by Carl Wepener

* Prices as at date of publishing

Even when a facelift model is introduced, technology remains at the forefront in determining the ultimate success of the model. The easiest way to recognise a facelifted B-Class with a petrol or diesel engine is from the front: a new bumper, wide radiator trim with two louvres, and now integral daytime running lamps in the headlamps give the vehicle a more organic and dynamic appearance. The rear bumper has also been modified and now features a contoured covering and an additional chrome-trim strip. The optional LED High Performance headlamps (standard in the B 250) create a more striking look, both day and night. These increase safety at night owing to their wide beam pattern and light of a colour similar to daylight. Bicolour tail-lamps featuring LED technology provide emphasis and make the vehicle more visible.

 

A high-grade, functional interior gives the vehicle a more exclusive, up-to-date feel and boosts the scope for individualisation. Mercedes-Benz has enhanced a number of high-quality details in the B-Class such as the large, free-standing head unit display, which is now larger and with a diagonal of up to 20.3 cm (8 inches), and the stylish dial layout for the instrument cluster. There is a choice of 12 colours for the ambient lighting, allowing different moods to be created.

 

There are three design and equipment lines: Style, Urban and AMG Line. Each features a number of distinctive exterior and interior details. The Night, Exclusive and AMG Exclusive packages build on these and provide more options for individualisation.

 

KEYLESS-GO is new as an optional extra. This access-and-drive authorisation system with KEYLESS-GO starting function allows the vehicle to be opened, started and locked simply by carrying the electronic key with you.

 

Safety functions have now been enhanced and new assistance systems added to give the driver more support. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS extends the functionality of COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with autonomous partial braking to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. The standard ATTENTION ASSIST feature has also been upgraded – operating within an extended speed range (60–200 km/h), this now uses a five-stage bar display to visualise the driver’s current attention level.

 

COMAND Online customers are also able to receive real-time traffic information courtesy of Live Traffic Information. Information is shown on the 20.3-cm (8-inch), high-resolution colour display, and operation is simple and intuitive.

 

The Garmin® MAP PILOT is also available for customers opting for this user-friendly navigation system. The system brings all the familiar benefits of a Garmin® navigation system to the Audio 20 CD. It’s all done by simply inserting an SD card with navigation software and map data sets.

 

The Style equipment line underlines the B-Class’s stylish appearance (standard for B 200, B 200 CDI and B 220 CDI). Exterior characteristics include light-alloy wheels in an expressive design, radiator trim with two louvres painted in iridium silver with chrome inserts, and shoulder-line trim strips in chrome. For the stylish interior, there are seats with ARTICO artificial leather and selected elements in silver chrome, such as the moulding on the multifunction steering wheel, highlights on the gear lever, and the switches on the top control panel. Useful details like a double-cup holder on the centre console and a 12V socket in the rear round off the high-quality feel.

 

The Urban equipment line emphasises the vehicle’s sportiness both inside and out (optional for B 200, B 200 CDI and B 220 CDI). The radiator trim with two louvres painted in iridium silver with chrome inserts, 43.2-cm (17-inch), five-spoke light-alloy wheels, and a twin-pipe exhaust system integrated into the bumper with chrome-look tailpipe trim create a dynamic impression. In the interior, the sporty character is on display with seats featuring upholstery in ARTICO artificial leather and a leather multifunction steering wheel with perforated grip area. Details like contrasting topstitching, silver-chrome highlights and sail-pattern trim again round off the high-quality feel.

 

The AMG Line augments the vehicle’s sportiness and exclusivity (standard for B 250 AMG Line – optional for B 200, B 200 CDI and B 220 CDI). Powerful AMG body styling ensures a dynamic appearance along with the radiator trim, which has two louvres painted in iridium silver with chrome inserts, and the two-pipe exhaust system integrated into the bumper with chrome-look tailpipe trim. A lowered comfort suspension with Sports Direct-Steer system improves handling and boosts driving enjoyment. The 45.7-cm (18-inch), five twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, perforated brake discs at the front, and brake callipers at the rear with Mercedes-Benz lettering complete the striking exterior. Seats in ARTICO artificial leather/DINAMICA microfiber and the multifunction sports steering wheel with flattened bottom section, as well as a gear lever with perforated leather, add stylishly sporty elements in the interior. This equipment line also includes red contrasting topstitching on the door armrests, centre console, seats, and gear lever. Brushed stainless-steel sports pedals with rubber studs are another highlight.

 

The optional Night Package allows the exterior to be individualised further. It includes selected design elements in black. The radiator trim sports two high-gloss black louvres and chrome inserts. The 45.7-cm (18-inch), high-sheen light-alloy wheels, exterior mirror housing, and shoulder-line trim strips also come in black. Dark-tinted glass from the B-pillar to the rear protects against prying eyes and simultaneously emphasises the sporty character.

 

Comfort, quality and design are hallmarks of the optional Exclusive Package. Highlights include heated front seats with four-way lumbar support which, like the multifunction steering wheel and gear lever, are covered with high-quality leather. The instrument panel and door centre panel are trimmed with matching ARTICO artificial leather. Leather seats are available in the following expressive colours: cranberry red, hazelnut brown, and black. Silver-chrome design elements also help to create an exclusive ambience. Among the many other practical details are infrared convenience closing and a 12V socket in the rear.

 

Building on the AMG line, the optional AMG Exclusive Package offers even more exclusivity, individuality and sportiness. Features include heated seats with four-way lumbar support where black RED CUT leather upholstery with red contrasting topstitching creates striking highlights. To match them, the instrument panel and door centre panels, as well as the armrests in the doors, are trimmed with ARTICO artificial leather and have red contrasting topstitching. The leather multifunction sports steering wheel with flattened bottom section and perforated grip area and the leather gearshift lever emphasise the sporty character.

 

All diesel models at a glance: