FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: B-Class breaks cover before Frankfurt

Following Benz's July unveiling of its new B-Class interior comes exterior images and specifications of its latest "compact sports tourer".

Boasting more space and improved dynamics, the new B-Class features a lower overall height, a more upright seating position, and a range of direct injected, turbocharged four-cylinder engines -- which are now available optionally in conjunction with a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The new engine lineup includes technology found on Benz's latest BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 units. Output varies from 90kW/200Nm to 250Nm for 1.6-litre petrol units and 80kW/250Nm to 100kW/300Nm for the 1.8 turbodiesel.  Mercedes' compact new 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic is available optionally across the lineup.

Replacing the current W245 series (which has been on sale since 2005) the new B-Class measures in at 4359mm long, 1786mm wide and 1557mm high. The H point is also lowered by 86mm, to ensure easier entry and egress, while the car's centre of gravity is also reduced, by 20mm.

Styling is said to emphasise the car's broader stance both at the front and at the rear. A wide, prominent grille and headlamps extend into the front guards; the bonnet flowing seamlessly into the A pillars. In profile, the roofline descends into an integrated rear spoiler, while the pronounced wheel arches are offset by the strong beltline, and dynamically-shaped side skirts. At the rear, a large tailgate houses a wider glass and two-piece tail lamps, its styling said to "meander" in a horizontal offset.

Available optionally with Mercedes-Benz's ECO Technology package, the new B-Class body boasts a drag coefficient as low as 0.24Cd. Efficiency is further extended by electromechanical steering and an idle start/stop system, which is standard on all B-Class models.

Under Mercedes-Benz's so-called "democratisation" of safety equipment, the new B-Class will offer a host of safety technology, including Adaptive Headlamp Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST (standard), Speed Limit Assist (speed limit sign recognition), Active Parking Assist, Brake HOLD function (standard with 7G-DCT), Hill Hold function, LINGUATRONIC, Reversing camera, DISTRONIC PLUS, PRE-SAFE radar-based collision warning system.

"No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments introduced in one fell swoop," said Benz's head of R&D, Dr. Thomas Weber.

"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 new Mercedes-Benz B-Class will go on sale in Europe in November 2011, with Australian dealerships set to follow in H1 of 2012.

The Frankfurt International Motor Show runs from September 13 to 25.

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