2015 MercedesBenz B Class Facelift Revealed
Stuttgart. In terms of both design and technology, the second generation of the
BClass car has heralded a new compact class era at MercedesBenz. More than
350,000 of the sports tourer have been sold since the market launch in late 2011.
Now the bestseller from MercedesBenz has undergone a major facelift including
exterior and interior enhancements along with attractive, redefined design and
equipment lines.
The breadth of choice is unique in this segment: five economical diesel models
with consumption statistics ranging from 3.6 to 5.0 l/100 km, four efficient petrol
engines at between 5.4 and 6.6 l/100 km, alternative drive systems (B 200 Natural
Gas Drive and BClass Electric Drive), as well as optional 4MATIC allwheel drive.
What is more, with a Cd value of less than 0.25 the sports tourer continues to be
the role model for its class. Sales of the new BClass commence on 12 September,
with the world première taking place during the Paris Motor Show (4 to 19
October). The revamped models will be making their way to dealerships from 29
November 2014. Prices start from 27,102.25 euros for the B 180.
"As the first member of a completely new generation of compact class, for us the BClass
paved the way for great success in this vehicle segment. The pioneer is now in better
shape than ever," says Ola Källenius, Member of the Divisional Board MercedesBenz
Cars responsible for Marketing & Sales. "The BClass is the perfect (family) car for anyone
who attaches importance to practicality, comfort and safety, but at the same time doesn't
want to miss out on sportiness or driving dynamics."
More light: LED High Performance headlamps now available
The easiest way to recognise a facelifted BClass with a petrol or diesel engine is from the
front: a new bumper, wide radiator trim with two louvres and now integral daytime running
lamps in the headlamps give the vehicle a more organic and dynamic appearance. The
rear bumper has also been modified and now features a contoured covering and an
additional chrome trim strip. LED High Performance headlamps create a more striking
look, both day and night (optional extra, not available for the BClass Electric Drive or
Natural Gas Drive). These increase safety at night due to their wide beam pattern and light
of a colour similar to daylight. Bicolour tail lamps featuring LED technology provide
emphasis and make the vehicle more visible.
A highgrade, functional interior underscores the BClass's premium quality claim. The
facelift gives the vehicle a more exclusive, uptodate feel and boosts the scope for
individualisation. MercedesBenz has enhanced a number of highquality details in the
BClass such as the large, freestanding head unit display, which is now larger, with a
diagonal of up to 20.3 cm (8 inches), and the stylish dial layout for the instrument cluster.
There is a choice of 12 colours for the ambient lighting, allowing different moods to be
created.
MercedesBenz has also revised the model range and aligned the logic to the other
compact models. There are three new design and equipment lines: Style, Urban and AMG
Line. Each features a number of distinctive exterior and interior details. The Night,
Exclusive and AMG Exclusive packages build on these and provide more options for
individualisation.
KEYLESSGO is new as an optional extra. This access and drive authorisation system
with KEYLESSGO starting function allows the vehicle to be opened, started and locked
simply by carrying the electronic key with you.
Safety: autonomous partial braking if the risk of a collision is detected
When it made its début, the BClass redefined the standard of safety in the compact class
with a variety of new driving assistance systems, some of them included as standard
equipment. These functions have now been enhanced and new assistance systems added
to give the driver more support. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS extends the
functionality of COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with autonomous partial braking to
reduce the risk of rearend collisions. The standard ATTENTION ASSIST feature has also
been upgraded: operating within an extended speed range (60 200 km/h), this now uses
a fivestage bar display to visualise the driver's current attention level.
"Mercedes connect me" links the BClass to its environment
Nextgeneration telematics offer more intuitive operation; functions are more accessible
due to animated menus and visual representations on a larger display in the head unit.
"Mercedes connect me" links the BClass to its environment. Basic Mercedes connect me
services can be used with the standard communications module.
The available services include, among others, accident recovery, as well as service
maintenance and incident management. In an accident, the MercedesBenz emergency
call system automatically connects the occupants with the MercedesBenz Emergency Call
Centre and sends the position and condition of the vehicle to the rescue operations centre.
A rescue vehicle can then be dispatched immediately. The system works automatically but
can also be triggered manually.
The special Remote Online equipment enables customers to connect with their vehicle
anywhere and at any time via the URL "connect.mercedes.me" and to query by smartphone
the fill level of their fuel tank, for example.
Mercedes connect me services are even more extensive for the BClass Electric Drive:
Via "connect.mercedes.me". The current charging level of the lithiumion battery and
current vehicle range can be queried comfortably from a distance. The range of Mercedes
connect me services is rounded off by the ability (depending on the temperature) to
preheat or precool the vehicle ready for a specified departure time.
COMAND Online customers are also able to receive realtime traffic information courtesy
of Live Traffic Information.
