Mercedes B-Class
The latest offering from Mercedes swings from dynamic to suave.
Exciting - some say extravagant -, the latest offering from Mercedes swings from dynamic to suave. A paradox explained…
Are you familiar with the “3D” effect ? Dimensions, Design, Dynamism… Car designers have realised that our values, lifestyles, interests and even aims have changed rapidly these past few years. And in the 21st century, we expect a car, especially ours, to deliver the goods. As does the B-Class : the dynamic design of a sporty saloon, outer dimensions of a compact car, roominess of a station wagon, modularity of a monospace. At first glance, it may seem small, yet it has five real seats. And this, thanks to the sandwich architecture developed by Mercedes. The engine and gearbox are positioned to the front, partly beneath the bodywork. Which frees up about 70 % of the car’s length for the passengers. Another asset is the wheelbase, which also benefits the occupants, especially in the back. Knee space attains 888 millimetres (enormous for a car of this size). Proposed with six different engines (two direct injection diesel and four petrol), the B-Class benefits from spearhead security systems and driving sensations that combine zestiness with comfort. Standard features include air conditioning, lateral head and thorax airbags, effort limitors, ESP, anti-skid control and assisted emergency braking.
Scoring a first, the active Steer Control, which keeps the car in the required trajectory in critical situations. If you take a bend too sharply, for example, or brake on rough surfaces, it heightens the impression of road contact. Technology has also been busy in the passenger compartment. With its Easy-Vario system, the car’s interior modularity has now been considerably improved. This option allows you to fold down the front passenger seat and the back of the rear benchseat. Loading volume then reaches 2,245 litres max. Another option is the comfort seat or sport pack (with more enveloping sides for the front seats), a multi-contour backrest for the driver’s and children’s seats fitted at the rear. The summum of comfort is the Thermotronic, which uses data collected by various captors (including one for pollution) to optimise air distribution inside the car. Finally, the steering wheel adds the final touch to its really contemporary design. Black, with four spokes and multi-function controls, it can be enhanced (in the sport version) by additional aluminium inserts on the two lower spokes. For this car of real calibre, young and full of vitality, the designers have opted for upholstery evoking top-notch sports clothing. A choice of black, Orient beige or alpaga grey fabric. Unless you prefer leather… Commercialisation : June 2005. Base price : 22,500 €.
By Cécile Olivéro - photos : press
