Hatch-cum-MPV enters its third generation with sportier looks and new powertrain tech.
Hasn’t it disappeared from Thai showrooms already?
Mercedes-Benz is using the ongoing Paris motor show to premiere the all-new B-Class in third-generation form.
The B-Class becomes the third body style in the brand’s next-generation family of small cars to get completely redesigned after the A-Class hatchback and saloon, both of which have yet to arrive on Thai shores.
Yes, the B-Class disappeared from Thai showrooms in second-gen form a couple of years ago due to poor reception from potential buyers. With its tall five-seat body, the hatch-cum-MPV couldn’t really convert either saloon or SUV punters.
That’s why the third-gen model boasts a sportier feel in a bid to inject some life into it. Despite still looking conventional overall, the B-Class is now lower and wider. Plus, it can be opted with 19-inch wheels.
Just to make sure that space and versatility remain two key ingredients for the B-Class, the wheelbase has grown by 30mm, to 2,729mm, to help accommodate rear seats that can slide (coming in mid-2019, according to Mercedes). Rear seats can fold down in 40:20:40 fashion.
The cabin itself is adorned by the latest fascia technology first employed in the A-Class including the digital screens, MBUX voice-control and other stuff operating a bigger range of driver-assist systems.
What’s the new powertrain like?
The new B-Class uses a family of four-cylinder engines developed with Renault. The B180 and B200 utilise 1.3-litre petrol (known as M282) developing 136hp and 163hp accordingly, while the OM608-coded 1.5-litre diesel appears with 116hp for B180d. All get seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The new developments come in the form of the B200d and B220d featuring new OM654q 2.0-litre block generating 150hp and 190hp respectively and eight-speed dual-clutcher. It has been designed specifically for Euro 6 emission standards and is capable of more than 22kpl in both variants.
It doesn’t sound sales-friendly for the Thai market…
Probably, for a couple of reasons. First is the new diesel engine which would translate to high retail prices due to its newness. Also, diesel in Thai pumps is still on Euro 4. The petrol-powered models seem to stand a better chance.
But whether the Thai Mercedes representative will reconsider sales of the B-Class certainly hinges on the body silhouette itself.
Despite witnessing the demise of the B-Class in the Thai luxury car market, BMW pressed ahead with sales of the 2 Series Active/Gran Tourer only to find itself in the same position of its archrival late last year.
There’s a good chance that the rumoured GLB (and the all-new replacement of today’s GLA) may be considered for Thai showrooms. The GLB is understood to feature butch SUV looks and practicality of an MPV.
