Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	2005–present
Assembly	Rastatt, Germany Kecskemét, Hungary (2012)[1]
Class	Small family car Compact MPV
Body style	5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Engine	2.0L 134 hp I4, 2.0L 200 hp I4 Turbo
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual CVT
Length	168.1 in (4,270 mm) 2009- Base: 168.2 in (4,272 mm)
Width	70.0 in (1,778 mm)
Height	2006-08: 63.5 in (1,613 mm) 2009-: 63.1 in (1,603 mm)
Related	Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class (codename W245) is a small family car introduced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz in March 2005. It is essentially an enlarged A-Class keeping the same engine and 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 this vehicle as a Compact Sports Tourer instead of hatchback or multi-purpose vehicle, like its R-Class model, which is called a Grand Sports Tourer.

It was released in Europe in the late spring of 2005 and in Canada in the autumn of 2005. Plans to import the car to the US through Mexico were put on hold due to a strong euro, but it is likely that a new version of the car will come to the US in 2012.

First generation (2005-2011)

Design

The B-class is what’s known as 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A-Class, a car that was originally intended to have a battery-powered version that would meet California’s since-rescinded zero-emissions mandate.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:

1. DE 43 26 396 C 2: motor car with drive unit tilted at an acute angle against the horizontal
2. 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 assistants

Mercedes-Benz B 170 (Europe; pre-facelift)

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

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.

W245 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.

Inside comfort

The multicontour seat (optional feature) is composed of a set of small air cushions individually adjusted to the driver's body, as he/she wishes.

Air conditioning

The W245 units have a powerful car air conditioning system, with 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 new 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 W245.

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]

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:

1. 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)
2. 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	Engine	Power	Torque	Transmission	Top Speed	0-62 mph	Economy[clarification needed]	Emissions
Petrol
B160	1.5 L, 4 in-L	95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp)	140 Nm (103 lb ft)	5-speed Manual	174 km/h (108 mph)	13.2 secs	44.1 mpg	149 g/km
B180	1.7 L, 4 in-L	116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp)	155 Nm (114 lb ft)	5-speed Manual	184 km/h (114 mph)	11.3 secs	44.8 mpg	146 g/km
B200	2.0 L, 4 in-L	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp)	185 Nm (137 lb ft)	5-Speed Manual	196 km/h (122 mph)	10.1 secs	39.2 mpg	173 g/km
B200 Turbo	2.0 L, 4 in-L	193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp)	280 Nm (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 Nm (185 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 (100 kW; 140 hp)	300 Nm (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 Nm (122 lb ft)	5-Speed Manual	184 km/h (114 mph)	12.4 secs	38.7 mpg	135 g/km

Gearboxes

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 W245 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 W245 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 B-Class facelift

2008 Mercedes-Benz B-Class (Europe)

2008 Mercedes-Benz B-Class (Europe)

Mercedes-Benz has recently released a refreshed-look B-Class alongside a refreshed-look A-Class and M-Class.

The newer B-Class has a restyled hood, front bumper, rear tail lamps, side exterior mirrors and is now available in the B170 NGT Blue Efficient. The B170 NGT Blue Efficient can run on either gas or petrol, and when full, can cover up to 1,000 kilometres (620 mi).

The new B-Class is now available with new upholsteries and trims.

Specifications

Specification	B180 CDI	B200 CDI	B150	B170	B200	B200 Turbo	B170 NGT FuelEfficiency
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)	Unknown
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)	Unknown
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/in-line	4/in-line	4/in-line	4/in-line	4/in-line	4/in-line	4/in-line
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) /8000	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	Unknown
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)	Unknown
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 (2011)

Mercedes-Benz B-Class W 246

In late 2011, Daimler-Benz is expected to announce a complete replacement for the W245-model Mercedes B-Class. The platform will be shared with a later new-model A-Class, remain front-wheel-drive, and support a variety of body formats from mini-MPV to coupe. Unlike the W245-model B-Class, the replacement will be 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, Mercedes released more details about the next B-Class, called the w246 internally. The entry-level, gas-powered B180 will use the 122 hp M270 1.6 four-cylinder and the B200 will be powered by the same 1.6 as the B180 but pushed to 156 hp. For glow plug fans, the B180 CDI will use the OM651 1.8 common rail diesel, an engine that will be mounted transversally for the first time, while the B200 CDI will use the same engine but with the power raised to 136 hp.^[8]

References

1. ^ "Kecskemét, Mercedes-Benz Werk | Daimler > Unternehmen > Daimler weltweit > Europa". Daimler. http://www.daimler.com/dccom/0-5-8792-49-1207457-1-0-0-0-0-0-91-7145-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.html. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
2. ^ "Mercedes-Benz A-Class - In Depth". Germancarfans.com. 2004-06-28. http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2040629.001/page/6/lang/eng/mercedes/1.html. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
3. ^ "Die ADAC Pannenstatistik 2009". ADAC Motorwelt: pages 26–27. date May 2010. 
4. ^ "Pannenstatistik - Untere Mittelklasse", ADAC Motorwelt, May 2010, http://www1.adac.de/Auto_Motorrad/pannenstatistik_maengelforum/Pannenstatistik_2009/Untere_Mittelklasse/Untere_Mittelklasse.asp?ComponentID=288976&SourcePageID=288970, retrieved 2010-05-13 ^{[dead link]}
5. ^ "EcoTest". Ecotest.eu. http://www.ecotest.eu/Pages/details.aspx?id=2468. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
6. ^ ^{a b} "EcoTest". Ecotest.eu. http://www.ecotest.eu/Pages/details.aspx?id=2462. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
7. ^ "EcoTest". Ecotest.eu. http://www.ecotest.eu/Pages/details.aspx?id=1978. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
8. ^ "Mercedes releases info about the next B-Class before its Frankfurt debut.". European Car News. http://europeancarnews.com/2011/07/12/mercedes-releases-info-about-the-next-b-class-before-its-frankfurt-debut/. Retrieved 12 July 2011. 

External links

• B-Class - Official Mercedes-Benz Canada page
• Official Mercedes-Benz Canada B200 marketing page
• Mercedes B-Class Now Sold In Canada
• Mercedes-Benz B-Class Mercedes-Benz B-Class UK Information