SYDNEY: The restyled Mercedes-Benz B-Class, revealed at last year’s Paris Motor Show, is now available to order in Australia. Pricing for the B-Class has increased across the range, although Mercedes says it has boosted appeal with new features that boost overall value by up to $2500.
The 2015 line’s price increases range from $500 to $3800, but, importantly, the B-Class remains a more affordable option than its direct rival the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.
For the new model year, the B-Class picks up new-look headlights, a revised front bumper, a refreshed LED-rich internal layout to the tail-lights and a subtly updated rear bumper.
The line-up’s mechanical package is largely unchanged for 2015, although fuel consumption and acceleration has improved across all four powertrains.
The B 180’s 90kW/200Nm 1.6 litre turbo petrol engine now boasts a 0-100km/h time of 9.1 seconds (-1.1sec) and fuel figures of 5.5 l/100km (-0.6 l/100km).
Moving to the B 200 sees the 115kW/250Nm 1.6 turbo petrol engine’s acceleration improve 0.2 seconds to 8.6 seconds, and fuel consumption again matches the B 180 with 5.5 l/100km.
Topping the petrol range is the 155kW/350Nm 2.0 litre turbo petrol B 250. Its 0-100km/h time is unchanged at 6.7 seconds, although fuel consumption has improved 0.3 l/100km to 6.8 l/100km.
Representing the diesel end is the 100kW/300Nm 2.1 litre B 200 CDI. Maximum power is now available 400rpm earlier at 3200-4000rpm, while peak torque improves 200rpm to 1400-3000rpm.
Fuel consumption with the B 200 diesel improves 0.5 l/100km to 4.2 l/100m, although its 0-100km/h time is now 0.5 seconds slower at 9.8 seconds.
All models are equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission exclusively.
Features
Standout features for the 2015 range include the upgrade to a larger 8.0-inch centre display for all models, along with upgraded trim and highlights.
There’s also new satellite navigation and push-button start in the entry B 180, while the up-spec B 200 gains LED headlights, an upgraded sat-nav, keyless entry and blindspot monitoring.
The B 250 picks up a similar spread of new tech, along with 4Matic all-wheel-drive, ambient lighting in the cabin and an anti-theft system.
Model breakdown:
B 180
Climate control
8.0-inch display with SD card-based Garmin satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming, two USB ports
Six-speaker audio system
Electric park brake
Cloth upholstery
Keyless start
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddleshifters
Reverse-view camera with guidelines
Black roof liner
Rain-sensing wipers
17-inch alloy wheels
Semi-automated parking
Comfort suspension
Cruise control
Auto headlights
LED daytime running lights and partial LED tail-lights
Front and rear parking sensors
Tinted windows
Nine airbags
Attention assist
Collision prevention assist with semi-autonomous braking
Pre-Safe accident anticipatory system
B 200, B 200 CDI
Four-way electric lumbar support
Artico leather upholstery
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Black ash wood trim
Front armrest with fore/aft adjustment
Rear armrest
Mirror package
Dual-zone climate control
Unique 17-inch alloy wheels
Power-folding mirrors
LED tail-lights
LED headlights and daytime running lights
Twin exhaust outlets
Blind spot assist
B 250 4Matic
Ambient lighting with 12 colour options
AMG velour floor mats
Black Artico leather/Dinamica upholstery
Keyless Go system
Three-spoke sports steering wheel
Red contrast stitching
Stainless steel sports pedals
18-inch AMG alloy wheels
4Matic all-wheel drive
AMG Line body styling
Perforated front brake discs and brake calipers with ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering
Tinted privacy glass
Gloss black mirror caps and rear bumper strip
Lowered comfort suspension
Sports Direct-Steer system
Twin-louvre front grille
Anti-theft alarm system
PRICING (excludes on-road costs)
Petrol
B 180 – $41,400 (up $500)
B 200 – $47,400 (up $1500)
B 250 4Matic – $54,200 (up $3800)
Diesel
B 200 CDI – $47,900 (up $1500)
