A couple of months ago, we reported Mercedes-Benz B-class to hit Indian shores soon. Now a TeamBhp forum member named Kartik Krishnan spotted Mercedes-Benz B-Class on test, while on his way to Pune. We have to say, these are probably the first clear images of the B-Class in India. It is said, no one has a clear idea as to when Mercedes-Benz plans to launch this car but speculated for launch before the end of this-year.
Mercedes-Benz describes B-class as a Compact Sports Tourer instead of hatchback or multi-purpose vehicle, like its R-Class model, which is called a Grand Sports Tourer. But it still won’t be as big as any other MPV available in the Indian market today. The most expensive models come from Toyota, Mahindra and Tata Motors. But the B-Class surely does carry the three pointed star on the bonnet.
Under the hood, Mercedes has also not yet revealed information on the car’s powertrains for India. Internationally, B-Class comes with new fuel efficient, four-cylinder, petrol as well as diesel engines. The new petrol engines feature Mercedes’ third-generation direct injection system which was introduced first on the BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 engines. The B180 gets a 1.6 litre with 122 bhp and B200 with 156 bhp.
As far as diesel options are concerned, the new B-Class gets Mercedes’ third generation common-rail diesel engines. The B180 CDI puts out 109 bhp and the B200 CDI pumps out 136 bhp. Also there is a partnership between Daimler and Renault for sharing engines and the 1.5-liter K9K engine could be used on one of the compact future Mercedes models.
Earlier we said it could be priced below Rs. 25 lakhs, making it the most affordable car from Merc stable, in which case it would be interesting to see if the Indian customer ready for an expensive premium hatchback?
Also see – 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Unveiled
Mercedes-Benz B-class Sports Tourer to hit Indian shores soon
Source – TeamBhp (Kartik Krishnan)
