March14
Mercedes gives the B-Class subcompact a mid-life makeover, including a freshened up exterior, new technology and new engines, the luxury carmaker announced Friday. The B-Class will come with no less than seven engine options, but when, or even if, it comes to the U.S., we’d likely get the same two as have been offered in the B200 sold in Canada for years now: a 2.0 liter gas four-cylinder – making 136 horsepower — and a turbocharged version of the same powerplant – good for 193 hp.
All 2009 B-Class hatchbacks receive a new hood, fascia and grille up front, with a new rear fascia and taillights out back. In between, the small cars get fresh, larger mirrors as well as restyled wheels. The interiors feature new seat fabrics and diagonally brushed aluminum trim throughout. Opting for the sports package nets side seat bolsters that are trimmed in Artico man-made leather and the centre panels in fabric.
Other, more functional changes include making Headlamp Assist and ESP with hill-start assist as standard equipment across the range. For a more comfortable driving position, a telescoping steering wheel has been integrated into the 2009 B-Class as well. Flashing brake lights after a crash are a new safety measure which works to warn other drivers.
New technology includes an optional active parking assist system which helps drivers find a suitable parallel parking spot by measuring it with ultrasonic sensors to see if there is enough space and then steering the car into it, similar to the Lexus system used on its flagship LS sedan.
A newly designed infotainment system includes a media interface that allows external audio devices to integrate with the car’s sound system, and MB’s Comand APS navigation and voice command system is optional. A surround sound system is also optional, which is unheard of in a car of the B’s size.
While Mercedes-Benz has yet to make an official decision as to whether or not the B-Class will make it to the U.S., Automotive News says that if a U.S.-spec B-Class does get the green light, we probably won’t see it until an all-new model bows in 2011.
The two sub-2.0 liter engines in the B-Class likely to stay in European markets utilize a new engine start/stop function, with Benz claiming that one feature can save up to 9 percent in practical use. The ECO start/stop function kills the ignition in the B150 BlueEFFICIENCY and B170 BlueEFFICIENCY when the car is in neutral and the brakes are applied, and fires it back up once the clutch is pressed or the brake pedal released. MB utilizes a starter-generator connected to the crankshaft via the belt drive which allows for a transparent operation and feeds the electrical system when the car is moving, MB claims. The B150 uses a 1.5 liter inline-four good for 95 horsepower, while the B170 has a 1.6 liter four with 116 hp.
The two direct-injection diesels are 7 percent more fuel efficient than their predecessors. The B 180 CDI and B 200 CDI sport engines that both displace 2.0 liters, but make 109 and 140 hp respectively and return about 44 mpg, as per Mercedes.
Finally, the B-Class gets a new, ultra-efficient trim in the bi-fuel (petrol/natural-gas) B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY. It uses the same 2.0 liter engine, though it’s detuned to a maximum of 116 hp, when running on gasoline. It is the cleanest of all the Bs in terms of carbon dioxide emissions and can travel over 180 miles on its supply of natural gas alone. On premium gasoline, combined fuel economy as per Europe’s NEDC is 32 mpg. MB claims the NGT consumes natural gas at the rate of 4.9 kg per roughly 62 miles, and is able to hold 16 kg. MB estimates running the car on natural gas alone cuts fueling costs in about half. The driver selects the fuel source via a button on the steering wheel. A higher purchase price and 4.5 cubic feet less cargo capacity due to the natural gas tanks are the prices to pay for the added efficiency.
With that fuel efficiency and the fact they are expanding their US plant, I would expect them to bring at least one additional model here to the US. This segment is the only growing one so it would make sense.
Doesn't look too much different, the natural gas system sounds pretty cool. Just depends on the premium and the availability of natural gas, which I'm guessing isn't too much better than here in the U.S.
LP…How old are you? Anyone with that creates a name like that is obviously an immature adolescent.
anderson b76-yes he is a fat pus filled face teen that lives with his Mom in Goverment Housing. But hey he's an internet tough guy.
Only 7 engine choices? thats weak!! Nice little benze, looks like the perfect vehicle for a cross country road trip. Needs a 400hp AMG version!
It's obvious LP is a kid…he probably doesn't have a job or can even consider owning 85% of the cars on here. It's amazing how much time he spends on LLN only to repeat what he reads in car magazines with obviously little to no hands on driving experience with the cars he refers too. LP, if writing obscenities on LLN is your form of entertainment, I truly feel sorry for you and your pathetic life.
No , you have not mentioned that , but I belive the shemale part. You are truly retarded.
Alright…time to write LLN and get LP removed.
AMG B-Class lol
I'll do so as well anderson b76.
LP…seriously, do something productive with your life.
Actually you retard, when enough people complain, you get removed. Your such a dumb little kid.
No, I'm done today retard, I have a job.
i was in montreal three days ago and i saw one of these piles and theyre pretty ugly
ugly as hell. overpriced pile of German crap.
I doubt it will be sold in the US. Small hatchbacks – especially five-door ones - aren't as popular in the States as they are in the rest of the world.
No LP640mm,
My efforts had the desired effect.
interesting to see that LLN moderators can kick out DeanTJ, GMRules, GM Sales, GM#1, but they can kick homeboy, lp640, lp640mm <-which is probably the same jackass. selective guys here at LLN.
LP640mm,
If you can't tell, why should I tell you?
B-class? So MB isn't too far from having a class to soon occupy every letter of the alphabet. I give props to MB for making more economical yet still premium vehicles but like LP said and I agree with him on this that yeah you're going to find less expensive vehicles such as in the European market the Ford S-Max, and others as a cheaper alternative.
I don't know. Personally If I was forking out the extra $ for a MB I wouldn't be purchasing an A Class or B Class vehicle from them, that's just because those vehicles aren't my preference.
Oh anyone see that commercial of the new M class demonstrating it's off road capabilities? Totally changed my perception of it.
LP640mm,
I'd say it but its obvious. Ah what the heck! Grow up you ass. You're so easy to play you make me look like a simpering sycophant. The worst part is you really don't get it.
*Here comes another pointless tirade by the sawed off middle schooler who really needs to stop watched the locked out channels on his cable box.*
Why would I admit to failure when I succeeded. You just don't know what Happened. That's fine if you did it wouldn't work. Your denial is helpful as well.
I never said I was trying to get you kicked off, did I?
Nope. You missed the point entirely.
But then, you have been incredibly pointless.
LP640mm,
Check this before you start up again.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/morgan-aeromax-begins-production.html
What's missing?
Yes, Admin is out there. They are watching. I got what I wanted from you and I'll get it again if I have to.