Mercedes-Benz B-Class
 | |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|
| Parent company | DaimlerChrysler (2005-07) Daimler AG (2008-present) |
| Production | 2005-present |
| Assembly | Rastatt, Germany Juárez, Mexico |
| Class | Compact MPV |
| Body style(s) | 4-door estate |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Engine(s) | 2.0L 134 hp I4, 2.0L 200 hp I4 Turbo |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual CVT |
| Wheelbase | 2006-08: 109.7 in (2786 mm) 2009-: 109.4 in (2779 mm) |
| Length | 168.1 in (4270 mm) 2009- Base: 168.2 in (4272 mm) |
| Width | 70.0 in (1778 mm) |
| Height | 2006-08: 63.5 in (1613 mm) 2009-: 63.1 in (1603 mm) |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz A-Class |
Mercedes-Benz describes this vehicle as a Compact Sports Tourer instead of hatchback or multi-purpose vehicle, like its R-Class model, which is called a Grand Sports Tourer.
It was released in Europe in the late spring of 2005 and in Canada in the autumn of 2005. Plans to import the car to the US through Mexico were put on hold due to a strong euro, but it is likely that a new version of the car will come to the US in 2011.
Design
Keeping in mind its United States' market in comparison with the A-Class and indeed emulating the R-Class, the aspect of the B-Class was stylized from the back to the nose. Some of the tiny stylistic details of the Baby-Benz (popular name of the A-Class) were removed. In particular, the front of the vehicle was lengthened (although maintaining the Sandwich anti-crash system).Sandwich floor concept
The B-Class W245 maintains the sandwich floor concept.The powertrain (engine and transmission) moves beneath the passenger cell (located at high seating position) in the event of a big frontal impact. According to a study : "the front section of the A-Class would have to be considerably longer in order to offer the same impressive level of occupant safety in the event of a heavy frontal impact".
These are two innovations, patented by Mercedes-Benz as:
- DE 43 26 396 C 2: motor car with drive unit tilted at an acute angle against the horizontal
- DE 44 00 132 C1: Firewall construction for a motor car with front-mounted drive unit
Driving assistants
The B-Class presents a wide interior, basically due to the Sandwich floor.
The multifunction steering wheel (standard feature) allows the driver to use his/her thumbs to control the radio, telephone and other systems. The power assisted steering (standard feature) aids in the control of the automobile, varying according to the speed.
The COMAND APS is a system where Route instructions are given to the navigation system, and the information is provided via SMS. The car radio, DVD and telephone controls are combined into a single unit with a 6.5 inch screen. The options are: standard Audio 20 radio/single CD, Audio 50 APS or COMAND APS.
Parktronic emits warning tones and uses multiple LEDs to indicate how far the car is from an obstacle.
W245 defines the Light & Sight package with several benefits:
- Bi-xenon HID headlamps (optional feature) with gas-discharge bulbs for the dipped beam
- Cornering lights (standard feature) where the main-beam dips at road junctions and tight corners
- Active light system (standard feature) where the beams follows the steering movements
- Headlamp Assist (standard feature) is a sensor on the windscreen monitoring ambient light levels to automatically switch on the headlamps as required
- Rain sensor (standard feature) smoothly adjusts the wiper speed, depending on the intensity of the rainfall.
Inside comfort
The multicontour seat (optional feature) is composed of a set of small air cushions individually adjusted to the driver's body, as he/she wishes.Air conditioning
The W245 units have a powerful car air conditioning system, with separate temperature adjustment for driver and front passenger.Standard CDI models include a Heater Booster System (standard on CDI models) that instantly floods the interior of the B-Class with hot air. The most advanced system is the Thermotronic (optional feature) that maintains and regulates the temperature in accordance with a sophisticated set of sensors which measure temperature, sunlight, humidity and even pollutant levels in the ambient air, causing all openings to close automatically.
Sunroof
The new optional sunroof is divided in small panels that can be displaced individually. Each one can be controlled separately to selectively administer the shades inside the W245.Safety
High-strength and ultra-high-strength steel alloys are combined with high-strength bonded joints.Airbags
The B-Class has several airbags. The front airbag is adaptive with two-stage gas generators (standard feature), where the system evaluates the severity of the accident. The B-Class also includes side airbags for head and thorax (standard for driver and front passenger).Two other additions are optional: Rear Sidebags (optional feature) for side-on collisions in the back seats and Windowbags: large airbags expanding like a curtain from A- to C-pillars in side-on collisions.
