Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Second generation
Second generation
Overview
Production	2011–present
Model years	2012–present
Assembly	Rastatt, Germany; Kecskemét, Hungary
Designer	Mark Fetherston (2008)
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door hatchback
Platform	Mercedes-Benz W246
Related	Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176); Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class; Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (X156); Beijing E Series; Senova D20
Powertrain
Engine	1.6L I4; 1.8L Diesel I4
Transmission	6-speed manual; 7-speed Dual-clutch
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,699 mm (106.3 in)
Length	4,359 mm (171.6 in)
Width	1,786 mm (70.3 in)
Height	1,557 mm (61.3 in)

First generation
First generation
Overview
Production	2005–2011
Model years	2006–2011
Assembly	Rastatt, Germany
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door hatchback
Platform	Mercedes-Benz T245
Related	Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2006–08: 2,786 mm (109.7 in); 2009-11: 2,779 mm (109.4 in)
Length	4,270 mm (168.1 in); 2009- Base: 4,272 mm (168.2 in)
Width	1,778 mm (70.0 in)
Height	2006–08: 1,613 mm (63.5 in); 2009–11: 1,603 mm (63.1 in)

Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
	File:2012 Mercedes-Benz B 200 CDI (W246) BlueEFFICIENCY hatchback (2015-07-03) 01.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer	Daimler AG
Production	2005–present
Body and chassis
Class	Compact MPV (M)
Layout	FF layout

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a compact MPV introduced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz. It is essentially an enlarged A-Class keeping some of the engines, but with other more powerful ones available. It has the same basic suspension system. Like the A-Class, and unlike any other vehicle Mercedes builds or has built, the B-Class is a front wheel drive vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz describes the B-Class as a Compact Sports Tourer instead of hatchback or multi-purpose vehicle, like its R-Class model, which is called a Grand Sports Tourer.

First generation (T 245, 2005–2011)

Initial release

The vehicle was introduced in March 2005. It was released in Europe in the late spring of 2005 and in Canada in the autumn of 2005. The Japanese model was launched on 1 January 2006.^[1]

Design

The B-Class has a two-box design: one box for the drivetrain and another the passenger and luggage compartments. The B-Class gains much of its comparatively large interior volume through its height, a configuration that makes the most of the vehicle’s footprint.

Having evolved from the even smaller A-Class, a car that was originally intended to have a battery-powered version that would meet California’s since-rescinded zero-emissions mandate. The sandwich floor concept—the structure of the car under the floor where the batteries were supposed to go—was retained in the B-Class.

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:^[2] "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

As a secondary benefit, because the seats have been raised by 20 cm, the passengers are taken away from the more common area of lateral impact in accidents.

Driving assistance

File:2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz B 180 CDI (W245) hatchback 02.jpg

Mercedes-Benz B 180 CDI (Australia; pre-facelift)

File:2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz B 180 (W245) hatchback (2011-11-17).jpg

Mercedes-Benz B 180 (Australia; facelift)

File:2010 Mercedes-Benz B 200 (W245) hatchback (2010-10-16).jpg

Interior

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 TMC. 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.

T245 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.

As a standard addition, when entering a tunnel or an underground garage, the Tunnel Mode closes all windows and the panoramic sliding sunroof.

Air conditioning

The T245 units have a powerful car air conditioning system, with either single zone or 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 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 T245.

Reliability

Breakdown statistics reported by the German Automobile Club in May 2010 placed the Mercedes B-Class at the top of the lower middle-sized car class in respect of the low break-down rates achieved for cars aged between 0 and 4 years,^[3] narrowly beating the Audi A3 and the BMW 1-series.^[4] However, the car review website dogandlemon.com gave the B-Class a 'not recommended' rating, citing multiple problems with the manual transmissions, CVT transmissions, air conditioning and interior fittings such as door locks.

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 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

The B160 and B180 conform to Euro V emission standards. The rest of the engines conform to Euro IV emission standards. A particulate filter is available as an option for the diesel units (this reduces about 99% of the particle emissions, without the need for additives).

