Mercedes-Benz India recently launched the most affordable car in its line-up, the B-Class Sports Tourer at a starting price of Rs 21.49 lakh for the B180. However, it has failed to show its full potential since it lacks the diesel power in its portfolio, and that has prevented Merc from committing to local assembly. Once the diesel engine is finalised for India, the company will begin to assemble the A-Class and B-Class platform cars here.
Although both of these cars are available with diesel option in the other International markets, Mercedes is facing a big problem in launching the diesel version in India due to the diesel particulate filters (DPF) which are essential for meeting Euro V norms. This DPFs, do not work in Indian diesel fuel because of the excessive sulphur content. The company had been working on the problem for some time now and apparently a solution is almost at hand.
The engineers have successfully retuned the injection system for lower emissions, possibly altering the number of injections per stroke, making the engines Bharat Stage IV compliant. If everything goes well, we will very soon see the dawn of a 200 CDI diesel producing 107 BHP with more powerful versions like the 220 CDI and the 250CD to follow later.
Also see – Spied – Mercedes A-Class in the streets of Pune, yet again!
Mercedes-Benz B-class Sports Tourer launched in India at Rs 21.49 lakh
