By GB Bajaj
After selling more than 500 units of the B Class petrol engine in ten months since being launched in the Indian market, Mercedes Benz India launched the B class diesel variant, the compact luxury sports tourer imported as a completely built unit.
Aggressively priced at Rs 22.6 lakhs, ex-showroom Mumbai, the diesel engine has an output of 109hp and 250 Nm of torque at 1400-2800 rpm mated to a 7G-DCT automatic with paddle shift in combination. With a top speed of 190 Kph and ARAI certified mileage of 18.98 Kmpl, the B-Class is only offered in Style trim.
Coming to features, the new generation car B-Class B180 Diesel model is equipped with Intelligent Assistance Systems, assisted brakes with ABS and EBD, acceleration skid prevention and of course, ESP. The B-diesel’s 16-inch wheels are wide and fitted with 205-55 series tyres, higher in profile than the ones on the B-petrol for a good drive quality.
Mercedes-Benz India MD and CEO Eberhard Kerm is very bullish on the B class Diesel and said “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, further adding, “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”, Kern said.
The B 180 CDI class 2.2 litre four cylinder diesel engine is a very fuel efficient with an impressive mileage of 18.98 Kmpl, powerful and cleaner engine with reduced CO2 emissions and being Euro 4 compliant.
With a fuel tank capacity of 50 litres, certainly can go for a long adventurous drive, mountainous region or beach side. It is available in four color options: Jupiter Red, Cirrus White, Polar Silver and the new Monolith Grey. Mercedes-Benz says the new B-Class diesel is a perfect integration of the utility of an SUV and the ride quality of a sedan.
The driver when sitting behind the multi-function steering wheel has a luxurious feel with new interior trims to choose from, the Brown Burr Walnut with Satin finish. Fabulous infotainment system; the new Audio 20 CD System with Dual tuner, MP3/WMA/AAC- compatible CD player with the tech savvy USB interface and AUX-IN socket in the centre armrest for the rear passengers to make use of too, truly unique in the luxury compact segment.
The B class diesel has truly a sporty design with luxurious interiors and added safety features for an adventurous life.