Model	Type	Power	Torque	Transmission	Top Speed	0-62 mph	Economy (Miles per gallon)^{[clarification needed]}	Emissions
Petrol
B160	1.5 L I4	95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp)	140 N·m (103 lb·ft)	5-speed Manual	174 km/h (108 mph)	13.2 secs	44.1 mpg	149 g/km
B180	1.7 L I4	116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp)	155 N·m (114 lb·ft)	5-speed Manual	184 km/h (114 mph)	11.3 secs	44.8 mpg	146 g/km
B200	2.0 L I4	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp)	185 N·m (136 lb·ft)	5-Speed Manual	196 km/h (122 mph)	10.1 secs	39.2 mpg	173 g/km
B200 Turbo	2.0 L I4 turbo	193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp)	280 N·m (207 lb·ft)	6-Speed Manual	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 N·m (184 lb·ft)	6-Speed Manual	183 km/h (114 mph)	11.3 secs	54.3 mpg	136 g/km
B200 CDI	2.0 L, 4 in-L	140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp)	300 N·m (221 lb·ft)	6-Speed Manual	200 km/h (124 mph)	9.6 secs	54.3 mpg	136 g/km
Natural Gas
B170 NGT	2.0 L, 4 in-L	116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp)	165 N·m (122 lb·ft)	5-Speed Manual	184 km/h (114 mph)	12.4 secs	38.7 mpg	135 g/km

Gearboxes

Most of them are manual transmissions, but 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.

Environmental impact

The emissions from the B170 NGT Manual were analysed by EcoTest and given a score of 82 out of 100 and a rating for environmental friendliness.^[5]

The emissions from the B200 T Autotronic were analysed by EcoTest and given a score of 58 out of 100 and a rating for environmental friendliness.^[6]

The emissions from the B200 CDI Autotronic were analysed by EcoTest and given a score of 57 out of 100 and a rating for environmental friendliness.^[7]

The emissions from the B180 CDI Autotronic were analysed by EcoTest and given a score of 56 out of 100 and a rating for environmental friendliness.^[6]

Wheel axles

The B-Class is a front-wheel drive car.

In the T245 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 T245 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 model year update

2008 Mercedes-Benz B-Class (Europe)

Changes include:

Front end: restyled bonnet, radiator grille and bumper
Side profile: new-look exterior mirrors and new light-alloy wheels
Rear: tail lights in new high-brilliance look and remodelled bumper
Interior: new seat fabrics and diagonally brushed aluminium trim
Body-coloured exterior mirror housings, door handles and skirt panels
Headlamp Assist as standard
ESP® with automatic hill-start assist as standard
Steering column manually adjustable for reach
Flashing brake lights as standard
Crash-responsive emergency interior lighting as standard
Advanced engines with fuel savings of up to seven percent
ECO start/stop function as an option for B 150 and B 170
New B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY with bi-fuel petrol/natural-gas drive system
Active parking assist as an option
New infotainment systems including many extra functions
Surround sound system as an option
COMAND APS with standard features including voice control
Interactive media interface for linking up external audio devices

B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY supports running natural gas and premium grade petrol. It includes five natural gas reservoirs whose total capacity of 16 kilograms equates to a range of over 300 kilometres.

Early models include B 180 CDI, B 200 CDI, B 150, B 170 BlueEFFICIENCY, B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY, B 200, B 200 TURBO, with B 150 and B 170 BlueEFFICIENCY went on sale in autumn 2008.^[8]

Japan model went on sale on 2008-08-20. Early models include right drives versions of B 170, B 200, B 200 TURBO.^[9] B 170 was renamed to B 180 in 2009-08-24.^[10]

B-Class F-CELL (2010-)

It is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle with fuel cell from F 600 HYGENIUS, electric motor rated 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) and 290 N·m (214 lb·ft), lithium-ion rated 35 kW and a capacity of 1.4 kWh, sandwich floor architecture from A-Class and B-Class vehicles, bonamite silver body colour, light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design. The vehicle has driving range of 400 km (249 mi).

