2009 Mercedes-Benz B-Class range

By George Skentzos | October 14th, 2008

Mercedes-Benz has introduced its new generation B-Class range into Australia featuring a raft of new additions focused on environmental compatibility, economic efficiency and comfort.

Along with significant detail improvements, the four-cylinder engines now use up to 7 percent less fuel and produce even lower emissions which undercut the current EU limits by as much as 90 percent.

Design enhancements and updated specifications further differentiate the B-Class from its A-Class sibling.

The interior has been upgraded with a new upholstery fabric and pattern, whilst the sport package adds side seat bolsters which are trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather and the centre panels in fabric.

Mercedes will continue to offer three models in its B-Class line-up with the B 180 CDI, the B 200, and the range-leading B 200 Turbo.

For the B 180 CDI, it features a four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine developing 80kW and 250Nm while fuel consumption remains at an impressively low 5.8 litres per 100kms.

A notable omission from the Australian line-up is the B 170 NGT (Natural Gas Technology) model, which has contributed to an Environmental Certificate awarded to the B-Class by Germany’s TÜV Technical Inspection Authority.

The B-Class sports tourer also holds the distinction of being awarded EuroNCAP’s highest safety rating of five stars.

The comprehensive list of safety features includes two-stage front airbags, belt tensioners for the front and outer rear seats, belt force limiters plus active head restraints in the front, ISOFIX child seat attachment points and head/thorax sidebags.

Since its crash test, Mercedes has also added crash-responsive emergency lighting in the passenger compartment which illuminates in the event of a collision to comfort passengers and assist the work of rescuers in the dark.

Along with ABS, Brake Assist and ESP, Mercedes engineers have also introduced a new active safety feature to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.

Standard for the 2008 model year B-Class, it now incorporates a system which flashes the rear brake lights under emergency braking to gain the attention of other drivers, and also activates the hazard warning lights at speeds over 70km/h.

B-Class owners also have the option of an Active parking assist system which automatically steers the car into any parking space.

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class range

Model	Engine	Power	Torque	Transmission	Fuel Cons.	Price
B 180 CDI	2.0l, 4-cyl, diesel, turbo	80kW	250Nm	6-speed MAN	5.8l/100km	$46,200
B 200	2.0l, 4-cyl, petrol	100kW	185Nm	5-speed MAN	7.4l/100km	$46,200
B 200 Turbo	2.0l, 4-cyl, petrol, turbo	142kW	280Nm	CVT	8.1l/100km	$52,800

Cupid Stunt aka No Name

Aaah a wagon for the badge snobs.
Devil666

awww its cute. dont be rude.
pinkie ponk

just coz you can’t afford what you want, don’t put others down. there’s not that many good wagons out there, I think it looks like a reasonably priced car for the practicality, quality and safety. Look past the badge. Badge haters need to chill out.
Spitfire

They also need to get a life.
pious

If “C” class is short for “common”, is “B” class short for “budget”? Perhaps “bilious”. That is one vomit inducing car. I’d rather have a Nissan Cube – at least it wouldnt age me 30 years.
Mitch

you’d be stupid to get any of those models, the b200 turbo is 52k with the same power as a golf gti for 12k less and looks alot better.
romo

yes it’s ugly. blue is probably not it’s best outfit either. I think the front grill/headlights are too small for the rest of the car. if looks and kilowatts are your thing, then maybe get a Hummer. i don’t think the target audience is calculating the kilowatts per dollar.
Bollinger

howdy. B-class owner here – reasons for buying this beastie are safety for my family and refinement as well as the luxury and economy. Plus the size as well – vast interior room on a hatchback footprint. And loading luggage in the boot and kids into the back seat without crunching your back…Did I consider a Golf GTI as an alternative? Ummm, no…hot hatches are not remotely in the sphere of consideration. Did I consider an SUV / crossover? Yes – only to punch myself in the head for even thinking of them. Did I consider a Falcon / Commodore / Aurion? Nope – nowhere near the refinement and quality I need. Just my opinion and the b200 has been a fantastic buy for me and the fam. Cheers
Frontman

Funny thing isn’t it? If this thing didn’t have a three pointed star on it’s nose it would be seen as an efficient use of minimal space. Loads of room for kids and kit in a reasonable driving two box arangement. Just that we are such badge snobs down under (and MB do overcharge down here as well).
Iamthestig

Good on those for buying them.

Idiots slag off MB’s because those dumbos can’t appreciate that they can actually be good cars and that not everyone sees only the badge. Have the haters actually had a look at one ?

As has been said, these are safe and have heaps of space. What else do you need as a family car ? – a far more intellegent choice than spending the same $ on a SUV…