New B-Class Frankfurt bound

Mercedes-Benz has today released these images of the dashboard that will form the centrepiece of its all-new B-Class' interior.

The next-generation B-Class, which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, replaces the current W245 Series which has been on sale since 2005.

Styled by Mercedes-Benz's Advanced Design Studio in Como, Italy, the B-Class' interior space is promoted by its designers as "progressive but conservative" and "luxurious but utilitarian". Further, Mercedes' press material reiterates ad nauseum that instead of being an entirely visual experience, its new interior will focus strongly on the "interplay of our haptic, acoustic and olfactory senses".

As with all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the materials used throughout the cabin are promoted as being of a very high quality with exacting attention to detail. Pivotal to the impact of the new decor a soft-touch dashboard, available optionally in ARTICO man-made leather, features a large, three-dimensional decorative element that spans its entire width. This trim piece is offered in four versions, one of which is "real wood".

At the centre of the dash, three large air vents are said to "add to the idiom of the interior space". These are topped by a free-floating centre screen, available in two sizes (147 or 178mm), and surrounded by an ornamental, iPad-esque frame. Like the remainder of the passenger range, the screen's menu functionality is operated by a console-mounted, dial-type controller.

The centre console hosts more space than in many small cars, thanks to a steering column-mounted gearshift and the absence of a mechanical park brake.

The new B-Class is offered with a three-spoke steering wheel, similar to that found in the recently-released CLS, while the instrument cluster features four round analogue displays whose needles 'hang' in the 6 o'clock position.

Trim and highlight colours contrast throughout, as does indeed the dark-coloured carpet options. The leather-clad seats are available with contrasting stitch work that Mercedes says reinforces the car's sporty image.

Offered with three interior packaging options – Exclusive, Chrome and Sports – the new B-Class interior is punctuated with indirect ambient lighting, both LED and fibre-optic.

Although dimensions have not yet been made available, Mercedes-Benz says the interior space is class-leading, thanks to its clever use of space with rear knee room a particular highlight. Cargo space is listed as "ample" with the storage bay capable of being extended via 60:40 rear fold seats or, optionally, by Mercedes' EASY-VARIO-PLUS flexible rear seat functionality.

"We don't follow any fads," said Mercedes-Benz chief designer, Professor h.c. Gorden Wagener. "Instead we try to sniff out long-term trends that will enhance our brand's value over decades; Ideas that meet the highest demands in technology, performance, comfort and safety."

Following its motor show debut the all-new Mercedes-Benz B-Class will arrive in European showrooms this November. Australian timing is yet to be advised.

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