Production began in 2009, with first of around 200 vehicles delivered to customers in Europe and North America at the beginning of next year.^[11]

The vehicle was unveiled at two special exhibition sites in Vancouver.^[12]

B 180 Limited, B 200 Limited (2010-)

B 180 Limited is a limited (55 Cosmos Black body, 25 Lotus Blue body, 220 Calcite White body) version of B 180 for Japan market. It included black interior colour, 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlight and headlight washer, active light system, cornering light, metallic paint (Cosmos Black/Lotus Blue), stainless steel talgate sill plate, unique ragesshi room? mat, unique emblem, PARKTRONIC, media interface.

B 200 Limited is a limited (35 units) version of B 180 for Japan market. It included Calcite White body colour, black interior colour (with seat centes and back rest centre in fabric, others in artificial leather), 18-inch AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlight and headlight washer, active light system, cornering light, stainless foot rest cover with rubber stud, unique ragesshi room? mat, unique emblem, PARKTRONIC, media interface.

The vehicles went on sale on 2010-04-26.^[13]

B55 (2010)

The B55 is a unique custom version of the B200 CDI with a 5.5-litre V8 engine, built at the Rastatt plant by Mercedes-Benz apprentices. Other features include rear axle of an older W 210 series E-Class, seven-speed G-Tronic transmission, C32 AMG brake with 345 x 34 mm front discs, 300 x 30 mm perforated and internally ventilated rear brakes disc, 8.5 x 18-inch AMG sports front wheels in a five-spoke design with 235/40 ZR 18 Y tyres, 9 x 18-inch wheels with 255/35 ZR 18 Y rear tyres, limited maximum steering angle, Alcantara linings for the A, B and C-pillars and roof liner; seats in a leather/Alcantara from Johnson Controls, white with dark-painted radiator louvres and smoked headlamp lenses.^[14]^[15]

B 180 125! Edition (2011-)

It is a limited (300 units) version of right drive B 180 commemorating 125th anniversary of Karl Benz inventing automobile, for Japan market. It included Sports package (chromed silver front grill, chrome exhaust tip, leather twin seat, leather wrapped sport steering wheel with aluminium, leather wrapped silver shift knob, sterling shift, stainless acceleration and brake pedals with rubber stud, chrome side protection mole?, stainless steel gate sill plate), unique 17-inch 5-double spoke alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlight and headlight washer, cornering light, active light system, power seat (front), unique floor mat.

The vehicles went on sale on 2010-02-16.^[16]

B 180 125! Grand Edition, B 180 125! Grand Edition Sports, B 200 125! Grand Edition (2011-)

B 180 125! Grand Edition is a version of B 180 commemorating 125th anniversary of Karl Benz inventing automobile. It included a choice of 5 body colours (Calcite White, Jupiter Red, Cosmos Black, Polar Silver(optional), Lotus Blue(optional)), black interior (fabric), 16-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlight and headlight washer, active light system, cornering light, light and sight package (anti-glare room mirror, sun visor with illuminating mirror, rain sensor, elevator light, reading light(rear), locator lighting, outside vehicle lamp shutdown delay).

B 180 125! Grand Edition Sports is a version of B 180 commemorating 125th anniversary of Karl Benz inventing automobile. It included a choice of 5 body colours (Calcite White, Jupiter Red, Cosmos Black, Polar Silver(optional), Lotus Blue(optional)), black interior colour (leather), sports package, bi-xenon headlight and headlight washer, active light system, cornering light, power seat (front), light and sight package (anti-glare room mirror, sun visor with illuminating mirror, rain sensor, elevator light, reading light(rear), locator lighting, outside vehicle lamp shutdown delay), media interface.

B 200 125! Grand Edition is a version of B 200 commemorating 125th anniversary of Karl Benz inventing automobile. It included a choice of 5 body colours (Calcite White, Jupiter Red, Cosmos Black, Polar Silver(optional), Lotus Blue(optional)), black interior colour (leather), bi-xenon headlight and headlight washer, active light system, cornering light, PARKTRONIC, power seat (front), media interface.

