Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2014) - Automotive News

CAR GARAGE | Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2014) | Unsurprisingly for a Benz, the B-Class employs a 4-wheel independent suspension - with firmer settings and lower ride height on Sport models - and standard 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and ESP antiskid system integrated with Mercedes traction control. As on so many current cars, the steering uses electric-motor assist power That saves a little fuel versus a conventional engine-driven hydraulic pump. Bantamweight the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class will be available with most every electronic driving aid in the corporate cupboard. Sources expect the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class to launch in America with a new-design, 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine featuring gasoline direct injection and a fuel-saving idle-stop system like that found on most gas / electric hybrids . Outputs should be close to Euro-model values: 156 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Officials claim the 2.0 Could be tuned for up to 320 horsepower, but it's Unlikely That would offer the unassuming Mercedes B-Class with a muscle-bound Such engines.

Transmission choices over there comprise a 6-speed manual and Mercedes' 7 -speed DCT dual-clutch automated manual That behaves somewhat like a regular automatic. Though we only have factory figures to go by so far, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class promises at least competitive compact-car performance and budget-Pleasing fuel economy.  The 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class should borrow a good many other features from its larger, costlier line-mates, with at least a few of them standard. Items in the "passive safety" column include Mercedes ' Pre-Safe collision-mitigation system, optional rear-side airbags, and head-protecting curtain-side airbags That Work with new-design front-side airbags covering both pelvic and upper-body areas.

For added cargo-carrying versatility, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class will be available with what the company calls Easy Vario Plus (EVP). This augments the standard split-fold rear seat-backs by adding a fold-down front-seat backrest, a rear-seat sliding feature with 5.5 inches of total range, and a two-position height-adjustable cargo floor. As for comfort, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class is sure to be available with a twin-panel panoramic sunroof, power windows and seats, automatic climate control, an interior ambient-lighting package, automatic high-beam headlamps, and high- end audio system. As noted, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class is being added to the brand's U.S. stable in response to escalating federal fuel-economy standards and new small-car entries from rival premium brands, Cadillac and Infiniti Notably.

A Midget Mercedes may be new to America, but the company has successfully marketed front-drive small cars in Europe since 1997, when it introduced the subcompact A-Class 2 - and 4-door hatchbacks. The B-Class was born as a larger, more-refined version of the second-generation A-Class, Announced in 2004. Significantly, a senior company Officials are reportedly considering MFA Bringing over all five models in an all-out assault on the U.S. small-car market.

The B-Class will kick off Things. The U.S. is definitely slated for a compact coupe-styled sedan to be called CLC - think "baby CLS-Class" - and a small crossover wagon tipped for the GLC or BLK badge. Sources also expect Mercedes' AMG in-house performance division will get into this act with a snazzy AWD A-Class coupe running a high-tuned version of the above-Mentioned 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder.  With all this, Mercedes obviously AIMS to be a big player in the U.S. premium-small-car game.  As noted, the redesigned B-Class bows in Europe for 2012 with prices starting around $ 35,000 at current exchange rates. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Thus Spake seems a fairly radical departure a Tristar from the brand's traditional approach to the U.S. market.