Pricing and specifications for the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class have been announced for Australia.
The new small people-mover arrives in Australia in a solitary B 180 Sports Tourer trim from this month, priced from $46,400 plus on-road costs.
Power comes courtesy of a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 100kW and 200Nm. The same as that found in the more popular A-Class, the four-pot sends drive to the front wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox, with claimed fuel consumption of 5.7L/100km combined.
In equipment terms, the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class receives as standard: digital radio, sat-nav, a nine-speaker audio system with 225-Watt output, 17-inch alloy wheels, ‘Comfort’ seats in ARTICO upholstery, climate control and smartphone integration.
An electric tailgate and keyless entry and start are also standard, while on the safety front the B-Class now offers Active Parking Assist (with PARKTRONIC), Active Lane Keep Assist, Active Brake Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Blind Spot Assist with exit warning, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, electronically folding exterior mirrors, and the PRE-SAFE accident anticipatory system.
Inside, the B-Class now sports the same high-tech dual 10.25-inch displays as other Mercedes-Benz models, and differentiates itself by positioning the driver 90mm higher than in the A-Class, with which the B-Class shares its fundamental architecture.
The seats offer a flatter, more comfortable seating position as well as a larger adjustment range, increasing maximum possible headroom. The cabin is also 33mm wider at 1456 mm.
Further back, the new B-Class offers a 455-litre boot with 40:20:40 split-fold seating.