Japan models went on sale on 2011-07-05, in right drive format only.^[17]

Marketing

As part of B-Class F-CELL demonstration, the F-CELL World Drive featured a 125-day circumnavigation of the world travelling over 30000 km across four continents and 14 countries.^[18] The event ended with 3 F-CELL vehicles crossing the finish line in front of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.^[19]

Specifications

Specification	B180 CDI	B200 CDI	B150	B170	B200	B200 Turbo	B170 NGT FuelEfficiency^[20]
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)	1,445 kg (3,186 lb)
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)	55 L (15 US gal; 12 imp gal)
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/inline	4/inline	4/inline	4/i-line	4/inline	4/inline	4/inline
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	165 N·m (122 lb·ft) /1800-
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)	184 km/h (114 mph)
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

Second generation (T246; 2011–present)

Mercedes-Benz B 180 (W246; Germany)

File:2012 Mercedes-Benz B 200 BlueEFFICIENCY (W246) hatchback (2012-10-26) 03.jpg

Interior

The second generation B-Class again shares its platform with the A-Class, this time the third-generation model that debuted in 2012. Unlike the first generation B-Class, the replacement is able to share engines and ancillary components with larger models in the Mercedes range, albeit mounted transversely, an initiative aimed at reducing overall costs.

In July 2011, Daimler AG released more details about the second generation B-Class, internally referred to as the W246. The entry-level, petrol-powered B180 uses the 122 hp M270 1.6 four-cylinder and the B200 is powered by the same 1.6 as the B180 but pushed to 156 hp. A diesel version, the B180 CDI uses the OM651 1.8 common rail diesel, an engine that will be mounted transversally for the first time, while the B200 CDI uses same engine but with the power raised to 136 hp.^[22]

The vehicle was unveiled in Frankfurt International Motor Show 2011. European model went on sale in November 2011. Early models include B 180, B 200, B 200 CDI.^[23]^[24]^[25]^[26] B 160 CDI, B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition, B 220 4MATIC were available to order from July 2013 and arrive at dealerships in September 2013 (B 160 CDI in September).^[27] Deliveries of B 220 CDI began in March 2014.^[28]

Japan models went on sale on 2012-04-25. Early models include B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Sports.^[29]^[30] B 250 BlueEFFICIENCY was added in 2013-02-26.^[31] Sales in Japan were affected by the fact that it didn't comply with Japanese Government dimension regulations which meant that Japanese consumers were subjected to an annual tax for driving a larger vehicle.

B 220 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY was unveiled in 2013 Geneva Motor Show.^[32]

Mercedes-Benz Concept B-Class E-CELL PLUS (2011)

The B-Class E-Cell Plus has an electric motor with a peak power output of 100 kW and a continuous output of 70 kW with a 50 kW petrol engine. In all-electric, local emission-free mode the Concept B-Class E-CELL PLUS has a range of up to 100 kilometres. Other features include energy accumulator in a false floor system at the rear of the vehicle with lithium-ion battery produced by Deutsche Accumotive GmbH & Co. kg, charge socket integrated in the rear bumper, 3.3 kW on-board charger, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist (standard), Speed Limit Assist (speed limit sign recognition), Active Parking Assist, Brake HOLD function (standard with 7G-DCT), Hill Hold function, LINGUATRONIC, Reversing camera, PRE-SAFE.

The vehicle was unveiled in Frankfurt International Motor Show 2011.^[33]

Production version of the vehicle, which also included plug-in recharging, was expected to go into production in 2014, but the plan was postponed.^[34]

B 200 Natural Gas Drive (2013-)

It is a version of B 200 BlueEFFICIENCY with a partial double floor beneath the rear seat holding one large and two smaller natural gas containers, with a total of 125 litres of natural gas. The trip computer menu in the instrument cluster has been extended showing the respective operating mode is displayed. In addition, a fill level indicator and remaining range are included for petrol mode. In gas mode, the driver has access to all of the regular trip computer functions. Other features include distinctive front bumper with strip-form LED daytime driving lights.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 Paris Motor Show.

Production version includes a choice of manual and 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, and was arrived in dealerships at the beginning of 2013.^[35]

European model was set to go on sale in February 2014.^[36]

B-Class Electric Drive

Concept B-Class Electric Drive

The Mercedes-Benz Concept B-Class Electric Drive was unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

The B-Class Electric Drive was previewed by a concept model in 2012, which was unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.^[37]^[38]^[39] The concept has an electric motor rated 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) and 310 N·m (229 lb·ft), 36 kWh lithium-ion battery from Tesla Motors. The vehicle has a driving range of 200 km (124 mi) with a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph).^[40]^[41] The battery can be charged at any standard domestic 230 V power outlet or 400 V rapid charging terminal.

