The second generation of the B-Class car heralds a new compact class era at Mercedes-Benz in terms of both design and technology. The entire drive programme is completely new: four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with direct injection and turbocharging, dual clutch transmission and manual transmission. Several new assistance systems support the driver.

"No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments introduced in one fell swoop," stresses Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "Future B-Class customers will benefit from this quantum leap in terms of exemplary low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined with driving pleasure, plenty of space and the highest standard of safety that has ever been available in this class."

The new B-Class is a typical Mercedes sports tourer, offering plenty of space combined with impressive dynamic performance as a hatchback saloon. The characteristic lines of the exterior design indicate both of these attributes: front and rear sport a width-emphasizing design, with a wide, prominent grille and headlamps extending along the sides at the front while the rear end features a wide rear window, two-piece tail lights with horizontally offset meander and a large tailgate with low loading sill.
The new sportiness and the outstanding aerodynamics are particularly evident in the side line: the bonnet flows seamlessly into the A-pillar and the roof line descends sleekly to the striking roof spoiler. The roof features a swage line which lends the vehicle a longer appearance. The pronounced wheel arches offset by dynamic feature lines under the beltline are a sporty interpretation of the current design line from Mercedes-Benz. The bottom edge of the body features dynamic side skirts which lend the vehicle add a light touch to the vehicle's appearance. Refined details such as the modern-look headlamps with the new spotlight element confirm the brand's unmistakable premium credentials which shine through in the compact segment, too.

An outstanding drag coefficient of cd = 0.26 places the new B-Class at the forefront of its market segment. Apart from the aerodynamic exterior design, numerous optimisation measures on points of detail such as the air flow around the front wheels, the underbody design and the cooling air flow are also crucial contributory factors to this excellent aerodynamic performance. Patents are pending for innovative details such as the serrated wheel arch spoiler. With the optional ECO Technology package which will be available in due course, the B-Class is even on a par with the world-class aerodynamic credentials of the E-Class Coupé, attaining a drag coefficient of cd = 0.24 which is nothing short of sensational for a vehicle with a station wagon rear end.

The new vehicle concept underscores the dynamic aspirations of the new B-Class. The most striking aspect is the reduced height: at 1557 millimeters, the new model crouches almost five centimeters lower on the road than its predecessor. The seat height in relation to the road has also been reduced (minus 86 mm).
In response to requests from many customers, the sitting position is more
upright, however. At the same time, the headroom has been further improved. With maximum headroom of 1047 mm at the front (without sliding roof), the B-Class is among the most spacious cars in its segment in this discipline, too. The ergonomically expedient more upright sitting position in combination with a lowering of the vehicle's floor at the rear leads to a segment-leading degree of legroom (976 mm).

The B-Class is optionally available with the so-called EASY-VARIO-PLUS system. This enables simple reorganization of the interior so as to enable the transportation of bulky items. Features of the EASY-VARIO-PLUS system include fore/aft adjustment of the rear seats by up to 140 millimeters (thereby increasing the luggage compartment volume from 486 to 666 liters) and a front passenger seat whose backrest can be folded forward onto the seat cushion.

High-quality materials and finely structured surfaces, stylish details, precision workmanship and a new spaciousness – the interior of the B-Class defines a whole new benchmark in the compact segment.
Many features have been the reserve of higher classes of vehicle to date and embody Mercedes-Benz's special understanding of quality and aesthetics. The dashboard is optionally available in ARTICO leather finish with stitching, for example. Four equipment packages (Chrome, Sports, Exclusive and Night package) enable individualisation according to personal tastes.
In the interior, the large, three-dimensional trim covering the entire dashboard first strikes the eye. It is available in four variants, covering a broad spectrum from modern through sporty to classic. Common to all versions is a high-class appeal combining an attractive look and feel with easy care and durability.
The three large round vents in the middle and their uniquely designed cruciform nozzles add a sporty attribute to the interior's emotional design idiom. The display, which is available in two sizes (147 and 178mm) appears to hover over the vents. With its stylish design – the trim frame with galvanised finish contrasting with the piano black of the front panel – and slender lines, the colour display (TFT) is a highly attractive feature in the cockpit.
The 3-spoke steering wheel, which always features a silver chrome insert in the middle spoke, the instrument cluster with four analogue round dials and suspended pointers in 6 o'clock position and the seats with contrasting stitching underscore the sporty character.

The PRE-SAFE®preventive occupant protection system which features in the B-Class is available for the first time in this vehicle category. This represents
a further step in the ongoing democratisation of this innovation, which was premiered in the S-Class in 2002. Core features of PRE-SAFE®are reversible belt tensioning, the closing of side windows and sliding sunroof in case of critical lateral dynamics and adjustment of the fully electric front passenger seat with memory function to an ideal position for maximum effectiveness of the restraint systems. PRE-SAFE®is always activated in response to critical longitudinal and lateral dynamics and may also be triggered upon intervention by certain assistance functions.
The scope of restraint facilities takes special account of the B-Class's use as a family car. Great importance has been attached to the safety of the rear occupants. Belt tensioners, belt-force limiters and belt height adjusters come as standard on the outer seats. Rear sidebags are optionally available. Integrated child seats and automatic child seat recognition are available as in the predecessor. Driver and co-driver are provided with new pelvis bags which are able to cover the pelvis and the entire upper part of the body. For head protection, a windowbag is fitted as standard.

Internet access, the convenient LINGUATRONIC voice control system, two navigation solutions tailored to different budgets, connection for mobile audio devices and an intuitive operating concept – the information and communication systems in the B-Class offers excellent user-friendliness and a superior level of functionality which has been the reserve of higher categories of vehicle to date. It is the new multimedia generation from Mercedes-Benz which delivers these standards. The operating concept featuring the turn/push control in front of the armrest and the control knob on the head unit is also familiar from other Mercedes model series.
The COMAND Online multimedia system offers internet access. Customers
can either surf the web as they wish while the car is stationary or call up a Mercedes-Benz app whose particularly fast page loading and simple operation make it suitable for use while driving. Integrated apps include Google™ Local Search and Weather and the facility for downloading a route which has previously been configured on a PC using Google Maps and transmitted to the car.