Merc teases all-new B-Class ahead of Frankfurt debut

Preliminary details of the all-new Mercedes-Benz B-Class have been released ahead of its scheduled introduction later this year. Dubbed a ‘quantum leap’ in its class by the people at Mercedes, the all-new B-Class comes not only with all-new underpinnings, but a new generation of powertrain and transmission systems to provide propulsion.

As per current European trends, the B-Class engine line-up all feature turbocharging and direct injection; they can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (7G-DCT). Both transmissions are developed side-by-side and produced in-house by Mercedes. They are said to share a large number of components.

The DCT unit operates wet clutches and is supplied with oil by two pumps – one mechanical and one electric. The rationale behind this setup is that the electric pump is used to maintain oil pressure when the engine is switched off by the vehicle’s ECO start/stop function, which will be standard on all models. Models equipped with DCT also come standard with Brake Hold Function to prevent roll back on standing hill starts.

Mercedes will debut the new B-Class with a pair of new engines – 1.6-litre petrol and 1.8-litre diesel – each offered in two states of tune. Petrol power is supplied by the new M270 series engine, which features the third generation of Stuttgart’s direct injection technology introduced only last year. A 2.0-litre version will join the line-up later, but early buyers will only have the 1.6 offered in either 122hp / 200Nm (B 180) or 156hp / 250Nm (B 200) form. Both engines twist out their peak torque at 1,250rpm onwards.

Meanwhile, the diesel engine is a shrunken version of the hugely popular 2.2-litre OM651 four-cylinder engine that is used to power even the S-Class in certain markets. Stroked down to 1,796cc, this engine marks the first east-west deployment of a diesel motor in a Mercedes car. Outputs are rated at 109hp / 250Nm for the B 180 CDI and 136hp / 300Nm for the B 200 CDI.

The all-new B-Class is independently sprung all-round, with an aluminium-built four-link suspension holding the rear axle. Aluminium callipers and brake boosters further reduce rear unsprung weight. Steering rack now features electric assist, which besides improving fuel efficiency, has also allowed Mercedes to better tie in its stability systems to the steering. Parking brake is electronically activated by actuator motors acting on the rear brake callipers.

World premiere of the new B-Class will take place at the Frankfurt International Motor Show on 13 to 25 September 2011. It will then make its way to European dealers in November 2011.

KON

Pictures: Official Daimler-Benz release.

See also:
– Mercedes-Benz B-Class Comes to Town
– Mercedes-Benz B200T – Turbo-Powered B-Class Puts it Up a Notch