Production Model

The design of the production B-Class Electric Drive was based on the Concept B-Class Electric Drive. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show,^[42] followed by IAA International Motor Show 2013.^[43] Daimler estimated the all-electric range of the production version at 85 mi (137 km) on the EPA cycle.^[44]

Production Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive charging

The production model was originally scheduled to go on sale initially in the U.S. at the beginning of 2014 as a 2014 model year vehicle, and subsequently in European markets.^[45]^[46] However, the sales was delayed to second quarter of 2014 in the U.S. and at the end of 2014 in Europe.^[47] Production for retail customers began in April 2014 at Mercedes-Benz Rastatt factory.^[48] Pricing in the U.S. starts at US$41,450 before any applicable tax credits and other government incentives.^[44]

In May 2014, Mercedes announced the B-Class Electric Drive will be available in Germany and the UK in the first quarter of 2015.^[49] In November, Mercedes-Benz announced pricing for Germany and started accepting orders. Delivery is expected before the end of the year.^[50]

On July 15, 2014, Mercedes announced the official launch of the B-Class Electric Drive in the US and started delivering the vehicle to owners.^[51] A total of 41 units were sold during its first month in the market.^[52]

EPA fuel economy and range

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under its five-cycle testing, rated the 2014 B-Class Electric Drive with an all-electric range of 87 mi (140 km). The energy consumption was rated at 40 kWh/100 miles for combined city/highway driving, corresponding to a fuel economy of 84 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent - MPGe - (2.8 L/100 km; 101 mpg _imp). The rating for city driving is 85 mpg-e (2.8 L/100 km; 102 mpg _imp), and 83 mpg-e (2.8 L/100 km; 100 mpg _imp) for highway.^[53]^[54]

B 180 Northern lights black LIMITED (2013-)

It is a limited (250 units) version of B 180 for Japan market, with 7G-DCT automatic transmission, northern light black metallic paint body colour, black interior fabric, matrix black interior trim, value package (bi-xenon headlight and headlight washer, LED positioning light, LED winker, LED driving light, LED rear combination lamp, leather-wrapped steering wheel, PARKTRONIC, active parking assist, under-seat box (front seats), sunglass case, net pocket (front passenger seat), iPod/AUX/USB media interface, EASY-VARIO PLUS, arm rest (rear seats), cup holder (rear seats), seat back table (rear seats), seat back pocket, 12V power socket (luggage room), folding box), power seat with memory settings (front seats), door mirror with reverse position (front passenger side), seat heater (front seats), exclusive floor mat with Northern lights black LIMITED logo, exclusive rear seat apron in a choice of 2 colour schemes (black/grey, beige/yellow) with Mercedes-Benz logo and Northern lights black LIMITED tag.^[55]

The vehicle went on sale in August 2013.^[56]^[57]

Engines

Petrol engines^[58]^[59]
Model	Years	Type	Power, torque@rpm
B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY	2011-	1,595 cc (97 cu in) 16V I4 turbo (M 270 DE 16 AL red.)	122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp)@5000, 200 N·m (148 lb·ft)@1250–4000
B 200 BlueEFFICIENCY	2011-	1,595 cc (97 cu in) 16V I4 turbo (M 270 DE 16 AL)	156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp)@5300, 250 N·m (184 lb·ft)@1250–4000
B 200 Natural Gas Drive	2013-	1,991 cc (121 cu in) 16V I4 turbo (M 270 DE 20 AL)	156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp)@5000, 270 N·m (199 lb·ft)@1250–4000
B 220 4MATIC	2013-	1,991 cc (121 cu in) 16V I4 turbo (M 270 DE 20 AL)	184 PS (135 kW; 181 hp)@5500, 300 N·m (221 lb·ft)@1200–4000
B 220 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY	2013-	1,991 cc (121 cu in) 16V I4 turbo (M 270 DE 20 AL)	184 PS (135 kW; 181 hp)@5000, 300 N·m (221 lb·ft)@1250–4000
B 250 BlueEFFICIENCY	2012-	1,991 cc (121 cu in) 16V I4 turbo (M 270 DE 20 AL)	211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp)@5500, 350 N·m (258 lb·ft)@1250–4000