Belts
The belt system of the B-Class W245 is simply surprising. The Adaptive Function (standard feature for driver and front passenger) adapts the force exerted by the belt, relaxing dynamically during the collision. On the other hand, the Tensioners (standard feature) continuously adjust to remove any possible slack, and increase the tightness if necessary. The driver is notified if all the belts are buckled (standard feature).Head and neck
Lastly, the active head restraints (standard feature) respond actively to a collision, assuring even more protection.Other standard features
While driving there is the Acceleration-Skid Control (ASR) (standard feature) and Electronic Stability Program ESP (standard feature) that reduce the risk of skidding. There are disc brakes on all four wheels, and emergency stops are improved with the Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Brake Assist System (BAS), standard on the Mercedes Benz A-Class. BAS detects emergency braking (most drivers apply the brakes quickly but without enough pressure) and exerts maximum brake pressure.Making room
To make more room for transporting goods, it is possible to fold the seats forward and then level them at two different heights. They provide different final modular space combinations.Its implementation is provided by two systems:
- Easy-Vario: Both rear-seat cushion sections are folded forward, while the luggage compartment floor can be set to one of two different heights. (Optional feature)
- Easy-Vario-Plus: Both rear-seat cushion and the front passenger seat are folded forward. This increases the load capacity to as much as 1995 litres. (Optional feature)
Engines
All engines conform to Euro IV emission standards. A particulate filter system is available as an option for the diesel units (this reduces about 99% of the particle emissions, without the need for additives).| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Top Speed | 0-62 mph | Economy | Emissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | |||||||
| B150 BlueEfficiency | 1.5 L, 4 in-L | 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) | 140 Nm (103 lb ft) | 174 km/h (108 mph) | 13.2 secs | 45.6 mpg | 148 g/km |
| B170 BlueEfficiency | 1.7 L, 4 in-L | 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) | 155 Nm (114 lb ft) | 184 km/h (114 mph) | 11.3 secs | 44.1 mpg | 152 g/km |
| B200 | 2.0 L, 4 in-L | 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) | 185 Nm (137 lb ft) | 196 km/h (122 mph) | 10.1 secs | 39.2 mpg | 173 g/km |
| B200 Turbo | 2.0 L, 4 in-L | 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) | 280 Nm (207 lb ft) | 225 km/h (139 mph) | 7.6 secs | 35.8 mpg | 190 g/km |
| Diesel | |||||||
| B180 CDI | 2.0 L, 4 in-L | 109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) | 250 Nm (185 lb ft) | 183 km/h (114 mph) | 11.3 secs | 54.3 mpg | 137 g/km |
| B200 CDI | 2.0 L, 4 in-L | 140 PS (100 kW; 140 hp) | 300 Nm (221 lb ft) | 200 km/h (124 mph) | 9.6 secs | 52.3 mpg | 140 g/km |
| Natural Gas | |||||||
| B170 NGT BlueEfficiency | 2.0 L, 4 in-L | 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) | 165 Nm (122 lb ft) | 184 km/h (114 mph) | 12.4 secs | 38.7 mpg | 135 g/km |
Gearboxes
The B-Class is available with five and six-speed manual transmissions. The six-speed gearbox is the standard on B180 CDI, B200 CDI and B200 Turbo.As an option there is an Autotronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in which the ratios are changed continuously by means of a pulley-wheel variator and a steel thrust belt. This allows the car to accelerate with no interruption of tractive power and attains the maximum output more quickly. This is adjustable according to driving style: economical or sporty.
Wheel axles
The B-Class is a front-wheel drive car.In the W245 the dynamic handling was powered in precision tracking and anti-roll support, with the Parabolic Rear Axle (standard feature) that grants a pivotal role in the driving. The car has a Selective Damping System (standard feature), where the shock absorber forces are administered differentially, in example under normal conditions (soft absorption) and while cornering at speed (full damping force).