A wide spectrum: petrol and diesel engines, allwheel drive and alternative drive
systems
In terms of efficiency, the new BClass continues to set benchmarks with the best Cd value
in its segment. The choice of efficient engines is extensive – four diesel engines, four petrol
engines and two models with alternative drive systems. Also available are the B 180 and B
180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Editions.
Thanks to the new B 200 CDI 4MATIC, the pleasure of allwheel drive and safety now start
at around 130 g CO2/km instead of over 150 g CO2/km (B 220 4MATIC) as previously. In
total there are now four models with allwheel drive for improved traction, high driving
stability and safe handling.
The B 200 Natural Gas Drive and the BClass Electric Drive coming soon (sales
release: 3 November) join the portfolio as two models with alternative drive
systems. Both use the BClass's modular ENERGY SPACE body concept: The
underbody houses one large and two smaller gas tanks and a 14litre petrol tank (B 200
Natural Gas Drive) or the lithiumion battery (BClass Electric Drive). Due to this intelligent
packaging method, the fiveseater model has been able to retain the generously
proportioned luggage compartment for which it is known.
The model range: new product logic with three lines
As part of the facelift, MercedesBenz has revised the BClass's model range and brought
the model breakdown into line with the other compact models. There are three new design
and equipment lines: Style, Urban and AMG Line. Each features plenty of distinctive
exterior and interior details. The Night, Exclusive and AMG Exclusive packages build on
these and provide more options for individualisation. New KEYLESSGO functions simplify
operation.
The Style equipment line underlines the BClass's stylish appearance. Exterior
characteristics include lightalloy wheels in an expressive design, radiator trim with two
louvres painted in iridium silver with chrome inserts, and shoulderline trim strips in chrome.
For the stylish interior there are seats with Vianen upholstery fabric, trim with a line pattern,
and selected elements in silver chrome such as the moulding on the multifunction steering
wheel, highlights on the gear lever, and the switches on the top control panel. Useful details
like a double cup holder on the centre console and a 12V socket in the rear round off the
highquality feel.
The Urban equipment line emphasises the vehicle's sportiness both inside and out. The
radiator trim with two louvres painted in iridium silver and chrome inserts, 43.2 cm (17inch)
5spoke lightalloy wheels, and a twinpipe exhaust system integrated into the bumper with
chromelook tailpipe trim create a dynamic impression. In the interior the sporty character
is on display with seats featuring upholstery in ARTICO manmade leather/Montfoort fabric
and a leather multifunction steering wheel with perforated grip area. Details like contrasting
topstitching, silver chrome highlights and sail pattern trim round off the highquality feel.
The AMG Line augments the vehicle's sportiness and exclusivity. Powerful AMG
bodystyling ensures a dynamic appearance along with the radiator trim, which has two
louvres painted in iridium silver and chrome inserts, and the twopipe exhaust system
integrated into the bumper with chrome look tailpipe trim. A lowered comfort suspension
with Sports DirectSteer system improves handling and boosts driving enjoyment. 45.7 cm
(18inch) 5twinspoke AMG lightalloy wheels, perforated brake discs at the front, and
brake callipers at the front with MercedesBenz lettering complete the striking exterior.
Seats in ARTICO manmade leather/DINAMICA microfibre and the multifunction sports
steering wheel with flattened bottom section, as well as a gear lever with perforated leather,
add stylishly sporty elements in the interior. This equipment line also includes red
contrasting topstitching on the door armrests, centre console, seats, and gear lever.
Brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs are another highlight.
The Night package allows the exterior to be individualised further. It includes selected
design elements in black. The radiator trim sports two highgloss black louvres and chrome
inserts. The 45.7 cm (18inch) highsheen lightalloy wheels, exterior mirror housing, and
shoulderline trim strips also come in black. Darktinted glass from the Bpillar to the rear
protects against prying eyes and simultaneously emphasises the sporty character.
Comfort, quality, and design are hallmarks of the Exclusive package. Highlights include
heated front seats with 4way lumbar support that, like the multifunction steering wheel and
gear lever, are covered with highquality leather. The instrument panel and door centre
panel are trimmed with matching ARTICO manmade leather. Leather seats are available
in the following expressive colours: cranberry red, hazelnut brown and black. Silver chrome
design elements also help to create an exclusive ambience. Among the many other
practical details are infrared convenience closing and a 12V socket in the rear.
Building on the AMG Line, the AMG Exclusive package offers even more exclusivity,
individuality and sportiness. Features include heated seats with 4way lumbar support
where black RED CUT leather upholstery with red contrasting topstitching creates striking
highlights. To match them, the instrument panel and door centre panels, as well as the
armrests in the doors, are trimmed with ARTICO manmade leather and have red
contrasting topstitching. The leather multifunction sports steering wheel with flattened
bottom section and perforated grip area and the leather gearshift lever emphasise the
sporty character.