Diesel engines^[58]^[59]
Model	Years	Type	Power, torque@rpm
B 160 CDI	2013-	1,461 cc (89 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 607 DE 15 LA)	90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp)@4000, 220 N·m (162 lb·ft)@1750-2750
B 180 CDI (OM 607)	2013-	1,461 cc (89 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 607 DE 15 LA)	109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp)@4000, 260 N·m (192 lb·ft)@1750-2500
B 180 CDI (OM 651)	2013-	1,796 cc (110 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 651 DE 18 LA red.)	109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp)@3200-4600, 250 N·m (184 lb·ft)@1400-2800
B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY	2011-	1,796 cc (110 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 651 DE 18 LA red.)	109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp)@3200-4600, 250 N·m (184 lb·ft)@1400-2800
B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition	2013-	1,461 cc (89 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 607 DE 15 LA)	109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp)@4000, 260 N·m (192 lb·ft)@1750-2500
B 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY	2011-	1,796 cc (110 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 651 DE 18 LA)	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp)@3600-4400, 300 N·m (221 lb·ft)@1600-3000
B 220 CDI	2014-	2,143 cc (131 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 651 DE 22 LA)	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)@3400-4000, 350 N·m (258 lb·ft)@1400-3400
B 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY	2012-	2,143 cc (131 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 651 DE 22 LA)	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)@3400-4400, 350 N·m (258 lb·ft)@1400-3400

Electric motors^[58]^[59]
Model	Years	Type	Power, torque@rpm
B-Class Electric Drive	2014	AC induction motor	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp)@?, 310 N·m (229 lb·ft)@?

Transmissions

Petrol engines
Model	Years	Types
B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY	-	6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
B 200 BlueEFFICIENCY	2011-	6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
B 200 Natural Gas Drive	2005	7-speed manual, 7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
B 220 4MATIC	2013-	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
B 220 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY	2013-	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
B 250 BlueEFFICIENCY	2012-	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)

Diesel engines
Model	Years	Types
B 160 CDI	2013-	6-speed manual
B 180 CDI (OM 607)	2013-	6-speed manual
B 180 CDI (OM 651)	2013-	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY	2011-	6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition	2013-	6-speed manual
B 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY	2011-	6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
B 220 CDI	2014-	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
B 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY	2012-	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)

Production

B-Class vehicles were built at the plants in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim and -Hedelfingen, Rastatt/Baden, Gaggenau/Baden and Kölleda/ Thuringia.^[24]

Production of B-Class vehicle began at Kecskemet plant near Budapest, Hungary, starting from 2011.^[60]

At the end of July 2013, over 230,000 units of the B-Class from the current model series had been delivered.^[61]

As of December 20, 2013, delivery of B-Class vehicles reached 1 million since the launch of the B-Class in 2005.^[36]

Marketing

As part of the B-Class product launch, a launch campaign started until Christmas 2011 in print, online and on TV, with emphasis on COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST feature in B-Class vehicles. The 45-second and 30-second versions of the TV commercial ran between 7 November and 31 December. The TV commercial shows the driver of a B‑Class is distracted by a boy with a blindfold over his eyes, who is running about on the pavement while eating an ice cream. Because of this, the driver fails to see another child crossing the road in front of him. Fortunately, nothing escapes the eagle eye of the safety system. It signals the alert in plenty of time and intervenes to provide extra braking assistance. All ends well – except that the boy with the ice cream runs into a pillar. 6 printed advertisements appeared between 26 October and 23 December, using a series of four motifs. In the printed ads, the vehicle itself is shown in polar silver metallic paintwork against a backdrop representative of an urban street scene. In addition, the campaign includes an interactive web special, which has already been online since 25 August wherein users become acquainted with the highlights of the new B‑Class. The online activities are accompanied by three pre-roll ads on numerous platforms.^[62]

As part of the 2012 B-Class product launch, a TV commercial titled 'Thanks, Airbag' was produced.^[63]