The Sports Tourer concept developed by Mercedes-Benz is entering series production: the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class, a Compact Sports Tourer of outstanding design, dynamism and dimensions, celebrates its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show.
With this new vehicle concept, Mercedes-Benz is once again asserting its role as the trendsetter among car brands and preparing the way for a young market segment with a promising future. The Sports Tourer meets the wishes of today’s motorists for a car with generous space, exemplary comfort, excellent practicality, an exciting design and a high level of driving pleasure.
The new B-Class takes the advantages of different vehicle concepts and combines them into an interesting and distinctive profile of its own: as a Compact Sports Tourer, the B-Class is a touring, family and recreational vehicle with incomparable added experience value in terms of design and dynamism.
One of the major advantages of the Compact Sports Tourer is the sandwich concept developed by Mercedes-Benz. Thanks to the space-saving arrangement of the engine and transmission partly in front of and partly beneath the passenger cell, the new B-Class offers the interior spaciousness of larger saloons and estate cars despite its compact external dimensions.
The body has a length of 4270 millimetres, corresponding to the compact car class. Inside, however, the new Mercedes model offers more than other cars of comparable size in this segment in all comfort-related respects, e.g. shoulder-room, legroom and headroom.
Occupants in the rear benefit from the long wheelbase (2778 millimetres); this allows a distance between seats and generous kneeroom which almost matches that in the S-Class.
The B-Class also reaches new dimensions where variability and load capacity are concerned. Thanks to a height-adjustable load compartment floor, an asymmetrically divided, folding and removable rear seat unit plus an optionally removable front passenger seat, the Compact Sports Tourer is quickly and easily converted from a comfortable touring car to a practical van.
Depending on the number and position of the seats, the load capacity can be increased from 544 to up to 2245 litres (with rear seats and front passenger seat removed). This corresponds to the load capacity of large estate cars. The maximum loading length is 2.95 metres.
State-of-the-art petrol engines with up to 142 kW/193 hp
High-torque CDI diesel engines and up-to-date petrol units meet the need of the Sports Tourer concept for effortless performance and a high level of driving pleasure. There is a choice of six four-cylinder engines with outputs ranging from 70 kW/95 hp to 142 kW/193 hp.
The top-of-the-line B 200 TURBO is equipped with a new two-litre, four-cylinder engine which delivers a maximum torque of 280 Newton metres from as little as 1800 rpm thanks to turbocharging and intercooling, and maintains this value over a wide engine speed range up to 4850 rpm.
This means that the most powerful of the Compact Sports Tourers accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds, takes the fifth-gear sprint from 80 to 120 km/h in 7.3 seconds and achieves a maximum speed of 225 km/h.
High-torque diesel engines with fuel consumption of just 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres
The diesel line-up is headed by the B 200 CDI with 103 kW/140 hp, which has a remarkably high torque of 300 Newton metres. The newly developed turbodiesel with common-rail direct injection accelerates the Compact Sports Tourer from nought to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds, and from 80 to 120 km/h in 10.0 seconds (in fifth gear).
The maximum speed of the B 200 CDI is 200 km/h. Despite this superb performance the fuel consumption remains below the six-litre mark at 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres (combined consumption).
The CDI models in the B-Class meet the stringent EU 4 exhaust emission limits even without a particulate filter, though Mercedes-Benz offers a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter system on request.
The new B 200 TURBO and the CDI models B 180 CDI and B 200 CDI are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The newly developed, continuously variable AUTOTRONIC automatic transmission is optionally available for all engine variants of the B-Class.
Top-class technology for agile handling and outstanding safety
Innovations in the field of suspension technology have contributed greatly to a successful combination of agility, safety and comfort – with all these attributes enjoying equal importance.
The electromechanical power steering system generates its servo effect with an electric motor, varying it as a function of road speed. This means the servo action is greater at low speeds than at high speeds, thus making it easier to park or manoeuvre slowly.
The parabolic rear axle is likewise a new development. It makes a major contribution to the stable, sporty and precise handling, as well as the excellent ride comfort of the new B-Class.
