There stands the next success model from the home of Mercedes-Benz: the B-class is the first model of the new series of compact. He is to lure the well-known qualities emphasizing older customers.

His new Interior carry names like Domburg, Den Helder or Venlo. Already, this nomenclature suggests that the future audience of Mercedes B-class to leave periods prefers hardly regions such as down under, California or the Caribbean. Not only by following Dutch city name, seat covers, it goes to stressed down to Earth in the latest star. “The customer of the current B-class on average 58 years old” series speaker Natanael Sijanta explains, “I assume however, that the age with the new model will fall.” That must not be. For younger customers, the enterprising Swabia from next summer have the new a-class in the offer; clearly sporting and emotional than in the past. The B class – compliant, unspectacular and spacious – is to collect the customers, who previously drove A-or B-class – and poach at best at riders from VW Touran, Ford C-Max or Opel Meriva. The little beloved high roof architecture has disappeared, the overall design stromlinienförmiger and Rouge. A Catcher looks different, but the 4.36 M-long B class is the golf in the home of Mercedes. Just not notice and just no experiments.

The Mercedes B-class first Scion of a family of at least five compact class was newly developed. No double sandwich floor more, which provides a high Centre of gravity and a difficult handling. Instead, there is only one sandwich module, which is intended for vehicles with alternative drive concepts and can be used if needed in the rear. The normal B-model carries around the sandwich disadvantages not on every kilometer with up. The space available is a class of its own not only you of 2.70 M long Radstandes and the far opening doors. Front it is comfortably and also rear legroom brings not only children for blasting. The rear seat can be split and fold down. Why offers a retractable lever passenger seat and a sliding to 14 cm rear bench such vehicles only as 672 euro expensive option, remains a Daimler mystery.

In General, the Interior is the remarkable change in the B-class. Display and control elements not only look good from – they take so to. On request, there is even a beledertes instrument panel and the large Designfläche in the dashboard open-pored wooden. Also the large ventilation nozzles bring together with the indirect interior lighting topping charm in the expected high-volume B class. The perpendicular on the instrument panel flat screen (depending on the version with 14.7 or 17.8 cm diagonal) is, however, actually. He also is so practical and lush dimensioned, it acts like a foreign body. That the two available navigation systems cost 850 / 3117 euro, may fit in the present day. With the new model, the gear selector for the automatic version moved right behind the wheel. The space between the seats thus freely become used but little high-quality acting drop boxes with two. The cargo space of Mercedes 180 B summarizes depending on the position of the back seat between 486 and 688 litres. Cargo rear seat results in a capacity of up to 1545 liters. Thus, it can travel.

That the Mercedes B-class is a completely newly developed vehicle, can you not only see but also feel. The lower centre of gravity and the new LG make the B model under no circumstances to a driving machine, but always to a compact van, with which you can have fun on winding roads or motorways. The suspension tuning, especially from the front shows surprisingly robust. In case of unevenness, even the base model offers very tightly to B 180. If the optional sport package which will enjoy anything but youthful clientele and the car concept of a great popularity, may be doubted however. The Steering should be somewhat firmer at higher speeds is pleasantly smooth.

In the run, there are two petrol and two diesel. In view of the category of vehicle and customer potential expected the base receives of a significant demand should enjoy already. The B 180 is a 1.6 L large I4 with turbocharger driven by, the 90 KW / 122 HP is making. The maximum torque of 200 nm is 1,250 RPM available already. Thus, it can be sufficiently powerful to come forward. With the optional seven-speed dual clutch transmission (2,165 euro extra charge) the 1.4 tonne main creates the Sprint 0 to 100 in remarkable 10.2 seconds. The family star reaches its top speed of 190 km/h but only with effort and enough time. Just from speed 170, it will be very tough. If you want more, is considerably better off using the B 200. 220 Km/h top creates his 156 HP of strong 1, 6-liter engine. Both engines with approximately six liters on 100 km are almost neck and neck in consumption.

In addition to the great practicality, the B class with a complete security package will score points. There are at least seven airbags, ESP, ABS, tire-pressure monitoring, fatigue detectors and a collision warning system, which reduces the collision or even prevented. Natanael Sijanta “As soon as the driver slows down and the system will recognize that the brake pressure is insufficient, the collision prevention assist intervenes”, explains “this up to 25 percent of all collisions can be avoided.” If you want even more security, can equip his desire-B class with a driver assistance package, which features include track holding and dead angle Wizard next to Abstandstempomat. This is Mercedes not tired to point out that the prices of the new B-class have remained almost unchanged. Means that the poorly-equipped base model B 180 euros 26,000. He better just under 2,000 euros more B 200. 200 CDI start the two diesel versions B 180 CDI and B at 27,600 or 29.800 euros. More engines and a four wheel drive will follow.