard cornering. It also gets a new electric steering system communicated with the ESP that mitigates torque steer as well as the effects of crosswinds and road cambers.
The Mercedes MFA platform that underpins the B-class will also be used for the new A-class, CLC, and GLC models. And the flexibility of the new B-class will allow Mercedes to sell the car globally, equipped with drivetrains to suit local markets.
At the time of its launch, the car will get all-new 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol units, one that makes 121bhp, 20.3kgm and the other 154bhp, 25.4kgm, with maximum torque in both available from just 1250rpm. These M270 range of petrol engines feature Mercedes’ third-gen direct-injection system and stop-start. The OM651 family of turbo-diesels will have a capacity of 1.8-litre. It will initially come in 107bhp, 26.13kgm and 134bhp, 30.5kgm states of tune. However, it is yet to be known what engines will make it to India.
The new Mercedes B-class based on the MFA platform is likely to be showcased at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi. And the car will hit Indian shores once a series of feasibility tests are carried out by the German carmaker.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
