Mercedes-Benz B-Class launched in India

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Debashis Mitra, director — sales and marketing, Mercedes-Benz India with the new B-Class[/caption]

Mercedes-Benz has launched the B-Class in India. The new B-Class is being touted as a Sports Tourer by Mercedes as the brand wants to carve a niche segment for this ultra-expensive hatchback. The company claims versatility of an MUV, ride quality of a sedan and dynamic performance of an SUV.

The current-gen B-Class broke cover as a 2012 model in a bid to replace the boring previous model and yes, Mercedes has gotten it spot-on this time. The car actually looks like a premium hatchback as opposed to the mini-MPV looks of the outgoing model. There are usual Merc design traits and it’s a smart design overall.

The B-Class is launched here in the B 180 guise and will be available in standard and sport variants. The car is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 122bhp and 200Nm. Transmission duties are handled by a 7G-DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) with paddle shifters. This sports tourer does a 0–100km/h dash in 10.2 seconds while the top speed is rated at 190km/h. Claimed fuel efficiency is an ARAI approved 14.81kmpl.

The top-of-the-line sport variant comes loaded with all the luxuries associated with Mercedes-Benz like comfortable leather upholstered seats, high-quality wood finish trims, panoramic sunroof, sports exterior package, dual exhaust tips, perforated disc brakes, Bi-Xenon headlamps and special alloy wheels. Standard on the range is an audio system with USB and 20-CD changer (who needs it these days?). Safety features include 7 airbags including a knee airbag — A first for any car in this segment. Also, features like Attention Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), Brake Assist System (BAS) and a tyre pressure warning indicator.

The B 180 and the B 180 Sport are priced at Rs21.49 lakh and Rs24.87 lakh respectively, both prices being ex-showroom, Mumbai. At this price point, the Mercedes seems to compete with the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, both of which are compact city SUVs and that tag somewhat justifies their price. But a premium 25 lakh hatchback? Only time will tell…