Daimler has started releasing details regarding its upcoming 2012 Mercedes B Class, along with a series of photos which give us a hint of what to expect.
According to the automaker, the 2012 Mercedes B Class represents a quantum leap in the compact class, bringing improvements in areas like aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, safety and flexibility.
The 2012 Mercedes B Class will premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September and once it will hit the market, the car will be offered with new 4-cylinder petrol engines featuring perfected injection systems and turbochargers, a new diesel, new dual clutch transmissions, a new manual gearbox and various assistance systems.
Dr. Thomas Weber, Head of Development at Mercedes-Benz Cars said that "No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments introduced in one fell swoop," "Future B-Class customers will benefit from this quantum leap in terms of
exemplary low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined with driving
pleasure, plenty of space and the customary high standard of safety from
Mercedes-Benz".
The new generation B Class will measure 4,359 mm in length, 1,786 mm in width and 1,557 mm in height, and its drag coefficient will be 0.24 which is pretty impressive for a vehicle this size.
The new petrol engines mentioned above will have a capacity of 1.6-litre and will produce 122 HP (90 kW) and 200 Nm of torque on the B 180 and 156 HP (115 kW) and 250 Nm on the B 200. The new 4-cylinder diesel is a 1.8-litre plat which will be fitted on the B 180 CDI and on which the output level will reach 109 HP (80 kW) and 250 Nm of torque from 1,400 rpm. The same engine will produce 136 HP (100 kW) and 300 Nm of torque from 1,600 rpm on the B 200 CDI version.
As for the new transmissions, Mercedes says the new 7G-DCT dual clutch is extremely compact and has start/stop capability, while the new 6-speed manual requires low shift forces, has low internal friction and low weight.
Among the numerous assistance systems employed by the 2012 Mercedes B Class customers will find Adaptive Headlamp Assist, Attention Assist, Speed Limit Assist, Active Parking, Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist plus a reversing camera and various other functions.
