We review the Mercedes B-Class from price to economy and all its features
MERCEDES boss Dr Dieter Zetsche has set a target of 2016 to become the world’s No1 premium car seller.
In an exclusive interview as he drove me in the new B-Class, he spoke about the firm’s plans, including Smart.
Merc sales are up 7.6 per cent this year and heading for a record in excess of 919,288, but they still fall short of rivals BMW and Audi who are on course for 1.6million and 1.3million this year.
Zetsche also revealed that the B-Class is the first of a new generation of compact cars, including the new A-Class, which he believes will take them past their rivals.
He said: “Over the next five years we will have five more compact models and add ten more models to the range, taking it to 31 in total.
“But the biggest driver will be our new compact models because they will be our mainstream cars for the masses. This B-Class is the first of them. It will be a long relationship for us with compact cars.”
Dr Zetsche assured buyers of executive Mercs they had plenty to look forward to.
He said: “Mercedes will still maintain its executive DNA of luxury with the S-Class, E and C-Class and CLS. But our new compact range will appeal to a younger audience.”
The plan is for supercars and 4x4s to remain in the Mercedes line-up despite the demand to reduce emissions and costs. “We don’t believe this will change for another 20 years,” he said.
Dr Zetsche also confirmed that Smart remains the vital cog in the Mercedes city car portfolio, despite sales falling badly in America.
“We are totally confident in the Smart brand and the role it has to play. The city car solution for us is Smart.
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“In the US the electric Smart will be a big part of the future. In Germany, Smart will sell more than the Mini this year, which underlines its importance.”
There is no doubt Dr Zetsche and Merecedes are putting their faith in a younger audience to cement their future.
ROAD TEST MERCEDES B-CLASS
THE new B-Class could turn out to be the most important car Mercedes have ever built.
It’s not just a compact MPV aimed at the Ford C-Max market, but it uses the body platform and parts for the next A-Class and three other vital small cars.
In the current model, the B is for bland. Although not a bad car, it is not very stylish, lacks quality and isn’t much fun to drive.
The B in the new models stands for Bang-on. The roofline is 5cm lower and it’s wider, making it look sportier.
The familiar two-bar grille and bold star badge dominate the front, while the profile is sculpted by two crisp crease lines and four 18in charcoal and black alloy wheels.
But the acid test for any people carrier is space and practicality and the B-Class is impressive, with room in the back for three adults.
It’s also versatile if you opt for the £600 Easy Vario Package that allows you to slide the rear seat back and forth by up to 14cm for more legroom or boot space — from 488 to 666 litres.
You can also flatten the front passenger seat for awkward loads.
But unlike the current model you can’t fold the rear bench completely flat.
There has been a big improvement in quality materials throughout – all the trim feels expensive and the dash gets SLS AMG-style air vents and steering wheel.
There’s a choice of petrol and diesel turbo engines in different power levels. I drove the fastest 1.8litre diesel with a new seven-speed dual clutch with paddle shifts on the steering wheel.
There is some diesel clatter at low speeds but it is smooth and responsive, offering 0-62mph in nine seconds.
A stop/start system boosts economy to 64mpg and emissions are down to 115g/km.
There is hardly any body roll on corners and tons of grip and even driving hard you feel comfortable.
A very impressive people carrier.
On sale in February, prices start at £21,290 for the B180SE, compared with £17,195 for the cheapest Ford C-Max.
The cheapest and most economical diesel, the B180, costs £22,060 and the range-topping B200 rises to £24,710.
But kit such as satnav (£495), the seven-speed automatic (£1,450) and 3G internet (£1,995) push the cost up.
So the B-Class isn’t cheap – but it is a proper Mercedes.