The W245 presents light alloy wheels. With the run-flat feature (continuous mobility or zero-pressure tyres can be driven at normal speeds). There is Tirefit tyre sealant and a tire-pressure-loss warning device by ESP technology (standard feature).
2008 B-Class facelift
Mercedes-Benz has recently released a refreshed-look B-Class alongside a refreshed-look A-Class and M-Class.
The newer B-Class has a restyled hood, front bumper, rear tail lamps, side exterior mirrors and is now available in the B170 NGT Blue Efficient. The B170 NGT Blue Efficient can run on either gas or petrol, and when full, can cover up to 1,000 kilometres (620 mi).
The new B-Class is now available with new upholsteries and trims.
Specifications
| Specification | B180 CDI | B200 CDI | B150 | B170 | B200 | B200 Turbo | B170 NGT FuelEfficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| length | 4,270 mm (168.1 in) | 4,270 mm (168.1 in) | 4,270 mm (168.1 in) | 4,270 mm (168.1 in) | 4,270 mm (168.1 in) | 4,270 mm (168.1 in) | 4,270 mm (168.1 in) |
| width | 1,777 mm (70.0 in) | 1,777 mm (70.0 in) | 1,777 mm (70.0 in) | 1,777 mm (70.0 in) | 1,777 mm (70.0 in) | 1,777 mm (70.0 in) | 1,777 mm (70.0 in) |
| height | 1,603 mm (63.1 in) | 1,603 mm (63.1 in) | 1,603 mm (63.1 in) | 1,603 mm (63.1 in) | 1,603 mm (63.1 in) | 1,603 mm (63.1 in) | 1,603 mm (63.1 in) |
| wheelbase | 2,778 mm (109.4 in) | 2,778 mm (109.4 in) | 2,778 mm (109.4 in) | 2,778 mm (109.4 in) | 2,778 mm (109.4 in) | 2,778 mm (109.4 in) | 2,778 mm (109.4 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,435 kg (3,164 lb) | 1,435 kg (3,164 lb) | 1,300 kg (2,866 lb) | 1,310 kg (2,888 lb) | 1,345 kg (2,965 lb) | 1,370 kg (3,020 lb) | Unknown |
| tank capacity | 54 L (14 US gal; 12 imp gal) | 54 L (14 US gal; 12 imp gal) | 54 L (14 US gal; 12 imp gal) | 54 L (14 US gal; 12 imp gal) | 54 L (14 US gal; 12 imp gal) | 54 L (14 US gal; 12 imp gal) | Unknown |
| tank reserve | 6 L (2 US gal; 1 imp gal) | 6 L (2 US gal; 1 imp gal) | 6 L (2 US gal; 1 imp gal) | 6 L (2 US gal; 1 imp gal) | 6 L (2 US gal; 1 imp gal) | 6 L (2 US gal; 1 imp gal) | Unknown |
| Cylinders | 4/in-line | 4/in-line | 4/in-line | 4/in-line | 4/in-line | 4/in-line | Unknown |
| Output hp/rpm | 109 hp (81 kW; 111 PS) /4200 | 140 hp (104 kW; 142 PS) /4200 | 106 hp (79 kW; 107 PS) /5800 | 116 hp (87 kW; 118 PS) /5500 | 136 hp (101 kW; 138 PS) /5750 | 193 hp (144 kW; 196 PS) /5000 | 116 hp (87 kW; 118 PS) |
| Torque Nm/rpm | 250 N·m (184 lb·ft) /1600-2600 | 300 N·m (221 lb·ft) /1600-3000 | 160 N·m (118 lb·ft) /4000-4500 | 155 N·m (114 lb·ft) /3500-4000 | 185 N·m (136 lb·ft) /3500-4000 | 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) /1800-4850 | Unknown |
| Top Speed | 183 km/h (114 mph) | 200 km/h (124 mph) | 185 km/h (115 mph) | 183 km/h (114 mph) | 196 km/h (122 mph) | 225 km/h (140 mph) | Unknown |
| Tires | 205/55 R 16 | 205/55 R 16 | 195/65 R 15 | 195/65 R 15 | 205/55 R 16 | 215/40 R 18 | 195/65 R 15 |
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