Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Mercedes-Benz's practical plug-in, the 2020 EQ B, has been spied testing alongside the EQ C on snowy roads. Although we've seen what look like plug-in hybrid B-Class models in past, this is the first time our spy photographers have managed to snap a pure-electric model. How do we know? The big sticker saying 'electric' on the windscreen is only applied to electric Mercedes prototypes, for one.

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class has been revealed at the 2018 Paris motor show, headlined by sharper looks, more space, and the company's latest in infotainment and driver-assistance technologies. Scheduled to hit European showrooms next February (and Australia in mid-2019), the new B-Class gets a sleeker and sportier look than its predecessor, while also sporting a luggage area holding between 455 and 705 litres with the second row upright, depending on configuration.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has issued a recall for numerous model lines over concerns the airbags could release metal parts in the event of deployment – though the company says it's unrelated to the ongoing Takata recall campaign. The marque reports 78 units across the A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, GLA, GLC and AMG GT ranges could be affected by the issue, which could see the airbag gas generator housing eject metal parts if the inflator is deployed.

Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall for approximately 4000 examples of its A-Class and B-Class vehicles built between February 2012 and June 2013 over concerns the brake booster could fail. According to the German marque, the connection on the brake booster vacuum hose could break, resulting in a lack of power assistance to the braking system. If the condition occurs, Mercedes-Benz says additional pedal force may be required to stop the vehicle, and could pose an accident risk.

Mercedes-Benz has made a quantum shift over the past four years by rolling out five compact cars based on the same ‘MFA’ architecture — but the company says there's scope for even more iterations next time around.