Mercedes India, the Indian subsidiary of the popular German car, launched the eagerly awaited diesel variant of the B Class in Indian car market yesterday.
It may be noted that Mercedes B Class first came to us with a petrol variant last year. However, lack of a diesel option meant that the car could never take advantage of the large demand for luxury cars with diesel engine. Mercedes was soon to realize it and the B Class is now on sale in India with both petrol and a diesel engine option.
Commenting on the launch of the new car, Mr. Eberhard Kern, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, commented, “With the B-Class we have pioneered the Luxury Tourer segment in India and the launch of the B-Class diesel will further enhance the options for the new age customers who aspire to own a luxury brand like Mercedes-Benz. The response for the B-Class petrol has been encouraging and we are confident that the new B-Class diesel will add to the demand of the car, with its new improved efficient engine, stylish characteristics and unique touring capabilities. The launch of the B-Class diesel is a continuation of Mercedes-Benz India’s product offense for 2013. We have seen a substantial demand for our new generation cars like the B-Class petrol and the A-Class in India and the B-Class diesel is a step ahead to ensure that the connoisseurs of Mercedes-Benz are always offered the best of products. The B-Class diesel is the perfect vehicle for those who are either young or young at heart and prefer to lead an active lifestyle and I am sure that this car will fascinate our discerning customers with its unique capabilities and class leading performance.”
Here is all that you need to know about the new variant of the car.
The new diesel variant of the B Class goes on sale with the B 180 CDI moniker and comes to us in the ‘Style’ trim level.
The new Mercedes B Class diesel variant is powered by the same 2.2-liter four cyl. diesel engine that also powers the recently launched Mercedes A Class premium hatchback. For the B Class diesel variant, the motor has been tuned to offer a max power of 109bhp@3,200rpm and a peak torque of 25.5kgm@ 1,400rpm-2,800rpm. The car’s engine comes mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that will send power to the front wheels of the car. The B Class diesel variant has a top speed of 190 kmph and a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.98 kmpl.
The car has long list of safety features that consists of 7 airbags (airbags for driver and front passenger, side-impact pelvis airbags for driver & front passenger, knee airbag for driver, window airbags for driver, front passenger and rear seat occupants). The list also includes features like Attention Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), Hill Start Assist with HOLD function, Brake Assist System (BAS) and a tyre pressure loss warning indicator.
Mercedes says that the B-Class 180 CDI has the best in class interior space and the interiors are SLS AMG inspired. There is also a new interior trim in the B 180 CDI: Brown Burr Walnut with satin finish. The new Audio 20 CD Infotainment System with dual tuner, MP3/WMA/AAC- compatible CD player also features an USB interface and AUX-IN socket (in the centre armrest). There is also a Bluetooth interface with hands-free function and audio streaming for music transfer, telephone keypad. The Central Infotainment Controller is on the centre console and the colour display features a 14.7 cm screen. The radio aerial is integrated into the roof spoiler and the address book memory of the B-Class CDI has space for around 1000 entries with up to 5 telephone numbers per entry. A unique speed-sensitive volume control in the new B 180 CDI, reduces driving noise gradually from 20 km/h adding to the joy of riding in this vehicle.
The B180 CDI will go on sale in four color options-
- Jupiter Red
- Cirrus White
- Polar Silver
- Monolith Grey
Go to next page for Mercedes B180 CDI Image gallery