2012 mercedes-benz b-class press release

8/4/2019 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Press Release

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Compact sports tourer: the new B-Class from Mercedes-Benz - Heralding a new era in the

compact class

Agile: space and dynamics abound

Efficient: drive system with new engines and dual clutch transmissionSafe: radar-based collision warning system as standard, PRE-SAFE featuring for the first time

Sensational: outstanding aerodynamics set a new benchmark in the segment

Substantially more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and spacious as ever the new B-

Class from Mercedes-Benz is a winner on all fronts. The vehicle's lower height and more upright

seat position provide for a first impression that hints at the compact sports tourer's dynamic

credentials.

With a new four-cylinder petrol engine featuring direct injection and turbocharging, a new

diesel engine, a new dual clutch transmission, a new manual transmission and new assistance

systems, the front-wheel-drive car also rings in a new technological era for compact cars from

Mercedes-Benz. "No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new

developments introduced in one fell swoop," stresses Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the

Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

"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 B-Class (length/width/height: 4359/1786/1557 millimetres) will be making its way to

European dealers in November 2011.

The exterior design: perfect space in a most attractive guise

The new B-Class is a typical Mercedes sports tourer, offering plenty of space combined with

impressive dynamic performance as a hatchback saloon. The characteristic lines of the exterior

design indicate both of these attributes: front and rear sport a width-emphasizing design, with

a wide, prominent grille and headlamps extending along the sides at the front while the rear

end features a wide rear window, two-piece tail lights with horizontally offset meander and a

large tailgate with low loading sill.

The new sportiness and the outstanding aerodynamics are particularly evident in the side line:

the bonnet flows seamlessly into the A-pillar and the roof line descends sleekly to the striking

roof spoiler. The roof features a swage line which lends the vehicle a longer appearance. The

pronounced wheel arches offset by dynamic feature lines under the beltline are a sporty


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interpretation of the current design line from Mercedes-Benz. The bottom edge of the body

features dynamic side skirts which add a light touch to the vehicle's appearance. Refined details

such as the exquisitely designed headlamps with the new spotlight element confirm the brand's

unmistakable premium credentials which shine through in the compact segment, too.

Outstanding aerodynamics: astounding cd value despite station wagon rear end

An outstanding drag coefficient of cd = 0.26 places the new B-Class at the forefront of its

market segment. Apart from the aerodynamic exterior design, numerous optimisation

measures on points of detail such as the air flow around the front wheels, the underbody

design and the cooling air flow are also crucial contributory factors to this excellent

aerodynamic performance. Patents are pending for innovative details such as the serrated

wheel arch spoiler. With the optional ECO Technology package which will be available in due

course, the B-Class is even on a par with the world-class aerodynamic credentials of the E-Class

Coup, attaining a drag coefficient of cd = 0.24 which is nothing short of sensational for a

vehicle with a station wagon rear end.

New concept: lower overall height but more space inside

The new vehicle concept underscores the dynamic aspirations of the new B-Class. The most

striking aspect is the reduced height: at 1557 millimetres, the new model crouches almost five

centimetres lower on the road than its predecessor. The seat height in relation to the road has

also been reduced (minus 86 mm) in order to facilitate boarding, while maintaining a clear

overview of the vehicle's contours.

In response to requests from many customers, the sitting position is more upright, however. At

the same time, the headroom has been further improved. With maximum headroom of 1047

mm at the front (without sliding roof), the B-Class is among the most spacious cars in its

segment in this discipline, too. The ergonomically expedient more upright sitting position in

combination with a lowering of the vehicle's floor leads to a segment-leading degree of

legroom (976 mm) at the rear which even surpasses that of the S- and E-Class.

The B-Class is optionally available with the so-called EASY-VARIO-PLUS system. This enables

simple reorganisation of the interior so as to enable the transportation of bulky items. Features

of the EASY-VARIO-PLUS system include fore/aft adjustment of the rear seats by up to 140

millimetres (thereby increasing the luggage compartment volume from 488 to 666 litres) and a

front passenger seat whose backrest can be folded forward onto the seat cushion.

The interior design: superior quality in a new dimension

High-quality materials and finely structured surfaces, stylish details, precision workmanship and


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a new spaciousness the interior of the B-Class defines a whole new benchmark in the compact

segment.

