The New Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Published: 14th February 2005
New Mercedes-Benz B-Class
State-of-the-art four-cylinder engines with up to 193 hp
High-torque CDI diesel engines and up-to-date petrol units meet the need of the Sports Tourer concept for effortless performance and a high level of driving pleasure. There is a choice of six four-cylinder engines with outputs ranging from 95 hp to 193 hp. The top-of-the-line B 200 TURBO is equipped with a new two-litre, four-cylinder engine which delivers a maximum torque of 280 Nm from as little as 1800 rpm thanks to turbocharging and intercooling, and maintains this value over a wide engine speed range up to 4850 rpm. This means that the most powerful of the Compact Sports Tourers accelerates from standstill to 62.5 mph in just 7.6 seconds, takes the fifth-gear sprint from 50 to 70 mph in 7.3 seconds and achieves a maximum speed of 140 mph.
The diesel line-up is headed by the B 200 CDI with 140 hp, which has a remarkably high torque of 300 Nm. The newly developed turbodiesel with common-rail direct injection accelerates the Compact Sports Tourer from nought to 62.5 mph in 9.6 seconds, and from 50 to 75 mph in 10.0 seconds (in fifth gear). The maximum speed of the B 200 CDI is 125 mph. Despite this superb performance the combined fuel consumption achieves an outstanding 50.4 mpg. The CDI models in the B-Class meet the stringent EU 4 exhaust emission limits even without a particulate filter, though Mercedes-Benz offers a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter system on request.
The new B 200 TURBO and the CDI models B 180 CDI and B 200 CDI are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The newly developed, continuously variable AUTOTRONIC automatic transmission is optionally available for all engine variants of the B-Class.
Top-class technology for agile handling and outstanding safety
Innovations in the field of suspension technology have contributed greatly to a successful combination of agility, safety and comfort - with all these attributes enjoying equal importance.
The newly developed electromechanical power steering system generates its servo effect with an electric motor, varying it as a function of road speed. This means the servo action is greater at low speeds than at high speeds, which means that the steering is much lighter than a conventional system when parking or manoeuvring slowly. The parabolic rear axle is likewise a new development. It makes a major contribution to the stable, sporty and precise handling, as well as the excellent ride comfort of the new B-Class.
