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NEWS
Mercedes B comes out swinging
All-new B-Class priced and equipped to drive local Benz volumeMercedes-Benz Australia has come out swinging with aggressive pricing for two key new 2012 models – the all-new B-Class compact MPV and ML-Class exec softroader (see separate story).
The all-new B-Class features Benz's newest small car architecture and new turbocharged petrol and diesel powerplants. Debuting in the B-Class, the mechanicals will also underpin the new generation A-Class. The new A is expected to foster a range of body styles including a hatch, sedan and coupe when it gets its first public airing at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Three versions of the B will be offered Down Under from launch – the 1.6-litre petrol 90kw/200Nm B180 and 115kW/250Nm B200, and the 1.8-litre turbodiesel B180 CDI. All are equipped with Mercedes' new 7G-DCT seven-speed twin-clutch automated manual gearbox and wear BlueEFFICIENCY badging thanks to technology such as auto stop-start and direct fuel-injection.
The 100kW/300Nm B180 CDI is promising hybrid-like 4.7L/100km combined fuel economy, but most likely to grab the headlines is Mercedes-Benz Australia's sticker price for the entry-level B180 petrol. The cleverly-styled two-box Benz will hit dealers from April, priced from $38,950.
Mercedes claims this is almost a $2000 reduction compared to the outgoing B180 (when equipped with an automatic transmission). It argues, however, that the added value far exceeds $2K.
"The new B-Class is a very different vehicle," Benz spokesperson Jerry Stamoulis told motoring.com.au.
"There's added value thanks in no small part to more space, a higher level of performance, better economy and a boost in standard equipment."
Looking at an early build right-hand drive display car, we can vouch for the significant step up in cabin quality – and also interior space. Standard equipment is set to include a large screen tablet-style interface with full smart phone and music player integration. Safety equipment includes Collision Prevention Assistance and options such as lane-keeping and blind-spot assist.
The vehicle also looks more aggressive than its first generation forebear. More sculptured body sides lend it a look more like its R-Class big brother – think tall-boy wagon, rather than the very upright MPV stance of the outgoing model. Our man in Europe, Michael Taylor suggests, with some qualifications, the car is a much improved drive to boot.
Mercedes is keeping full specs and pricing of the B200 and turbodiesel models up its sleeve until closer to new car's launch. It claims, however, that with stocks of the outgoing model all but exhausted, new B-Class customers can order vehicles from today.
"An orderly run-out of the current B-Class was one of our aims for 2011 but we found ourselves having to order more cars," Mercedes-Benz Australia boss, Horst von Sanden, said. "Still, we now have a couple of months without stock."
Von Sanden stated the practical configuration of the new B-Class was already attracting interest.
"[Australian] Customers are very much considering practicality in their purchases. To be honest, we have seen a little of that in the relatively slow start to sales for the new model SLK. Rationality is coming to the fore – there's some reluctance to commit to discretionary purchases.
"The new B-Class is premium in its segment but is a very practical package," he said.
Von Sanden said he expected B-Class to eclipse its predecessor in sales volumes, but cautioned A-Class would have an effect.
"We will grow [volumes] for sure, but in just one year [early 2013] we will have A-Class. Overall, however, we are very confident in the future of the compact segment."
Despite the significant change in the B-Class's appearance and packaging, the Benz boss says B-Class will largely remain a "loyalty product".
"The B-Class will be very appealing to our existing A and B-Class customers. The [new] A-Class is very definitely a conquest product," he stated.
Dealer stocks of the new B-Class arrive Down Under in April.
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Written byMike Sinclair
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