Many features have been the reserve of higher classes of vehicle to date and embody

Mercedes-Benz's special definition of quality and aesthetics. The dashboard is optionallyavailable in ARTICO man-made leather finish and features stitching, for example. Four

equipment packages (Chrome, Sports, Exclusive and Night package) enable individualisation

according to personal tastes.

In the interior, the large, three-dimensional trim covering the entire dashboard first strikes the

eye. It is available in four variants, covering a broad spectrum from modern through sporty to

classic. Common to all versions is a high-class appeal combining an attractive look and feel with

easy care and durability.

The three large round vents in the middle and their uniquely designed cruciform nozzles add a

sporty attribute to the interior's emotional design idiom. The display, which is available in two

sizes (5.8- and 7-inch) appears to hover over the vents. With its stylish design the trim frame

with galvanised finish contrasting with the piano black of the front panel and slender lines,

the colour display (TFT) is a highly attractive feature in the cockpit.

The 3-spoke steering wheel, which always incorporates a silver chrome insert in the middle

spoke, the instrument cluster with four analogue round dials and suspended pointers in 6

o'clock position and the seats with contrasting stitching underscore the sporty character.

The drive: designed for maximum efficiency

The new B-Class features new petrol and diesel engines as well as new manual and automatic

transmissions. All transmissions and engines have been developed in-house, with production

taking place at the plants in Stuttgart-Untertrkheim and -Hedelfingen, Rastatt/Baden,

Gaggenau/Baden and Klleda/ Thuringia. The simultaneous development process enabled

perfect coordination of engines and transmissions, e.g. with regard to implementation of the

ECO start/stop function which features as standard on all B-Class models.

Common features of the new drive systems are the use of state-of-the-art technologies for

maximum efficiency, very smooth running, high tractive power right from low revs,

sustainability in terms of impending emissions standards and low weight. For the purposes of

transverse installation the engines, all of which are turbocharged, and the two transmissions

are very compactly designed, providing the B-Class with an exemplary small turning circle for a

front-wheel drive vehicle of eleven metres. The engine and transmission suspension disposes of


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a four-point mounting system comprising engine mount, transmission mount and two self-

aligning supports. This suspension system has been designed specifically to meet the

requirements of the high-torque engines with regard to minimum noise levels. The hydraulic

damping integrated in the transmission mount is a key contributory factor to the exceptionally

high ride comfort.

The new four-cylinder petrol engines (internal designation M270) mark the launch of a

completely new engine series. The combustion process is based on the third-generation

Mercedes-Benz direct injection system which was introduced last year with the BlueDIRECT V6

and V8 engines. Its use in the B-Class marks this technology's debut in the compact segment.

The new four-cylinder engines have been designed for both transverse and longitudinal

installation. In the new B-Class they are initially available with a displacement of 1.6 litres, as

the B 180 rated at 90 kW (122 hp) and the B 200 with an output of 115 kW (156 hp). Their

maximum torque of 200 and 250 Nm respectively is available from an engine speed of 1250

rpm.

The new four-cylinder diesel engine is a further development of the OM651 deployed in the C-

to the S-Class, a common rail direct-injection engine of the third generation. With its

displacement scaled down to 1.8 litres and numerous optimised points of detail, this is the first

time that the compression-ignition engine has been mounted transversely in a Mercedes-Benz

car. The B 180 CDI generates 80 kW (109 hp) of power, while the B 200 CDI has an output of

100 kW (136 hp). The maximum torque stands at 250 Nm from 1400 rpm for the 80 kW variant

and 300 Nm from 1600 rpm for the 100 kW variant.

Another Mercedes-Benz premiere is the new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission in the B-Class.

This transmission is extremely compact, extremely variable with regard to adaptation of the

engine speed thanks to seven gears, features an electric oil pump for start/stop capability,

shifts gear without any interruptions in tractive power and combines the comfort of an

automatic with the efficiency of a manual transmission.

The new 6-speed manual transmission designed along similarly compact lines as a three-shaft

transmission is a close relative of the DCT. Extremely easy gear shifting, low shift forces, low

internal friction and a low weight are among its most important characteristics.