The improved Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) now has a new, additional function: the STEER CONTROL steering assistance system.
This operates in tandem with the electromechanical power steering system, providing the appropriate servo assistance in critical handling situations to help the driver stabilise the vehicle. When braking on road surfaces offering less grip on one side than the other the new, additional ESP® function also helps with steering corrections and provides the driver with better road contact.
A further special feature included as standard for the Compact Sports Tourer is the selective damping system which adapts the shock absorber response to the current driving situation. A soft shock absorber configuration ensures a high level of ride comfort during normal driving, while maximum damping force is applied when taking bends at speed to give the B-Class maximum stability.
Typical Mercedes safety thanks to the sandwich concept
The patented sandwich principle, which achieves wonders where economy of space is concerned, is the centrepiece of the safety concept in the new B-Class. Intelligently arranging the engine and transmission in an inclined position partly in front of and partly beneath the passenger cell makes a greater effective front end length available for crash deformation.
During a severe frontal impact the drive unit is not moved backwards towards the interior, but slides downwards along the likewise inclined pedal floor panel. Moreover, the sandwich concept has significant advantages in the event of a lateral collision because the occupants are seated approx. 200 millimetres higher – and therefore above the impact zone.
This means that despite its compact exterior dimensions, the B-Class provides the level of occupant safety typically found in a Mercedes.
Two-stage front airbags, belt tensioners in the front and on the outer rear seats, adaptive belt force limiters, active head restraints, ISOFIX child seat attachments and head/thorax sidebags round off the standard occupant protection system.
High-quality materials and extensive standard appointments
The interior appointments likewise correspond to the high standard set by Mercedes Benz. The design and feel of the interior features complement each other, creating an atmosphere in which the occupants are immediately at ease to enjoy the high level of long-distance comfort.
Standard specification includes air conditioning, a four-spoke steering wheel with multifunction buttons, an armrest between the front seats, power windows and tinted glass, plus high-quality trim of brushed aluminium on the centre console, tunnel and door panels.
Mercedes-Benz has grouped further design features which accentuate the sporty, elegant appearance or sporty attributes of the new B-Class into optionally available chrome and sports packages.
High technology from bi-xenon to THERMOTRONIC
High-tech systems from the Mercedes luxury class further enhance comfort and the driving experience in the new Compact Sports Tourer. Optionally available features include THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, leather upholstery and the COMAND APS or Audio 50 APS radio/navigation system.
On request the standard projection-beam headlamps behind their clear lenses can be upgraded with bi-xenon technology, the Active Light System and a cornering light function.
A newly developed, panoramic louvred sunroof provides the occupants of the new B-Class with a unique open-air experience as an optional extra, and in its closed position it also contributes to the light, friendly atmosphere in the interior of the Compact Sports Tourer. The roof aperture is around two thirds larger than that of a conventional sliding roof. A fixed panoramic roof with a grey-tinted, 0.6 square metre glass panel is optionally available as an alternative to the sliding roof.
The new B-Class, the Compact Sports Tourer by Mercedes-Benz, will appear in the showrooms of Mercedes-Benz outlets and authorised dealerships in Europe in summer 2005.
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class (codename W245) is a compact MPV introduced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz in March 2005.
This here under is from wikipedia
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 2011.
Design
Keeping in mind its United States’ market in comparison with the A-Class and indeed emulating the R-Class, the aspect of the B-Class was stylized from the back to the nose. Some of the tiny stylistic details of the Baby-Benz (popular name of the A-Class) were removed. In particular, the front of the vehicle was lengthened (although maintaining the Sandwich anti-crash system).
Sandwich floor concept
The B-Class W245 maintains the 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 [1]: “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”.
Driving assistants
Pre-facelift B-Class 170
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 SMS. 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.
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 belt system of the B-Class W245 is simply surprising. 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 Engine Power Torque Transmission Top Speed 0-62 mph Economy Emissions
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 (North America)
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.
