Enjoy a sporty, high-tech drive with the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class

MANILA: Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new B-Class, which features unique sporty proportions, versatile interior, advanced drive technologies, and the latest generation of MBUX.

The modernized front end immediately draws attention. By seamlessly transitioning to the visually compact greenhouse, the newly designed, optionally available LED headlamps, the sporty bumper, and the radiator grille give the new B-Class a dramatic boost.

The externally flush-mounted wheels with four additional rim designs and sizes up to 19 inches, including optional high-gloss black painted light-alloy wheels with a multi-spoke design a high-gloss rim flange for the AMG Line, are just few of the ways the Sports Tourer shows off its sporty flair.

The rear view also exudes dynamism and power, thanks to the redesigned, two-part rear lights, which now come standard with LED technology and support the impression of width at the rear. They are held up by the rear window’s side-mounted aero spoilers, which help improve aerodynamics. 10 different solid/metallic or special paint finishes are offered for the new B-Class.

The new B-Class has a sleek, functional, and spacious interior. The dual-screen display, which comes as standard and has a 10.25-inch head unit and a seven-inch instrument cluster, dominates the driver-side cutout. In the optional version, the screen appears to float across a wide-screen view with two 10.25-inch displays. The three round air vents with a turbine-like appearance that are so typical of Mercedes-Benz pay homage to the aviation industry. The new steering wheel is from the latest steering wheel generation and comes as standard in nappa leather. The revamped center console expresses the high-tech ambitions of the new B-Class through its Black Panel style. For the first time, the AMG equipment variant offers a heated steering wheel as an option.

A wide selection of interior colors and materials allow a high level of customization. With the best ergonomic comfort and a three-dimensionally embossed Artico cover, the seats in the base variant have been enhanced even further. The “Progressive” equipment variant comes in three colors: black, black/macchiato, and the new black/sage gray. It gives the exclusivity that is characteristic of Mercedes. Leather seats in black or bahia brown can also be added.

An interesting highlight in the interior is formed by the newly developed trim element with star pattern. The sportiest B-Class model, the AMG Line, features a black Artico/Microcut upholstery and red topstitching as a point of contrast.

Mercedes-Benz has set the objective in its Ambition 2039 to introduce a CO2-neutral fleet of new passenger cars and vans starting in 2039 throughout the entire value chain and life cycle. By the end of this decade, it is intended to at least cut CO2 emissions per passenger car in half across the whole life cycle of the new vehicle fleet compared to 2020. The utilization of recycled materials is one approach. The composition of the materials to be used was therefore reassessed in the design of the new B-Class, and opportunities for more environmentally friendly options were studied. The center portion of the comfort seats has fabrics that are entirely made of recycled materials. In the Artico/Microcut seats, this ratio is 65% in the seat surface and 85% inthe material underneath.

Mercedes-Benz has once more made the logic behind the various equipment packages clearer in an effort to streamline the time-consuming selection of several individual options. Functional features that are frequently purchased together will consequently, going forward, be bundled together based on actual customer behavior. There are also other functional options available. Customers can still customize their vehicles individually as before when it comes to design features like paint finish, upholstery, trim, and wheels.

Even the base variant of the new B-Class has undergone significant improvement. A nappa leather steering wheel, multimedia displays, a reversing camera, and a USB package are included. From the Progressive equipment variant upwards, the standard equipment includes LED headlamps, a seat with lumbar support, the Parking Package, the Mirror Package, and the Easy Pack tailgate.

For the latest version of MBUX in the B-Class, the three display styles have been redesigned: Class delivers all pertinent driver information, Sporty comes with a dynamic rev counter, and Discreet has been simplified to highlight the briefest of essentials. Seven color worlds and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, and Services) work together to produce a comprehensive and aesthetically pleasing experience that can be tailored to the customer’s needs. All previous functions, including navigation, media, and phone, are available on the central display, which can be managed directly and conveniently as a touchscreen.

The upgraded telematics system features a new design and improved performance. A fingerprint sensor has also been integrated, which will be used to identify and authorize the driver. This feature will be available starting in the first quarter of 2023. Another USB-C port has been added, and the USB charging power has increased. The new B-Class also comes standard with Apple Carplay and Android Auto Wireless.

The Hey Mercedes voice assistant can converse and learn even more in the new B-Class. For instance, some actions can be activities without using the “Hey Mercedes” activation phrase. The MBUX voice assistant can also provide instructions and support for using vehicle features, such as locating the first-aid kit or pairing a smartphone to the vehicle.

The previous travel information functions are now even more exciting and fun, thanks to the new audio travel guide “Tourguide,” a feature of the MBUX Voice Assistant from Mercedes me. The MBUX infotainment system, which is initially only offered in Germany, responds to voice commands such as “Hey Mercedes, start Tourguide” and reacts to the approximately 3,400 brown tourist information signs that are located along German highways by reading out detailed information about points of interest along the driving route.

A safety assistance update has also been included in the new B-Class. The control of the Lane Keeping Assist is much more comfortable with the Driver Assistance Package upgrade. Reverse maneuvering with the new B-Class is also made easier andsafer by the optional Trailer Maneuvering Assist, which automatically adjusts the steering wheel on the towing vehicle.

The new B-Class’ powertrain lineup has also been upgraded and consistently electrified. With an additional 48-volt onboard power supply and a power increase of 10kW, the starting functions in particular are supported. Customers will also experience notably increased comfort, thanks to the belt-driven starter-generator (RSG), which minimizes noises and vibrations during starting procedures and enables steady cruising when the engine is off. Additionally, the RSG recovers energy during braking processes, feeding both the 48-volt battery and 12-volt onboard network. The energy produced can support the combustion engine during acceleration.

The new B-Class plug-in hybrids gain from an even better high-voltage battery. The charging procedure has  also been improved. The new battery may now be charged with alternating current and up to 11kW in addition to the standard 3.7kW, up from 7.4kW as previously. Additionally, customers can still charge the battery with direct current at a maximum 22kW. A DC charge from 10% to 80% takes approximately 25 minutes. The new B-Class's electric motor has also undergone revisions, and it now generates 80kW of power, a 5kW increase.

The Eco Score 3.0, a new feature for some engines, enables the driver to drive more fuel-efficiently.

Photos from Mercedes-Benz

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