Chassis and suspension: refined sportiness now for the sports tourer, too

"Fascinatingly agile" is the assessment of all test drivers who have put the new B-Class through

its paces to date. Three factors are instrumental to the substantially enhanced dynamic

performance in comparison to its predecessor, which does not come at the cost of any


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compromises on comfort: the lowered centre of gravity, the new four-link rear axle and the

upgraded ESP Electronic Stability Programme. A sports suspension is optionally available for

further enhanced agility. The centre of gravity has been lowered by a further 20 mm and the

suspension additionally features sports dampers with amplitude-selective damping and a

Direct-Steer system to emphasize the car's sporty character.

Steering: mechanical with electric assistance

The electromechanical steering of the B-Class has been redesigned. The electric motor of the

servo assistance system is now located directly on the steering gear as a dual pinion EPS

system, thereby optimising the package as a whole. A Direct-Steer system is available in

combination with the sports package. The steering ratio becomes noticeably more direct at

greater steering angles, enhancing the vehicle's handling and agility substantially.

The electromechanical steering system makes an important contribution to the vehicle's overall

efficiency, as the steering assist function only requires energy when steering actually takes

place.

New assistance and braking system reduces the risk of rear-end collisions

As a world first in the compact segment, the B-Class features a radar-based collision warning

system with adaptive Brake Assist as standard, which lowers the risk of rear-end collisions. The

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system outputs a visual and acoustic warning to alert a possibly

distracted driver to identified obstacles, and prepares Brake Assist for the most precise possible

braking response. This is initiated as soon as the driver emphatically operates the brake pedal.

In contrast to systems currently on the market in the compact class, the new COLLISION

PREVENTION ASSIST brake assist feature is not merely a system intended to minimise minor

damage in urban traffic. Rather, this innovative solution is aimed at protecting motorists from

typical rear-end collisions in dangerous traffic situations. Mercedes-Benz expects the new

safety system to have a significant positive effect on accident statistics.

The democratisation of safety also encompasses an array of other assistance systems which

have been adopted into the B-Class from the larger model series. These include:

- 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)


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- Hill Hold function

- LINGUATRONIC

- Reversing camera

- DISTRONIC PLUS

Premiere in the compact class: PRE-SAFE available for the first time

The PRE-SAFEpreventive occupant protection system which features in the B-Class is available

for the first time in this vehicle category. This represents a further step in the ongoing

democratisation of this innovation, which was premiered in the S-Class in 2002. Core features

of PRE-SAFEare reversible belt tensioning, the closing of side windows and sliding sunroof in

case of critical lateral dynamics and adjustment of the fully electric front passenger seat with

memory function to an ideal position for maximum effectiveness of the restraint systems. PRE-

SAFEis always activated in response to critical longitudinal and lateral dynamics and may also

be triggered upon intervention by certain assistance functions.

The scope of restraint facilities takes special account of the B-Class' use as a family car. Great

importance has been attached to the safety of the rear occupants. Belt tensioners, belt-force

limiters and belt height adjusters come as standard on the outer seats. Rear sidebags are

optionally available. Integrated child seats and automatic child seat recognition are available as

in the predecessor. Driver and co-driver are provided with new pelvis bags which are able to

cover the pelvis and the entire upper part of the body. For head protection, a windowbag is

fitted as standard.

COMAND Online multimedia system with internet access

Internet access, the convenient LINGUATRONIC voice control system, two navigation solutions

tailored to different budgets, connection for mobile audio devices and an intuitive operating

concept the information and communication systems in the B-Class offers excellent user-

friendliness and a superior level of functionality which has been the reserve of higher

categories of vehicle to date. It is the new multimedia generation from Mercedes-Benz which

delivers these standards. The operating concept featuring the turn/push control in front of the

armrest and the control knob on the head unit is also familiar from other Mercedes model

series.

The COMAND Online multimedia system offers internet access. Customers can either surf the

web as they wish while the car is stationary or call up a Mercedes-Benz app whose particularly

fast page loading and simple operation make it suitable for use while driving. Integrated apps

include Google Local Search and Weather, and the facility for downloading a route which has

previously been configured on a PC using Google Maps and transmitted to the car.


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All set for the future: modular "Energy Space" concept

The modular "Energy Space" concept means that the new B-Class is already designed to

accommodate versions with an alternative drive: appropriate interfaces in the body shell

enable the main floor panel to be modified and a step to be produced for the versions withalternative drive. An underfloor compartment covering part of the area under the rear bench

seat offers space for alternative energy accumulators.

2012 mercedes-benz b-class press release

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